University of Technology Sydney

92364 Care of the Newborn

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 92357 Midwifery Practice 2: Supporting Women
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

Evidence-based care of the newborn who experiences deviations from normal health is the focus of this subject. Students are introduced to common newborn conditions encountered in the Special Care Nursery within a framework of family-centred care. The subject includes the midwife's role in the initial care of the newborn with more complex needs. Students develop knowledge and skills in newborn examination, recognising clinical deterioration, resuscitation and stabilisation. The subject also has a clinical component.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
A. Describe altered embryological development and explain the influence of adverse perinatal factors on the baby (NMBA Standard 3 and 4)
B. Review the physiological processes for extrauterine adaptation and recognise the alterations when a newborn has complex needs (NMBA Standards 3, 4 and 5)
C. Describe the developmental and behavioural expectations of newborn babies with complex needs (NMBA Standard 3)
D. Demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care of newborn babies with complex needs (NMBA Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7)
E. Recognise and respond appropriately when a baby’s condition deteriorates (NMBA Standards 3, 4, 5 and 6)
F. Identify the principles of family centred care and demonstrate appropriate skills in communicating and planning care with women and families who have baby with complex needs (NMBA Standards 1, 2, 5 and 7)
G. In a simulated environment, demonstrate safe and effective resuscitation of the newborn (NMBA Standards 3 and 6)
H. Apply legal, ethical and professional responsibilities to midwifery practice (NMBA Standard 3)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:

  • Practice woman-centred care (1.0)
  • Are professionally competent midwives who provide safe and effective midwifery care using intelligent kindness (2.0)
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and sound clinical judgment that is based on evidence and reflects appropriate reasoning within the relevant professional codes and guidelines (2.2)
  • Communicate effectively using spoken, written and non-verbal language across a range of contexts and to diverse audiences (2.3)
  • Work collaboratively in order to provide excellence in maternity care (3.0)
  • Communicate and provide effective care for women from diverse backgrounds and needs (5.4)

Teaching and learning strategies

In this subject, you will participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies that are designed to encourage you to engage with contemporary, evidence-based midwifery care and practice related to the newborn and his/her family.

Online learning activities
Students access online learning resources including videos, modules, professional literature either prior to or during face-to-face classes. Online resources enable students to clarify complex concepts and terminology and engage with topics at their own pace. Online activities will be discussed in class to share peer learning, experiences and reflections.

Face-to-face classes
Face to face tutorials and clinical laboratories in this subject will incorporate group work, role plays based on authentic clinical scenarios, peer review, and online activities to enable students to clarify, discuss and develop subject concepts.

Clinical skills, communication and simulation
Students will participate in the simulated practice of a range of clinical skills, incorporating authentic case scenarios, used in the care of the newborn infant and their family. In particular, these practice scenarios will incorporate the development of professional communication skills including consultation and referral to medical colleagues. Students will also participate in the safe administration of medications and competency in paediatric drug calculations.

Case studies and stories from practice
Case studies and stories from practice will be utilised to depict newborn infants and their families in authentic clinical situations. Students use these scenarios to learn concepts, interpret information and develop their clinical practice. Critical thinking is developed through the analysis, interpretation of and reflection on clinical issues or situations.

Clinical placement
Students complete 32 hours of clinical placement experience in a Special Care Nursery, to develop and consolidate their knowledge, skills and attributes relevant to the care of infants with complex needs. Students provide midwifery care to newborn infants with complex needs, under direct supervision of registered midwives and medical practitioners.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Case Study on the management of a deteriorating infant

Intent:

This assessment intends to develop students' knowledge on the recognition and appropriate responses when a newborn baby's condition deteriorates in order to minimise immediate and long-term adverse consequences.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

B, D and F

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

2.0, 3.0 and 5.4

Type: Case study
Weight: 50%
Length:

1,500 words (plus references)

Criteria:

Please see Canvas for marking criteria.

Assessment task 2: Case study examination

Intent:

Midwives require a thorough knowledge of the physiological adaptations that a newborn must achieve. Assessment skills and the identification of deviations from normal are central to the scope of practice of a Midwife. Using a full range of clinical situations requiring critical thought, decision-making, communication and collaboration will provide an opportunity for the student to use the skills and knowledge obtained in the subject.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

C, E, F and H

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.0, 2.0, 2.3 and 3.0

Type: Examination
Weight: 50%
Length:

This examination will be two (2) hours.

Criteria:

Further information and marking criteria will be available via Canvas.

Assessment task 3: Clinical Practice Experience Documentation

Intent:

The intention of this task is to assess students' clinical learning and development in accordance with the Midwife Standards for Practice (NMBA 2018).

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s):

C, E, F and H

This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):

1.0, 2.0, 2.2 and 5.4

Type: Portfolio
Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark
Criteria:

Please see Canvas for marking criteria

Minimum requirements

You must submit all pieces of work and achieve an overall mark of 50% when all items of assessment that carry a numerical mark are combined. In addition, you must achieve a satisfactory grade in the AMSAT assessment in your neonatal care clinical placement.

Recommended texts

Catling, C., Cummins, A. & Hogan, R. (2016). Stories in Midwifery: Reflection, Action, Enquiry, Elsevier, Sydney.

Marshall, J. & Raynor, M. (eds). (2020). Myles Textbook for Midwives, 18th ed, Churchill Livingstone, Sydney.

Pairman, S. Pincombe, J., Thorogood, C. & Tracy, S. (2015) Midwifery: Preparation for practice, Churchill Livingstone, Sydney.

Kain, V. & Mannix, T. (2018). Neonatal Nursing in Australia and New Zealand: Principles for Practice, Elsevier, Sydney.

References

Merenstein, G. B. & Gardner, S. L. (2015). Handbook of neonatal intensive care, 8th edn, Elsevier.

Moore, K. L., Persaud, T. & Torchia, M. (2015). The Developing Human: Clinically Orientated Embryology, 10th edn, Elsevier.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. (2018). Midwife Standards for practice, NMBA, Melbourne.

Sinha, S., Miall, L. & Jardine, L. (2017). Essential neonatal medicine, 6th edn, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.

Verklan, T. & Walden, M. (eds). (2014). Core curriculum for neonatal intensive care nursing, 5th edn, Elsevier, Texas.

Other resources

UTS Student Centre
Building 10

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)

Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts

For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.

UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.

Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.

HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.

Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.

The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.

The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.