Overview

The module takes a blended learning approach and competence is assessed in the clinical practice area. The module will help to demonstrate proficiency with the technology required to maintain the optimal physical condition of the neonate. Central to the ethos of the course is that the needs of the family are considered as part of the management of the neonatal intensive care environment. All candidates are offered the opportunity to become NLS providers as an integral component of the course.

Module aims

• To develop specific knowledge within neonatal intensive care.
• To utilize critical problem solving skills and reflective practice to deliver safe and effective evidence based care to meet the complex and varied physiological, social and emotional needs of individual infants and their families
• Critically appraise knowledge gained and develop problem solving skills to assess, prioritise and manage sick infants delivering safe, high quality care.
• Demonstrate proficiency and competency with the technology required to promote and maintain optimal physiological condition of the neonate.
• Critically examine the current evidence based guidelines and research underpinning neonatal practice to ensure delivery of evidence based care.
• Critically evaluate the implications of legal and ethical issues on contemporary neonatal practice.
• Identify the significance of effective and continuous assessment of critically ill infants in the neonatal  intensive care setting.
• Recognise and critically discuss the iatrogenic sequaele of disease and be proactive in preventing such occurrence.
• Identify the needs of families and babies in neonatal intensive care and respond appropriately.

Entry requirements

All applicants will hold a current registration with the NMC. They must work within a Neonatal Unit environment with access to support and supervision from an appropriate clinical mentor. All applicants must demonstrate previous successful study at level 5.

Module content

Neonatal Nursing & Health:

• Epidemiology / statistics
• Demography

Nursing & Applied Human Biology:

• Applied physiology: Fetal development, Respiratory, Cardiac, Renal, Thermo-regulation, Metabolic, Haematology, Sepsis, Skin, Neurology

Neonatal Nursing & Policy:

• NMC professional requirements (legislation)
• Governance issues
• Policy related to Neonatal Nursing and Client Care: National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, National Audit Office
• Neonatal networks
• Learning from clinical incidents
• Children’s National Service Framework
• Role of BLISS

Neonatal Nursing Care:

• Effects of type of delivery
• Characteristics and complications of pre-term and sick infants
• Assessment frameworks
• Care planning
• Referrals, resources and the discharge planning process
• Safe transportation
• Teaching parents
• Family centred care
• Nursing care of babies with a focus on:
• Ventilation
• Jaundice
• Fluid balance
• Thermoregulation
• Nutrition
• Pain and sedation
• Preparation for surgery
• Interpretation of investigations (acid base balance)

Safe Medicine Administration:

• Legislation and organisational policies on the safe administration of medicines
• Common medications used in a neonatal intensive care setting
• Safe and effective administration of medicines - reflection on current practice
• Adverse drug reactions and reporting mechanisms
• Safe medicine calculation

Research:

• Application of frameworks for critiquing evidence
• Introduction to clinical audit and interpreting data
• Using qualitative and quantitative research to support ideas and arguments when presenting information

Cultural Competence:

• Study skills
• Oral & visual communication skills: presentation, communicating information, developing & using visual presentation aids, developing supporting paper.
• Inter-professional education and learning: working with others, emergency situations, risk assessment
• Moral, legal & ethical issues
• Withdrawal of active treatment
• End of life issues
• Bereavement
• Cultural issues relating to examples from practice
• Communicating with families

Simulated Practical Skills:

• NLS scenario learning opportunities

Reflective Practice:

• Students will reflect on experiences from placements, teaching and learning activities, inter-professional learning experiences and personal / professional / academic development opportunities.

Teaching and assessment

The principal learning and teaching methods used in the module may include:

• Lectures, seminars and workshops: The core of each module delivery mode is a series of face to face tutor-led or group-led seminars or workshops.
• Web-based learning using the Keele Learning Environment (KLE), Blackboard.
• Group work and peer support. All modules use focused group work and class discussions within face to face tutor time.
• Directed independent study. Most of the study hours for each module comprise independent learning by expecting participants to add depth and breadth to their knowledge of topics, to practice skills and to reflect on critical incidents and their practice.