92677 Care of the Newborn
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere 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)
| 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 babies 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, students will participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies that are designed to encourage engagement 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: In class quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment intends to develop students' knowledge of care of the well newborn, and 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: | Quiz/test |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Criteria: | Please see Canvas |
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 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 |
Minimum requirements
Students must submit all pieces of work and achieve a mark of 50%. In addition, you must achieve a satisfactory grade in the AMSAT assessment in your neonatal care clinical placement.
Recommended texts
Cummins, A., Gillett, K., McLaughlin, K., Musgrave, L., & Wood, J. (2023). Stories in midwifery?: reflection, inquiry, action (Third Edition.). Elsevier.
Marshall, J. & Raynor, M. (eds). (2020). Myles Textbook for Midwives, 18th ed, Churchill Livingstone, Sydney.
Pairman, S., Tracy, S., Dahlen, H. G., & Dixon, L. (Eds.). (2019). Midwifery?: preparation for practice (Fourth edition). Elsevier Australia.
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.
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