Professional/Short course Examination of the Newborn

Entry year
2025/26
Course code
UZUR14203
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Health and Social Wellbeing
Campus
Glenside
Duration
One semester
Delivery
Face-to-face/Online
Course Director
Jemma Walker

20 credit level 6 or level 7 module

Introduction

You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.

This 20 credit level 6 (UZUR14-20-3) or level 7 (UZUR15-20-M) Examination of the Newborn module prepares midwives, neonatal nurses, community based nurses and specialist practitioners to undertake newborn screening, in accordance with Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) standards, as part of a holistic assessment of newborn health.

On successful completion of this module, you will have:

  • Explored assessment of normal characteristics in the newborn
  • Developed ability to critically assess deviations from normal, including underlying pathophysiology and congenital abnormalities
  • Critically examined and evaluated the evidence base for newborn screening and its application to practice
  • Critically evaluated opportunities provided by the newborn examination to engage women and their families in health promotion
  • Explored the application of effective and appropriate communication skills to enhance newborn health assessment in practice
  • Demonstrated competence to meet the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) Standards whilst undertaking a full holistic assessment of newborn health 
  • Demonstrated leadership within care planning, risk assessment, referral and multidisciplinary team working.

Entry requirements

You must have support and be working in a suitable practice area.

Careers / Further study

The level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

  • BSc(Hons) Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Award

The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:

  • MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
  • MSc Advanced Practice
  • Professional Development Awards

Structure

Content

The course syllabus typically covers the following:

  • History taking and identification of risk factors
  • Preparation of the environment
  • NIPE screening programme, including current NIPE standards 
  • Holistic examination and assessment of the newborn, including abnormal findings
  • Use of equipment for examination purposes
  • Multidisciplinary teamwork
  • Referral pathways
  • Teaching and support of parents
  • Health education
  • Accountability and responsibility
  • Applied research studies

Learning and Teaching

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be utilised throughout the module.

Independent learning

Includes hours engaged with tuto- led and self-directed study, case study development and assignment preparation.

Placement learning

You will undertake neonatal examinations in practice under the supervision of qualified practitioners from their practice area.

Scheduled learning

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Practical skills and simulation sessions
  • Work-based learning

Study time

Contact time of 48 hours will also include the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs), multiple learning methods, online and other Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) activities.

Assessment

After completing core theory sessions, you will be provided with a reflective formative log book for completion in your own working environment.

The summative assessment for this module has two components.

  • an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The OSCE provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to undertake a holistic assessment of the newborn including their ability to make appropriate referrals and develop evidence based plans of care. 
  • a written component, to provide you with the opportunity to critically examine and evaluate the evidence that informed your clinical decision making throughout the OSCE. 

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts.  Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding.  Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts.  Places on this module will be limited for applications received outside of this funding.  Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

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