Principles of Special and High Dependency Care of the Newborn

The principles of Special Care and High Dependency nursing will consider:

• Neonatal fluid, electrolyte, nutrition, and elimination management 
• Neonatal neurological, developmental care and pain management  
• Neonatal respiratory management 
• Neonatal cardiovascular management 
• Neonatal skin and hygiene management 
• Neonatal infection prevention and control management 
• Neonatal thermoregulation management 
• Admission, Discharge, and transfer from and into a Neonatal Unit 
• Effective communication in order to actively foster family integrated care 
• Nursing management of a Neonatal Surgical Patient

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 the opportunity to practice clinical skills in a simulated High Dependency environment using state-of-the-art equipment. 

• Minimum of 1 year working on a Neonatal Unit or paediatric ward where neonates are cared for. 
• Student must be up to date with mandatory training, appraisal, clinical skills assessments in clinical practice.
• Have existing undergraduate education.
• Current NMC registration.

Summative assessment:

• A 3,000 word reflection, reflecting on two learning outcomes of the special care & HDU module. 
• Key skills will be assessed within the module and will be assessed via the theoretical assignment, a portfolio and achievement of clinical learning and practice outcomes as specified in the Clinical Competencies Assessment Document.

Practice assessment:

• Within the clinical area, students will be supported by an allocated practice assessor/practice supervisor for the duration of the module.  Clinical practice will be monitored and assessed by the development of a portfolio and the clinical competency document. The portfolio is used to demonstrate competence in the clinical area and both the supervior/assessor and personal tutor are normally involved in the summative clinical assessments. 

The student can access support from both the clinical staff at the local University Health board, and the module manager Autumn Bevan. The students can access all student support.

The student will have full access to resources on USW Campus' additional to facilities offered within the Local University Health Board.