It also signifies a shift from the traditional 'physician only' model of neonatal service delivery and establishes Neonatal Advanced Practitioners as important players in the delivery of new ways of working to provide consistent and quality critical care services for vulnerable neonates.
The overarching aim of this Postgraduate Certificate in Neonatal Advanced Clinical Practice programme is to enable neonatal practitioners to have the higher level knowledge, skills and behaviours that will establish them at the forefront of service leadership within a contemporary neonatal setting.
Why study this programme at Chester?
Practitioners are expected to work with neonates in a neonatal Unit that provides L3 or L2 categories of care. This programme of study aims to build on the students current knowledge and skills and to develop autonomous responsibility.
Features:
The content of the programme takes into account the need for Advanced Neonatal Practitioners who can demonstrate high levels of expertise and leadership and meets the national agenda for the development of advanced evidence based practice:
The programme aims:
- To promote learning opportunities which allow students to enhance professional knowledge and expertise within the sphere of a children and young people's workforce.
- To be pro-active in recognising the need for a transformational integrated children's workforce and to utilise best evidence to promote research-based changes and communicate conclusions clearly.
- To provide a robust theoretical underpinning for the key areas of competency.
- To facilitate the development of a range of Neonatal Advanced Practitioners, who will be fit for practice, purpose and award.
- To facilitate the critique and application of knowledge and evidence provided by the biological and social sciences.
- To enable postgraduates to develop higher knowledge and skills in communication, consultation and client health assessment.
- To enable postgraduates to innovate and apply contributions to the evidence base of practice and communicate conclusions clearly.
- To offer a dynamic and quality postgraduate educational experience relevant to Neonatal Advanced Practitioners.
This programme is delivered at the Riverside Campus in Chester.
Module:
(1) Complexities of Neonatal Developmental Anato
(2) Complexities of Neonatal Developmental Anatomy and Physiology
(3) Advanced Clinical Skills in Neonatal Practice
Programme Structure:
This is a part time postgraduate certificate programme which will normally be delivered over one calendar year. Students can take a flexible approach to completion and have up to three years to obtain the qualification.
All modules are worth 20 credits at level 7, and to be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Neonatal Advanced Clinical Practice the student must successfully complete the appropriate 60 credits.
Modules are designed and delivered in accordance with FHEQ, using their stated credit level descriptors as a reference point. The programme is linked to a higher education accreditation system, with existing mechanisms for the award of credit for appropriate learning and prior experiential learning.
The modules have internal integrity and are linked together to form a coherent programme of learning, but may also be undertaken as stand-alone modules. The modules are numbered and this denotes their 'normal' sequencing. Routes exist for the PG Certificate to be further developed into a PG Diploma or MSc Degree award.
Learning Sites - as determined by the Faculty of Health and Social Care.
Students will be exposed to a variety of assessment methods designed to ensure that the content, outcomes and level of the modules are measured in a fair and transparent manner.
Examples include:
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Knowledge and understanding will be tested through written assignments, examination, case presentation, individual case study and OSCE.
In addition where appropriate, a practice mentor will be allocated by the seconding authority.
Mentors will support the students in practice to meet the designated competencies and will need to be qualified as:
- Practice Educator (Nursing and Midwifery Council, NMC) stage three,
- Practice Educator and/or an Advanced Practitioner,
- Clinical Supervision (NMC) process will also be in place that will offer a robust support structure.
This programme provides the opportunity to take the next step to an advanced career role. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to practice at an advanced level, as well as the ability to critically appraise relevant health and social policy.
On successful completion you will be well placed for advancement in your neonatal nursing career , or perhaps to move into a research-based role In addition you will be eligible for career opportunities in management or education or perhaps the innovative Consultant Neonatal Nurse role.
- CRB status is the responsibility of the student's employer, to be verified on enrolment to programme by the University of Chester Admissions Office.
- Applicants will normally hold a first degree (second class honours or above) or equivalent qualification.
- Applicants without a first degree will be considered based on their potential to undertake academic study at level 7.
- All applicants must have a current and relevant workplace, or access to a relevant workplace during the period of study.
- All students should provide evidence of recent study or writing at an appropriate level.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an interview and an induction day, where they will be provided with information regarding study at level 7 and further programme details.
- At interview students will be offered appropriate programme guidance and development of a programme plan which will include, for example, anticipated module selections and a timescale for award. The Postgraduate Certificate is aimed at a range of professionals who are engaged in neonatal advanced clinical practice.
