The focus of this module is to provide nurses working in a neonatal setting with the theoretical knowledge and essential core skills required to care proficiently and holistically for sick newborns and their families. Nurses will gain knowledge of physiology and pathophysiology in relation to the sick neonate, develop clinical assessment skills and identify and deliver appropriate interventions.

This module forms the final part of the neonatal pathway enabling registered nurses to become neonatal Qualified in Specialty (QIS). This pathway follows the new NHS England standards for neonatal qualified in specialty education.

Aims
• Facilitate knowledge and understanding of the assessment, planning, interpretation and skills required to deliver holistic and evidence-based care to extremely preterm and sick neonates
• Enable students to recognise clinical deterioration and neonatal emergencies, to initiate appropriate interventions, escalate to senior clinical staff and participate in acute clinical management
• Promote understanding of the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, family integrated care and communication in relation to all aspects of neonatal care

What and how students will learn on the module

There will be an introduction to LEAP, the virtual learning site where students will find resources to support academic learning and development. There will be focused study days with the general themes as below. These will have taught elements, but each day will also contain group discussions on case studies which encourage critical analysis of the issues raised.

Learning Domains
Personal and professional development
• Management and Leadership in preparation for Band 6 role
• Equality and diversity
• Legal and ethical issues, including safeguarding
Overview of neonatal services
• Organisation of care-national and local
• Multi-Disciplinary working within neonatal care
Admission and Assessment
• Assessment, management and stabilisation of preterm/sick neonate
Respiratory Management
• Respiratory anatomy and physiology and
• Acute and chronic respiratory conditions
• Neonatal ventilation strategies, nursing care and interpretation of blood gases
Cardiovascular Care
• Advanced cardiovascular assessment and management
• Overview/ nursing care of baby with congenital heart disease
Fluid and nutritional management
• Optimal fluid/electrolyte management of the preterm/sick neonate
• Renal failure
Neurological care and development
• Neurological conditions and management – congenital and acquired
• Management of neonate with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
• Long term neurological development and outcomes
• Strategies to manage pain and distress in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Sepsis and Infection prevention
• Neonatal immunology and management of sepsis
• Microbiology in neonatal intensive care
Surgical care
• Congenital and acquired surgical conditions in the neonate
• Pre and post-surgical care
Procedures in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Neonatal emergency procedures and re resuscitation
• Nursing management of invasive clinical procedures
Palliative and Bereavement care
• Care of the dying baby and their family
• Palliative care and redirection of care
Psychologically informed neonatal care
• Family integrated care and well being
• Staff well being

Assessment - 30 minute Viva voce exam & CAD