Unit Outline

This unit focuses on exploring the science of neonatology and examines the theoretical basis of pathophysiology, therapeutic intervention and evidence-based practice fundamentals that are essential to understanding the complex and critically ill newborn infant and the growing premature infant. It draws upon previously learned concepts to examine aspects of prematurity, or problematic adaptation to extrauterine life, and the consequential pathophysiological processes which may arise. Acute and chronic variations of health, as well as the diverse needs of premature and term newborn/neonates are analysed.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Describe the anatomy, physiology and integrated pathophysiology of complex and critically unwell neonates.
2.	Discuss the application of advanced therapeutic interventions including the interpretation of clinical investigations that support the management of complex and/or critically unwell neonatal patients.
3.	Use evidenced based literature to analyse and evaluate the clinical management of the complex and critically unwell neonatal patient.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Amendments were made to:

unit delivery from two streams, Neonatal Intensive Care and Special Care of the Newborn into one Neonatal Intensive and Special Care combined

content to meet the needs of Neonatal Intensive and Special Care combined

assessment tasks - description, criteria, length, weighting and due weeks.

reading lists

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Online Case Study Exam	Week 5	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Online Case Study Exam	Week 8	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Written Literature Review	Week 13	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Online Case Study Exam

Task Description:

This assessment task is an online case study comprising of short and/or long answer questions related to the theory covered in Module 1.

Task Length:

Case scenario responses equal to 1000 words

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply knowledge of the alterations to anatomy and physiology of the systems of preterm or critically unwell neonates to explain pathophysiological processes and rationale for clinical investigations.	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Demonstrates the ability to think in a critical manner while identifying clinical priorities related to the information presented in the case study.	LO2, LO3
3	Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of nursing interventions.	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Interpret and use scientific and clinical terminology appropriate to the neonatal health care setting.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Online Case Study Exam

Task Description:

This assessment task is an online case study comprising short and/or long answer questions related to the theory covered in Module 2.

Task Length:

Case Scenario responses equal to 1000 words

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply knowledge of the alterations to anatomy and physiology of the systems of preterm or critically unwell neonates to explain pathophysiological processes and rationale for clinical investigations.	LO1, LO2, LO3
2	Demonstrates the ability to think in a critical manner while identifying clinical priorities related to the information presented in the case study.	LO2, LO3
3	Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of nursing interventions.	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Interpret and use scientific and clinical terminology appropriate to the neonatal health care setting.	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Written Literature Review

Task Description:

In this assessment activity, you will be required to undertake a literature review related to one of the topics covered in Module 3 and Module 4.
You are expected to research quality academic sources, evaluate the evidence presented in the literature and, provide a critical analysis and synthesis of this evidence to build an informed opinion around the topic.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Communicate the nature of the topic to be investigated, and explain the basis for your selection of the literature used and the reason for choosing this topic.	LO3
2	Interpret relevant academic literature. Relate and integrate relevant knowledge from the literature to the topic.	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Summarise the research findings and provide recommendations for nursing practice.	LO1, LO2, LO3
4	Communicate clearly and succinctly using the current APA Style.	LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

Gardner, S., Carter, B., Enzman-Hines, M., & Niermeyer, S. (Eds.). (2020). Merenstein and Gardner’s Handbook for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing: An Interprofessional Approach (9th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier.

Kain V & Mannix T. (2022). Neonatal Care for Nurses and Midwives: Principles for Practice (2nd ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Kenner, C., Leslie Altimier, D. N. P., & Boykova, M. V. (Eds.). (2019). Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing Care. Springer Publishing Company.

Verklan, M. T., Walden, M., & Forest, S. (Eds.). (2020). Core Curriculum for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.