379 – From Adult Rehab to Neonatal Care: One SLP’s Journey to the NICU

In this episode of “Swallow Your Pride,” Nicole Scafura, a speech-language pathologist and certified neonatal therapist in a New York City Level IV NICU shares her unique career journey from adult care to pediatric feeding and swallowing. She discusses the complexities of NICU decision-making, and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and trauma-informed family support. She also addresses building trust within established teams, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her passion for mentorship and education, offering insights for SLPs interested in medically complex pediatric care.

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Links:

https://neonataltherapists.com

https://igniteneonatalmentoringprogram.com

https://Infantfeedingspecialists.com

Instagram

Articles Referenced:

Cue-based feeding in the NICU: using the infant’s communication as a guide

Feeding Therapy and its Relationship to Timing of Independent Oral Feeding for Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Milk Flow Rates From Bottle Nipples: What We Know and Why It Matters

Supporting and enhancing NICU sensory experiences (SENSE): Defining developmentally-appropriate sensory exposures for high-risk infants

Bio:

Nicole Scafura, M.S., CCC-SLP, CNT is a speech language pathologist and certified neonatal therapist. Nicole has worked in a variety of settings including Early Intervention, subacute care and acute care.

Nicole works in a children’s hospital and level 4 NICU in New York City and specializes in assessment and treatment for children and babies with feeding and swallowing difficulties. She is competent in both Modified Barium Swallow Studies and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow Studies for patients across the lifespan.

Nicole has a passion for educating and mentoring others. She started her own Instagram page called Nicole in the NICU to provide insight to other professionals, parents and students about working as a neonatal therapist. Nicole regularly mentors graduate students and trains colleagues in working with pediatrics. Lastly, Nicole enjoys presenting for student group associations, state conferences and conventions. She has presented on a national level at ASHA and internationally for a hospital in Kuwait.