At the recent Neonatal Nurses Association of Southern Africa’s 9th Conference, hosted at the University of Pretoria’s Groenkloof Campus, Nonhlanhla Mtolo showcased our research on empowering neonatal nurses through e-learning. The conference, held under the theme “Purposeful Passion – What we do today will matter tomorrow,” brought together neonatal nursing professionals from across the region to share knowledge, experiences and innovations in newborn care. 

Nonhlanhla presented a poster titled “Empowering neonatal nurses with confidence through E-Learning: from screens to newborn care units.” Her presentation highlighted the role of technology-enabled learning in building skills and confidence among neonatal nurses, demonstrating how online education can directly strengthen care for newborns and boost nurses’ confidence in their knowledge and abilities. 

Nonhlanhla also presented “Using Regul8 framework to shape the way Nurses care” where she described the Newborn Regul8 Framework developed by Prof Minette Coetzee from the University of Cape Town. She outlined how the Regul8 framework supports newborn nurses in practising compassion for improved newborn health outcomes and how, through deliberate application of Regul8 principles, nurses can better manage newborn and maternal stress, maintain emotional balance, and deliver consistent, empathetic care to newborns and families.  

Showcasing The Harry Crossley Children’s Nursing Development’s work at this event highlights our commitment to strengthening neonatal nursing across the region. Together with colleagues from across Southern Africa, we are committed to shaping better outcomes for newborns and their families.