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.  Upon successful completion of both modules, you will be awarded a Graduate Certificate (60 credits). 

The module focuses on the fundamental aspects of care provision and is a foundation to the neonatal intensive care module. By successfully completing the module you will have developed your knowledge and skills in neonatal nursing. You will also have enhanced your ability to think critically about nursing practice and develop your reasoning skills. The emphasis on family centered care and advanced communication skills will ensure you are prepared to have difficult conversations and offer support to parents at a stressful time.

The module will cover the following:

• Utilise best evidence to underpin the provision of care to babies and their families
• Maintain effective and supportive communication with babies, families and within the wider healthcare team
• Develop clinical reasoning skills using robust evidence based material to assess and manage babies' special care needs
• Critically examine the current evidence based guidelines and research underpinning neonatal practice to ensure delivery of evidence based care
• Discuss the process of transition to community based care for babies with complex needs demonstrating awareness of the relevant support services available
• Employ strategies to empower families to provide appropriate care for their baby/babies
• Facilitate family centred care to babies nursed for in the special care setting
• Demonstrate familiarity with safeguarding procedures in accordance with local safe guarding authority
• Using clearly defined guidelines, be responsible and accountable for quality fundamental care under indirect supervision in the special care environment
• Critically appraise and reflect upon their own professional practice and personal development

Postgraduate modular fees for UK students can be found here.

Module aims

To provide foundation knowledge and skills for nurses, midwives, nurse associates and allied health professionals working in a neonatal setting. 

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.

Module content

Professional Values

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

Neonatal Practice and Decision Making

• Historical and political influences on neonatal practice
• Current research and audit on neonatal practice
• Developmental care
• Nutrition & infant feeding
• Breast feeding in the special care environment
• Skin care & personal hygiene
• Thermoregulation
• Home oxygen
• Chronic lung disease
• Neonatal screening
• Infection
• Blood transfusion
• Jaundice
• Neonatal syndromes
• Immunology and immunisations
• Pain assessment and pain management
• Respiratory A&P
• Respiratory assessment - Arterial blood gas analysis
• Surfactant
• Ventilation modes - CPAP/SiPAP & oxygen delivery
• Common respiratory concerns - Respiratory distress syndrome
• Fetal Circulation
• Common cardiac defects
• Neurological A&P
• Neurological assessment
• Glucose homeostasis
• Surgical interventions

Communication

• Family centred care
• Effective & advanced communication
• Parental education
• Bereavement and support

Leadership, Management and Team working

• Bliss campaigns - small wonders
• 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.