Advances in Specialised Intensive Care of the Newborn

The Advances in Specialised Intensive care of the Newborn will consider:

• Neonatal fluid, electrolyte, nutrition and elimination management 
• Neonatal neurological, developmental care and pain management  
• Demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for neonatal respiratory management 
• Neonatal cardiovascular management 
• Neonatal skin and hygiene 
• Neonatal infection prevention and control management 
• Neonatal thermoregulation management 
• Stabilisation of an infant requiring intensive care in a safe and competent manner 
• Effective communication in order to actively foster a family/infant relationship 
• Assessment, planning and delivery of care to the dying infant and their family

It is important to remember that this is a nursing module and at the end of this study period, you will have increased your knowledge and clinical skills in this area. This will require more than attendance at the study day. To be successful at degree level requires your commitment to be an active learner. This will entail additional reading and a questioning attitude whilst meeting the clinical learning outcomes for this module.

A range of learning/teaching methods will be used to develop and assess knowledge and understanding within this specialised area of Neonatal care. 

The learning and teaching methods consist of a combination of face-to-face lectures at the University of South Wales, and the Partner University Health Board, work based learning and Independent Study. 

Simulation will be an integral aspect of this module and you will have opportunity to practice clinical skills in a simulated Intensive Care environment using state of the art equipment.

Minimum of 1 year working on Neonatal Unit or paediatric ward where neonates are cared for and experience of undertaking care of a baby requiring basic Intensive Care in clinical practice. Must have completed the module FC3S024 or equivalent. Students must be up-to-date with mandatory training, appraisal, clinical skills assessments in clinical practice. 

Have existing undergraduate education. Current NMC registration.

Theory Level 6

• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of the physiology and maturation of the neonate and foetus including common complications that may occur.
• Critically analyse the nurse’s role in the support of neonates and their families through the various stages of care considering professional, ethical and legal implications related to practice.

Theory Level 7

• Demonstrate an in-depth and critical understanding of the physiology & maturation of the neonate and foetus, including common complications that may occur in the intensive care environment.
• Critically analyse and synthesise the nurse’s role in support of neonates and their families through the various stages of care considering professional, ethical and legal implications related to practice.

Clinical assessment for both levels

• Demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, provide and evaluate evidence-based care for a baby requiring intensive care. 
• Demonstrate competence in providing intensive care through the completion of clinical competencies.

Formative assessment:

Formative assessment will be via student involvement in group work, problem solving exercises and performance of clinical skills. 

Summative assessment:

A 3,000 word reflective account, reflecting on one or two learning outcomes within the intensive neonatal care module clinical assessment pack. The assignment could be based on a case, a care package or related to a disease or syndrome. The student must remember that this is a nursing assignment and the content should reflect this.

Practice assessment:

Achievement of clinical competencies supported by a portfolio of evidence.