MID3202 · Supporting the newborn infant

Overview

In this unit you will use evidence-based theory to gain knowledge and skills to assess the newborn and to initiate appropriate nursing and midwifery interventions on the postnatal ward or in a Special Care Nursery (SCN). This will be undertaken with the guidance of the multidisciplinary team. You will examine normal newborn anatomy and physiology and variances relating to the unwell/preterm newborn. In addition, you will explore common neonatal conditions and the care associated with these newborn infants. You will develop knowledge and skills related to the nutritional requirements for ‘at risk’ newborns on the postnatal ward and SCN. You will develop an understanding of multidisciplinary care and collaborative practices with a focus on providing culturally safe and inclusive care in the management of unwell/preterm newborn and their families.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment task/s. Details of hurdle requirements are specified in Assessment section below. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Examine the role of the midwife and nurse in the provision of care for unwell/preterm newborns and their families with a focus on providing culturally safe and inclusive care.
2. Explore and describe normal anatomical and physiological changes during transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life, to enable recognition of deviations from normal transition.
3. Examine fetal, maternal and intrapartum risk factors associated with maladaptive transition to extrauterine life and describe appropriate midwifery and nursing management.
4. Distinguish the nutritional requirements for a preterm/unwell newborn, outlining strategies to promote and protect breastfeeding, and ensure continued growth and development of the newborn.
5. Examine the neonatal conditions that may necessitate admission of a newborn to Special Care Nursery (SCN) and any potential transfer as required.
6. Describe theoretical knowledge and the practice required to resuscitate and stabilise a newborn.
7. Identify and discuss the role and rights of parents in decision-making for their newborn in conjunction with the SCN multidisciplinary team.
8. Examine the use of pharmacotherapeutics in the care of the unwell/preterm newborn.
9. Analyse evidence-based holistic care and the role it plays in reflective practice as a midwife.
10. Demonstrate developing midwifery competency, based upon the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Midwife standards for practice and Code of conduct for midwives, and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Code of ethics for midwives.

Workload

12 hours per week of teacher facilitated and self-directed learning including clinical learning environment and online activities. Please refer to Moodle for tutorial types and requirements.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.