Neonatal Intensive Care

Who is it for?

Qualified professionals who have:

1. Active UK Nursing & Midwifery Council registration (adult, child or midwife) employed in a neonatal environment.
2. Completed the Yorkshire and Humber ODN Foundation Programme or equivalent (see Mapping Document and complete if appropriate).

Content overview

• The management of  neonates requiring intensive and critical care
• The support required by the family in this context
• The evidence base supporting the care of the neonate and their family within the intensive care environment.
• The role of the neonatal nurse within the intensive care unit. 

Module description

This masters (Level 7) units is designed to enable registered nurses and midwives currently working within the neonatal environment to develop an in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of preterm and term neonates requiring complex management of care with reference to establishing, supporting and maintaining homeostasis for the baby requiring resuscitation at birth and during their ongoing care in a neonatal intensive care unit

Building on the learning within the Yorkshire & Humber Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Foundation Programme or equivalent (See mapping document), students will relate the anatomy and physiology, embryology and foetal development across all gestations of sick and premature neonates to contemporary neonatal nursing care and the management of infants with critical care needs by following the journey of a family and their neonate through neonatal intensive care. 

This journey will include topics such as resuscitation at delivery, stabilisation, invasive and non-invasive respiratory support, surgery, nutrition, pharmacology and bereavement. Through critical discussion and analysis of the research based evidence underpinning contemporary neonatal care, students will enhance their understanding of clinical practice and consider their role as neonatal nurses in potential innovations and improvements in neonatal nursing care. 

Completion of this module contributes towards the Higher Education England descriptors for neonatal nurse training:  QIS (qualification in speciality).

How does it enhance practice?

Completion of this unit will enable you, the practitioner, to use specialist skills, knowledge and expertise relevant to emergency management and intensive care of the newborn. This includes a deeper and broader understanding of the neonate and family health needs within the context of changing health care provision and the use of evidence based practice.

Completing a clinical skills portfolio that encompasses your knowledge and skills development will be an excellent resource for NMC revalidation. Completion of this module contributes towards the Higher Education England descriptors for neonatal nurse training: QIS (qualification in speciality).

Teaching and assessment

The module will involve 10 taught study days and 2 flexible self-directed specialist study days.

Assessment

• Part 1: Completion of a clinical skills portfolio (a placement within a regional neonatal intensive care unit may be required).
• Part 2: A case study including critical analysis of an aspect of neonatal intensive care.

Learning outcomes and marking guidelines will be provided at the beginning of the module that reflect the level of assessment.

Fees and funding

The fee for this 15-credit CPD module is:

2026/27 entry

Home students - £1,080

The standard fee for each CPD module for overseas students is £145 per credit.

Fees and funding information

How to apply

Find out how to apply for this module on the following webpage:

Apply now

Contact

For more information on this module, get in touch:

Tracy Hill

Tel: +44 114 222 2063

Email: tracy.l.hill@sheffield.ac.uk