Overview

This is the first module of Neonatal Qualified in Speciality (QIS) and, on successful completion of this module, you will be expected to continue to Practice Focused Neonatal Intensive Care (45 credits), for which additional funding and support will be required.  

This module is suitable for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals who wish to acquire the foundation level skills required when caring for the sick neonate and premature infant. 

The module has a hybrid approach to teaching and learning utilising a multimodal approach, with virtual and in situ teaching. This will improve equity of access to the course. The programme will ensure health professionals new to this highly specialised clinical area are adequately prepared to care for babies and their families during their neonatal journey.

The module focuses on the fundamental aspects of care provision and is an ideal starting point to a career in neonatal services. Successful completion of the module will develop your knowledge and skills in neonatal care. You will also have enhanced your ability to think critically about this speciality and develop your reasoning skills.

Postgraduate modular fees for UK students can be found here.

Please note applications for this course will close 6 weeks before the course start date and will only be viewed as complete once all the necessary documentation required is submitted.

Module aims

The aim of this module is to provide the foundation knowledge and skills for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals working within a neonatal setting.

Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:

• Critically analyse the current guidelines and research underpinning neonatal practice to ensure delivery of evidence-based care
• Demonstrate critical thinking and judgement using robust evidence-based material to assess and manage babies' special care needs
• Assimilate and systematically apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant physiology and pathophysiology into the care of the neonate, demonstrating a critical knowledge and rationale underpinning immediate and ongoing interventions
• Critically explore and employ strategies to empower families to provide appropriate care for their baby/babies by maintaining effective and supportive communication within the family unit and the multi-disciplinary team

Entry requirements

All applicants will normally hold a professional registration with an appropriate body and working within a care setting relevant to the module. Provision of qualification (such as an undergraduate degree) and a CV is compulsory. Please upload this evidence as part of your online application form.

All applicants must demonstrate previous successful study at level 6.

Module content

Module content will include:

Professional Values

• Critical thinking
• Reflective writing
• Record keeping
• Consent
• Confidentiality
• Academic writing 

Professional Practice and Decision Making

• Historical and political influences on neonatal practice
• Current research and audit on neonatal practice
• Developmental care
• The preterm and low birth weight baby
• Nutrition & infant feeding
• Breastfeeding in the special care environment
• Skin care & personal hygiene
• Thermoregulation
• Chronic lung disease
• Neonatal screening
• Infection
• Jaundice
• Neonatal syndromes
• Immunology and immunisations
• Newborn life support
• Pain assessment and pain management
• Respiratory A&P
• Surfactant
• Ventilation modes - CPAP/BiPAP/ High Flow & oxygen delivery
• Common respiratory concerns - Respiratory distress syndrome
• Fetal Circulation
• Common cardiac defects
• Neurological A&P
• Neurological assessment
• Glucose homeostasis
• Surgical interventions
• Legal and ethical issues in neonatal care

Communication

• Family integrated care
• Effective communication
• Parental education

Leadership, Management and Teamworking

• National campaigns
• Use of support groups
• Parental experience
• Discharge planning

Teaching and assessment

The module will be delivered through a combination of lead lectures, problem-based learning, group work, simulated skills sessions, and private study. Students will be encouraged to engage in wider reading, with some elements structured as guided independent study. The majority of theoretical content will be facilitated online via the Microsoft Teams platform, although there will be designated in-person sessions requiring attendance at the University campus.

Assessment for this module will take the form of an in-person examination, comprising multiple-choice questions, short and long answer responses, and case-based scenarios with guided questions. This format is designed to evaluate both foundational knowledge and the ability to apply critical thinking in clinical contexts.