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 advanced 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
• Enable students to synthesize and critique knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of disease processes as the basis for clinical management of preterm and sick neonates
• Enable students to critically apply the knowledge to assess, interpret, plan, deliver and evaluate holistic, evidence-based care to neonates requiring intensive care
• Enable students to identify clinical deterioration and neonatal emergencies, initiate appropriate interventions, escalate and participate in acute clinical management.
• Develop students professional and leadership role within the multidisciplinary team

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: preparation for Band 6 role
• Equality and Diversity
• Legal and Ethical issues, including safeguarding
Overview of neonatal services
• Organisation and Delivery of Neonatal Services
• Multi-disciplinary working within neonatal care
Admission and Assessment
Assessment, Management and Stabilisation of the preterm/sick neonate
Respiratory Management
• Respiratory anatomy and physiology
• Acute and chronic respiratory conditions
• Ventilation strategies, nursing care and advance blood gas interpretation
Cardiovascular Care
• Advanced cardiovascular assessment and management
• Overview and nursing care of baby with congenital heart disease
Fluid and nutritional management
• Optimal fluid and electrolyte balance in the preterm/sick neonate
• Renal failure
Neurological care and development
• Neurological conditions and management – congenital and acquired
• Management/nursing care 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 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 Choice of 4 questions/scenarios relating to course & Competency Assessment Document