This module is designed for registered nurses and midwives working in a neonatal unit who wish to develop their intensive care skills. The module encompasses a high level of face-to face teaching to enable the student to understand why neonates may require intensive care and help to develop problem solving skills in the management of sick infants.

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 neonatal life support providers as an integral component of the course.

We are thrilled to announce the Neonatal Intensive Care (Level 7) is now available at Keele University as a pathway in our 
Enhanced Clinical Practitioner Apprenticeship.

To develop specific knowledge within neonatal intensive care. To critically analyse and develop problem solving skills to deliver safe and effective evidence-based care. These skills will be used to meet the complex and varied physiological, social and emotional needs of individual infants and their families.

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 6.

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)

• 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

• Safe transportation

• Teaching parents

• Family centered 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:

• Introduction to clinical audit and interpreting data

• Using qualitative and quantitative research to support ideas and arguments when presenting information

Cultural Competence:

• 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 using Sim Baby Newborn Life Support Course

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.