When the COVID-19 pandemic forced university campuses and healthcare agencies to temporarily suspend both undergraduate and graduate direct care educational experiences, nursing programs had to formulate alternative plans to facilitate clinical learning. Texas Woman's University used this opportunity to assemble a faculty group tasked with creating a set of college-wide guidelines for virtual simulation use as a substitution for traditional face-to-face clinical. The process included completing a needs assessment of both undergraduate and graduate level programs across three campuses and identifying regulatory requirements and limitations for clinical experiences. The task force utilized the information gathered to develop evidence-based recommendations for simulation hour equivalence ratios and compiled a list of virtual activities and products faculty could use to complete clinical experiences. Undergraduate and graduate student surveys were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the transition to virtual clinical experiences. Overall, the majority of survey results were positive regarding virtual simulation experiences providing students with valuable opportunities to enhance their learning. Negative comments regarding the impact of COVID-19 on a personal level included issues involving internet access and web conferencing logistics, lack of motivation to study, family difficulties, and faculty inexperience teaching in an online environment. Undergraduate pre-licensure students were provided with opportunities to successfully complete all remaining required clinical hours virtually, while graduate students were allowed to complete non-direct care hours as applicable using virtual clinical experiences.

Craniofacial birth defects are the fourth most common congenital anomaly in newborns. Cleft lip and cleft palate (CL/CP) are the most common and immediately recognizable craniofacial anomalies. Some are diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound; more often, they are first noted in the delivery room. The infant may have a cleft that is unilateral, bilateral, complete, or incomplete, and it may involve the lip only, the palate only, or both. Cleft lip and/or cleft palate are often isolated nonsyndromic occurrences; however, when associated with other abnormal physical findings, a recognizable syndrome may be present. Part 1 of this 2-part article describes the incidence of CL/CP. The embryology of the face, lip, and palate are reviewed to enhance the understanding of the timing, complexity, and factors that may influence the development of this lesion. The emerging genetic links, environmental influences, and potential teratogens that may interact to contribute to CL/CP are discussed. Part 2 of this series will provide clinicians with tools to perform a focused risk assessment and obtain a detailed family and pregnancy history to evaluate for known associated risk factors for CL/CP. The article provides a guide for a systematic physical examination of infants with CL/CP. Careful assessment for other midline defects or physical findings consistent with associated syndromes is also discussed. Pictorial examples of a variety of forms of CL/CP are provided to enhance understanding of the spectrum of this defect. Treatment and long-term complications of CL/CP are reviewed with an emphasis on family support, identifying educational resources, and counseling.

Background: To effectively practice true family-centered care (FCC) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting, a nurse needs to understand the perceptions and concerns of all fathers. Although research is emerging on fathers' perceptions and experiences, the samples of fathers represented are not from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic populations, which limit the findings' generalizability. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the needs of NICU fathers and whether these needs differed based on sociodemographic factors. Methods: A quantitative, comparative, descriptive design was used to determine the needs of NICU fathers. Additional analysis was conducted to determine whether the needs differed based on education, income, and gestational age, whether the father preferred speaking English or Spanish, and whether these sociodemographic factors could predict needs. To determine sociodemographic factors and needs, a demographic questionnaire and the NICU Family Needs Inventory were administered to 99 fathers in 6 level III NICUs. Results: Data were analyzed using independent sample t test, 1-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. The results showed that fathers reported a broad span of needs and fathers from disadvantaged populations may have greater needs in certain areas. Implications for Practice: These results emphasize the importance of the nurses' role in assessing the needs of NICU fathers. By understanding fathers' needs, nurses can provide individualized FCC to fathers to help them be more involved in the care and support of their infant. Implications for Research: Further research is needed to support these findings and test interventions that promote communication between providers and fathers.

Joubert Syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder that affects the cerebellum and brain stem. It presents with a distinct respiratory pattern and profound tachypnea in the newborn period. This article provides an overview of the condition and discusses the embryologic origins of this syndrome. A focused history and systematic physical assessment provide a step-by-step guide to enhance the early recognition of clinical signs and symptoms of this disorder. A series of clinical photographs and a brief case report offer insight into the classic presentation of this uncommon disorder. The diagnosis of Joubert syndrome is confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging, which reveals a classic neuroradiologic finding, characterized as the molar tooth sign. A discussion of the range of developmental outcomes and complex multispecialty care and intensive support that these infants and their families require is also provided.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare heterozygous disorder of collagen production. It is characterized by osteopenia, blue sclera, bone deformities, and progressive hearing loss. Some infants are diagnosed prenatally, whereas others are diagnosed much later in life. This article provides an overview of the disorder and discusses the etiologic origins of the syndrome. A guide for a systematic physical assessment is presented to enhance the early recognition of the disorder. Pictorial examples are provided to enhance the understanding of the wide spectrum of osteogenesis imperfecta. A discussion on treatment and clinical implications, with an emphasis on family support, is provided.