This two-hour interactive course provides an overview of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) methods used in the pediatric population, with a focus on collaborative practice between nurses and respiratory therapists. Participants will explore the physiologic principles, indications, and contraindications for common pediatric NIV modalities, including high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), CPAP, and BiPAP. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate interface selection, patient assessment, initiation and titration of therapy, ongoing monitoring, and early recognition of complications or therapy failure. Learners will strengthen communication, role clarity, and shared decision-making to optimize patient safety, comfort, and outcomes in infants and children requiring non-invasive respiratory support.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the physiologic principles and mechanisms of action underlying common non-invasive ventilation modalities used in pediatric patients, including HFNC, CPAP, and BiPAP.
2. Identify differences between neonatal and pediatric lung physiology and how that impacts ventilation choices
3. Discuss how to set up safe starting ventilator settings using patient age, weight, diagnosis, and clinical presentation as well as basic ventilator waveforms and useful bedside trends
4. Troubleshoot common ventilation problems using a step-by-step approach.
5. Apply lung-protective strategies to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury.