Resuscitation of the Newborn Module

Course Overview

This programme, which is steeped in practice, is an opportunity to develop existing skills in the resuscitation of the new-born in line with UK Resuscitation Council standards on Newborn Life Support (NLS)  (NLS 2015).

This module will facilitate the development of the practitioner who is reflective, skilled and who has a good working knowledge of the biological sciences that underpin effective resuscitation in practice. In addition, this course will enhance the participant's ability to provide a holistic and woman/baby centred care even in the context of emergency interventions for which the outcomes are often uncertain.

This module will be useful for neonatal nurses and midwives may be taken on its own or as part of a larger programme of study.

Course content

Taught by experienced practitioners and clinical mentors, this short course explores advanced theories and skills in the resuscitation of the newborn, in line with the criteria set down by UK Resuscitation Council Standards on Newborn Life Support (NLS), including:

• Overview of the history of resuscitation practice and the role of the multidisciplinary team
• Fetal respiratory and cardio-vascular physiology and adaptation at birth
• Patho-physiology of birth asphyxia
• Assessment of neonatal condition at birth
• Resuscitation of the neonate: including the use of bag and mask, suction, oxygen and cardiac massage
• The use of pulse oximetry
• The use of portable incubator
• Referral to paediatric/neonatal colleagues and effective assistance in the case of a severely asphyxiated neonate at birth
• Resuscitation of the neonate: including assessment of the neonate, and the use of laryngoscope, intubation and related pharmacology
• Neonatal care immediately following resuscitation
• Safe transfer of baby and his/her parents following resuscitation
• Information giving and communication skills relating to the support of parents
• Professional, legal and ethical issues related to neonatal resuscitation
• Anticipating the need for neonatal resuscitation:
  • Antepartum risk factors (maternal and foetal)
  • Intrapartum risk factors (maternal and foetal)
  • Perinatal risk factors

Assessment

You will be assessed through:

• Written assignment
• OSCAR

Fees and funding

The fees* below refer to the 2022/23 academic year unless otherwise stated (2023/24 fees to be confirmed).

• Per credit: £63
• 15 credits: £945

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation.

There are several funding options available:

• Receiving course fees via CPD contracts between NHS trusts and Middlesex University
• Paying your own fees
• Sponsorship by your employer (but not under a CPD contract).

For more information for any of these options, including fee rates for self-funding/employer-sponsored students, please visit our dedicated funding page.

How to apply

To be eligible for this course, you must be a registered midwife (RM), neonatal nurse, Registered Nurse RN (Diploma in Child Health) or professional with responsibilities for neonatal resuscitation. You must be currently working in the clinical area and have at least six months experience in the care of the newborn.

Download an enquiry form and for more information on the application process. Applications to this module should be made directly to the university, apply for a CPD module or programme.