Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practice (ANNP702)

Enhance the professional role, knowledge and skills of nurses to an advanced level

Key features

The module is core to the MSc Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Neonatal Care programmes at masters level. It will enhance the professional role, knowledge and skills of nurses to an advanced level. Advanced practitioner competence will be achieved through critical analysis of complex pathophysiology within clinical practice. The module develops upon existing diagnostic and reasoning skills to enable practitioners to contribute to the delivery of multidisciplinary treatment and management strategies for neonates.

It is delivered by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, in partnership with the University, at the Derriford Hospital site in close proximity to the clinical area of a level three neonatal service.

This enables specialist clinicians and allied health professionals to contribute directly to the taught content ensuring clinical currency and high-quality theory-practice links throughout the taught component.

Doctor holding stethoscope in his hand and doing auscultation newborn baby on breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) in neonatal intensive care unit, copyright mindfullness, courtesy of Shutterstock

mother holding hand of a premature baby in incubator

Module code

ANNP702

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Module aims

To develop a sound theory and professional practice framework of clinical problem solving and / or reasoning regarding complex neonatal conditions.

To undertake the advanced practitioner role in the formation and delivery of clinical management plans for infants within the intensive care setting.

Module content

Pathophysiology of the cardio-vascular, neurological, respiratory, gastro-intestinal, immune, endocrine, genitourinary and hepatic systems.
Interpretation and application of related clinical data.
Differential diagnosis of the infant requiring intensive care.
Formation and delivery of multidisciplinary management plans inclusive of family integrated care.
Related and applied intensive care treatment strategies.
Recognition of the developing role of the ANNP within professional accountability, limitations of practice and managing ethical complexities within the intensive care environment.
Compiling and interpreting health documentation related to the intensive care environment.

Learning outcomes

Interpret and synthesise knowledge of pathophysiology, which underpins differential diagnosis of complex neonatal conditions.
Integrate knowledge of relevant sources of information and critically analyse the findings in relation to the neonate’s clinical presentation.
Critically analyse neonatal investigations and results to differentiate and explore diagnosis and initiate treatment options.
Demonstrate an advanced ability to formulate and implement a management plan that accurately meets the physiological and psychosocial needs of the neonate and their carers in the intensive care setting.
Critically evaluate professional development within the advanced practitioner role, identifying future learning needs from an individual and collective perspective.

Module dates

24 September, 15 October, 19 November, 3 December 2024, 21 January, 25 February, 18 March, 22 April, 13 May (OSCE) and 4 June 2025 (portfolio hand-in)

Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change – always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.

Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.

In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.

Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

Entry requirements

You will normally be a healthcare professional with a first degree or a related academic degree. BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above, or European first cycle equivalent. Clinicians without a degree but with appropriate experience may be eligible to apply. Overseas students require IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent required. You will need to have completed module ANNP701 .