The major focus of this unit of study will be the holistic care of the sick neonate and their family. Knowledge underpinning the systematic assessment of the sick neonate will be developed through a review of the relevant theory and research. The reasons for a neonate becoming sick will be explored and appropriate interventions examined. At the end of the unit the student will be able to interpret physiological data and initiate appropriate action.

Available as a standalone module: No - Applicants must complete Foundations in Neonatal Care (Level 6) or Foundations in Neonatal Care (Level 7) before they are able to undertake this module. Completion of both will result in a neonatal Qualified in Specialty (QIS).

Attendance (Please note, this may be subject to change)

Dates: For attendance information, please see the top of this page. Please note, if the module is full or closed for the intake(s) this academic year, dates may not appear. 

Venue: LSBU Southwark Campus

Typical intake(s): January

Career Benefits

This module provides focus and direction for practitioners who wish to develop their career specifically with neonates. It is essential that all practitioners working within units that provide care for neonates and their families have the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that they provide a safe and optimal standard of care. The module therefore allows students to develop their current practice and prepare for future roles, supporting their employability and career progression.

Assessment

• Element 1 - Mock Clinical Scenario
• Element 2 - Clinical competencies

Both elements of assessment must be passed in order to pass the module overall.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding: 

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the altered respiratory anatomy and physiology in an infant requiring respiratory support.
• Evaluate the theoretical evidence and provide a rationale for the care required by a sick neonate requiring intensive care nursing.

Intellectual skills:

• Provide an in-depth analysis of the reasons for admission to neonatal intensive care (NICU) and a rationale for interventions that may have instigated the admission.
• Explore ethical concepts with regard to withdrawal of treatment.

Practical Skills:

• Demonstrate the ability to perform a systematic assessment on a sick neonate and interpret your findings.
• Apply individual family needs and establish effective interpersonal skills relevant to working with families and members of the inter-professional team within NICU.

Transferable skills:

• Collaborative working.