Examination of the Healthy Term Newborn Infant

The module is comprised of a theoretical and practical component and will equip the participant with the knowledge and skills to undertake effective, safe, holistic comprehensive and systematic examination of the newborn infant.  The module will run over 12 weeks.

The module content will focus on the following themes:

• Embryology and fetal development
• Neonatal physiology and adaptations at birth
• Applied pathophysiology of specific body systems
• Effective history taking
• Examination of the newborn
• Normal parameters -      physical
• neurological
• developmental
• Major and minor congenital abnormalities
• Professional legal and ethical aspects
• Documentation
• Communication with and support for parents and family

The module teaching team includes experienced midwives, neonatologists, paediatricians and general practitioners. 

Target Market
Midwives, Nurses and other health professionals (e.g. GPs and NCHDs) working with newborn babies either in hospital or primary care settings.

Prerequisites
Participants must either:

• Be a registered midwife, general nurse or a registered public health nurse on the Register maintained by An Bord Altranais agus Chnáimseachais.
• Hold an active An Bord Altranais agus Chnáimseachais registration.
• Have two years post registration experience.

Or:

• Be a doctor holding an active registration with the Irish Medical Council.

And:

• Provide a letter of support from her/his Director of Midwifery, Nursing, Public Health Nursing assuring appropriate practice placements to meet the learning objectives.
• Provide a letter of support from a Consultant Paediatrician/Neonatologist assuring their support as a mentor for the clinical assessment components of the module.