Examination of the newborn is an extended role for midwives and neonatal practitioners, which provides the opportunity to identify specific deviations from the norm and refer appropriately; working holistically to provide safe, responsive, compassionate care This module provides opportunities through learning and teaching, clinical simulation and supervised practice to acquire skills and knowledge in the examination of the newborn as an enhanced skill.

Anatomy and Physiology of the newborn:
- Normal foetal development
- The transition of intrauterine to extrauterine life

Assessment of the newborn:
- The holistic examination process of the newborn
- Deviations from normal growth and development
- The influence and impact of maternal health, family history, labour and perinatal events on the health of the newborn

The health of the newborn:
- Neonatal screening and genetics
- Jaundice in the term neonate
- Immunity and BCG vaccination of the term neonate
- Nutrition and growth

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) working:
- Communication
- Making referrals to the multidisciplinary team

Professional issues:
- Ethical and Legal issues
- Documentation and record keeping
- Professional accountability
- Evidence based practice
- Breaking difficult news to parents
- Strategies to facilitate midwives practising this extended role

Baston, H. (2010) Examination of the Newborn: a practical guide. London, Routledge.
Johnson, N. (2010) Maternal newborn nursing demystified: a self-teaching guide. New York, McGraw Hill.
Oh, W. (ed) (2011) Evidence-based handbook of neonatology. New Jersey, World Scientific.

Current NMC registration
- Working in an appropriate clinical setting and involved in the routine newborn examination.

1. Apply a proficient knowledge and understanding of the normal anatomy and physiology through systematic examination of the term newborn. (Analysis, Application)

2. Diagnose and communicate conclusions regarding deviations from normal growth and development.
(Application, Communication, Knowledge & Understanding)

3. Relate critical evaluation to decision making when autonomously referring to the multidisciplinary team (MDT) involved in the examination of the newborn. (Analysis, Application, Problem Solving, Reflection)

4. Demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of the evidence base underpinning the role of the midwife or neonatal practitioner, as it applies to their care in examination of the newborn.
(Analysis, Application, Enquiry)

1. A clinical practice portfolio comprising a clinical competency document. Candidates will also provide two critically analytical pathways of two conditions experienced by neonates identified during the newborn examinations (500-700 words). 0% Pass/Fail. This meets LO's 1, 2 and 3.

2. One 3000 word case study critically analysing the care delivered to a neonate with an identified condition. Weighted at 50%. This meets LO's 2, 3 and 4.

3. OSCE clinical examination of a newborn baby. 0% Pass/Fail. This meets LO's 1 and 2.

4. A 30 minute viva voce based on the real time examination of the newborn baby and the content of their written pathways. Weighted at 50%. This meets LO's 1, 2 and 4. This will take place 6 weeks following completion of all study days. This will be conducted by a Consultant Neonatologist, a Senior Midwife and a Senior Educator.

Students will be required to pass all four elements of assessment to successfully complete the course.

Students will participate in formative assessments and gain on-going feedback during the taught element. These interactive skills sessions will help support the students, enabling skills, knowledge and confidence to be developed and built on, in a safe learning environment. This will take place at the Faculty of Education using models as well as in the clinical environment, on newborn babies.

Students will also have access to a nominated lead educator throughout the duration of the module.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (68 hours)
Contact hours: (67.5) 9 study days x 7.5 hours
This will include lectures, group discussions, clinical scenario workshops/ simulation and practice vivas
50 hours lectures
12 hours workshops and simulation
6 hours tutorials

Guided Independent Study (232 hours)
120 hours - self-directed study, which can include:
- Reading
- Portfolio preparation
- Practice unsupervised examinations
- Learning and utilising information retrieving skills for obtaining relevant articles from journals/websites

Practice hours - 112 hours (9 weeks of 7.5 hours + 6 weeks of 7.5 hours)

Clinical skills room, classroom, computer and display screen with internet access, educators, simulation manikins, stethoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, pocket torches, centile charts, tape measures, local documentation charts, newborn babies (All students will be DBS cleared).