Uniformity of qualification and competence throughout the UK can only be achieved by providing clear expectations of a standard knowledge content that supports skills performance in practice national drivers for nursing include standardisation of levels of competence. At QIS level the expectation is for the neonatal nurse to be able to apply knowledge to practice in terms of rationalising judgements, problem solving and making clinical decisions in order to optimise infant outcomes.
Competency within the RCN guidance (2011) at QIS level is presented across the seven Knowledge and Skills Framework (NHS, 2004) core dimensions and linked with the Neonatal Quality Framework (Scottish Government, 2013).
The above can be directly related to neonatal nursing practice and a core clinical skills set for neonatal nurses linking knowledge to skills development will be used. These skills in conjunction with those identified by BAPM and RCN in the Qualified in Speciality document have been utilised in the development of a competency tool. The tool has been contextualised to both special and intensive neonatal care and a clinical skills learning log has been developed which is used in the learning and assessment of this module.
The above skills acquisition, contributes to the development of the UWS Graduate Attributes: Universal - critical thinking, analytical, inquiring, culturally aware, emotionally intellligent, ethically-minded, collaborative, research-minded and socially responsible; Work Ready - knowledgable, digitally literate, effective communicator, motivated, potential leader, and Successful - autonomous, incisive, creative, resilient and daring.
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