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A big thank you to our partners

All working toward optimising the neonatal experience for babies and families.

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Neonatal Nurses Association 

9 Riverside Walk, Dartford, Kent, DA1 5TN

EMAIL: [email protected]

Registered Charity in England & Wales number 295696. We also operate in Northern Ireland.

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Dräger is incredibly proud to support the NNA by sponsoring the NNA Shared Learning & Best Practice in Neonatal Care Scholarship.

Dräger is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology.

Visit the Dräger website:: https://www.draeger.com/en_uk/Home

The Kate Farrer Foundation was established in memory of Dr Kate Farrer, a distinguished neonatal consultant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and Transport Lead for the East of England. Sadly, Kate died in 2014 following a short illness. Her family set up a foundation in her name & have funded the Kate Farrer Scholarship since 2021.

Visit the Kate Farrer Foundation website: http://www.katefarrer.org/

The NNA is a member of the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) who we collaborate and partner with closely. COINN is a global organization that represents nurses who specialize in the care of newborn infants and their families. As a COINN partner, the NNA and its members are part of an international community and voice of neonatal nurses across the world. NNA members are automatically joined to COINN membership and can be a valued and integral part of this global voice.

Visit COINN: https://www.coinnurses.org/

Armstrong Medical is the proud sponsor of the NNA Team of the Year Award. Now part of Eakin Healthcare, the company supports neonatal teams across the world, working closely to understand the challenges and pressures faced.  The company join the NNA praising Neonatal teams for their inspirational work as they deliver care to the tiniest and most vulnerable patients.

Armstrong Medical provide options for heated resus, invasive and non-invasive ventilation. NeoFlow® is a complete range of critical and supportive respiratory solutions, designed to give neonates the best possible start in life, from their very first breath.

Visit the  Armstrong Medical website:

https://www.armstrongmedical.net/care-areas/neonatal-critical-care/

vCreate Diaries is a secure video messaging service providing reassurance to parents in NICUs. The vCreate team is working with us on awareness campaigns, communications and video projects to support families during their neonatal journeys.

Visit the vCreate website:: www.vcreate.tv/diaries

Band 8: Lead Neonatal Nurse Researcher / Neonatal Nurse Research Consultant

Coming soon

Band 7: Senior Neonatal Nurse Researcher

Coming soon

Band 6: Neonatal Nurse Researcher

Coming soon

Band 5: Neonatal Nurse

Coming soon

Network Governance

About the role
The requirement for this role is a senior neonatal nurse with a focus on wider governance issues for neonatal services within the network region focussing on 4 main duties:

– improving access to and egress to and from services at the right time 
– improve operational consistency
– increase productivity 
– improving neonatal outcomes through focussing on patient safety and working alongside families and staff. 

There is a requirement to complete reports reflecting the sharing of learning throughout the network. You would work with national bodies such as HSIB, PMRT and MBRRACE implementing and maintaining governance and quality taking effective action addressing any quality issues with stakeholders.

How to get in to it
This role requires an education to masters level or equivalent senior experience in engagement and leadership working in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams as well as several years of neonatal governance, managing and learning from clinical incidents identifying themes and disseminating learning; experience of QI and leading and managing change and good knowledge of governance processes. 

Other courses/CPD that may help 
Unfortunately there are no specific courses for neonatal governance, there are general development courses such as trust level RCA training, patient safety and human factors training, in house complaints management and duty of candour trust online training 

Governance Matron

About the role
The education lead will be responsible for leading the education team on the neonatal unit. The role often involves coordinating training and education, performance management, having difficult conversations and assessing staff competence

How to get in to it
You will need experience as a clinical educator, good leadership and communication skills and a passion for training and education. Speak to your line manager during appraisal

Essential courses
QIS

Other courses/CPD/resources that may help
NNA LEaRN Group –  https://nna.org.uk/special-interest-groups/linking-education-research-in-neonatal-care/
Leadership • PGCE • Communication skills courses – having difficult conversations, performance management, coaching etc. • Other teaching courses 

Risk Link Nurse

Coming soon

Governance role within wider nursing team/Risk Link Nurse

About the role
The role involves a good understanding of patient safety, reducing risk and minimising errors to avoid harm, usually through an incident reporting management system. The role is collaborative linking with co-dependent specialities at divisional safety forums to share and learn from multi-disciplinary incidents affecting neonatal care. This role works closely with neonatal educators to support development and training around patient safety events and supporting high quality care through monitoring and audit such as unit environment, QI projects, patient experience and staff satisfaction.

How to get in to it
Appraisal discussion with appraiser; speak with colleagues within your organisation who are employed in a similar role. Act as a role model, demonstrate an interest in patient safety, improving services through QI, audit, education.

Other courses/CPD that may help
Trust RCA training
Duty of candour training (usually in trust)
Patient safety training

Clinical Educator

The Clinical Educator will develop and deliver educational programs (including mandatory training), support clinical practice improvements, and promote evidence-based care for babies. They will mentor new staff and liaise with multidisciplinary teams to optimise neonatal care quality and safety. They may also work closely with the student nurses and ensure familiarity with equipment and national guidance.

Nursing Voice

Network educator

Nursing Voice

Hello, my name is Kim Edwards, and I am a Neonatal Nurse. I am currently the Lead Nurse and Workforce, Education Lead for the Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN)

I am an adult trained nurse and I moved into the specialty of neonates from a background in adult and paediatric intensive care. After completing the Neonatal Intensive Care Course in 1991 I have had various roles and responsibilities within neonatal nursing including leadership and managerial as a Senior Sister in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in education.
However, it was my interest and Lead Practice Educator role that led me into a Network Education role where I developed and implemented a Foundation Education Programme for new nurses to the specialty.

During this time, I undertook a master’s degree in professional health sciences at Southampton University which has provided me with skills, knowledge and confidence for my current role as Lead Nurse when writing proposals, business cases, understanding and interpreting data and using all available evidence to support neonatal nursing and services.

 

Education lead

The Education Team Lead will oversee the work & direction of the educator team. They work toward staff competency, compliance with national requirements and lead on performance management.

HEI Educationalist

A HEI Educationalist designs and delivers specialised education for student nurses. They will deliver the Childrens’ and Young People nursing course, that includes neonatal nursing. They integrate clinical practices and academic research to enhance skills and knowledge. They deliver a programme of education using multiple methods and evaluate and update curricula to reflect current best practice. They will have expertise in the subject area and support students to complete their education.

Nursing Voice

My name is Dr. Julia Petty, and I am a nurse lecturer specialising in children’s nursing with a particular interest in neonatal care. My nursing career in paediatric and neonatal clinical nursing practice began after a BSc Hons degree in Psychology at Warwick University, when I moved to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. Here, I trained in children’s and adult nursing before working there for many years in children’s and neonatal surgical care. I then gained my neonatal nursing qualification at St George’s NHS Trust London and worked at the Whittington NHS Trust NICU before moving back to Great Ormond Street for a senior education role on NICU where I worked until 2001. I then worked as Senior Lecturer at City University, London for 12 years leading the neonatal nursing education portfolio. I studied for a MSc, a PGCE and MA in academic practice during this time, In 2013, I moved to the University of Hertfordshire where my role is Associate Professor (learning and teaching) and Senior lecturer child nursing. I teach on the BSc Hons nursing and master’s degree programmes including leadership of modules, face-to-face/online teaching, assessing and supervision of students at all levels up to doctorate level.  I am also research active and have completed a Doctorate in Education. As a nurse, educator and post-doctorate researcher, my interests focus on parents’ premature birth experiences, supporting parents in the transition home from NICU, exploring communication needs of neonates and their carers and studying the educational value of digital storytelling. This combination and variety of roles enriches my working life and brings together my experience as a child / neonatal nurse, educator and researcher. My role and related activities enable me to engage in both education and research while supporting students on their nursing career and education pathway, which is a privilege to be part of.

Director

About the role
The Network Director provides overall leadership for the Network 

How to get in to it
The role of Network Director is one which can be undertaken by both clinical and non-clinical staff. This means that the candidate could be nursing, medical, AHP or via a business /management route 

Essential courses
A Master’s degree 

Other courses/CPD that may help 
Leadership 
Leading across Organisations 

Network Deputy Director/Senior Lead Nurse

About the role
Not all network structures are the same but some utilise the Senior Lead Nurse role as a deputy for the Network Director and as line manager to the expanding network team. The network has a vast work programme with a wide scope encompassing the work of the Quality Improvement lead nurses, Care Coordinators, Allied Health Professionals and Education team. The senior lead nurse maintains oversight of each team and supports progress with their work programme with direct line management responsibility for the team. The Senior Lead Nurse leads projects and innovations across the region and links to wider strategic regional and national initiatives.

If you are interested in the role and would like to see a copy of the job description email your ODN.

How to get in to it
You will need extensive neonatal nursing experience across a variety of roles such as education, management and advanced clinical practice support the development of your knowledge and experience. Network/strategic experience is also beneficial. Being involved in national groups and gaining experience beyond the neonatal unit is also required. 

Essential courses
Masters degree 

Other courses/CPD that may help 
Leadership 
Join NNA Special Interest Groups

Lead Nurse - Divisional Level

The Lead Nurse role at network level provides an interface between what is happening locally in units, specialised commissioning and nationally. The Lead Nurse at network level represents and advocates for neonatal nurses and the wider multidisciplinary workforce.

Nursing Voice

Hello my name is Claire Richards and I’m the Lead Nurse for the Wales Maternity and Neonatal Strategic Network. This covers nursing leadership but also Neonatal transport. I also have a clinical honorary contract in one Health Board.

27 years of my nursing career has been dedicated to neonates although I qualified as an adult trained nurse. As a result of obtaining my Foundation in neonatal care, Qualified in Speciality, a Degree in Professional Practice and being successful in my career progression, I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and skills to be in a senior leadership position. I have worked for the Network since its inception, leading in the development and delivery of the transport service, prior to gaining the Lead nurse position.

My role links with many services such as the Neonatal transport Group (NTG), UK Network Lead Nurse group, Welsh Ambulance, EMRTS etc. This is aside of the regular engagement I have with the Leads in Welsh Units and neighbouring services.

I absolutely love my role as every day is different, bringing new challenges and is extremely rewarding.

 

Hello, my name is Kim Edwards, and I am a Neonatal Nurse. I am currently the Lead Nurse and Workforce, Education Lead for the Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN)

I am an adult trained nurse and I moved into the specialty of neonates from a background in adult and paediatric intensive care. After completing the Neonatal Intensive Care Course in 1991 I have had various roles and responsibilities within neonatal nursing including leadership and managerial as a Senior Sister in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in education.
However, it was my interest and Lead Practice Educator role that led me into a Network Education role where I developed and implemented a Foundation Education Programme for new nurses to the specialty.

During this time, I undertook a master’s degree in professional health sciences at Southampton University which has provided me with skills, knowledge and confidence for my current role as Lead Nurse. In writing proposals, business cases, understanding and interpreting data and using all available evidence to support neonatal nursing and services.

The Lead Nurse role at Network level is pivotal as it provides an interface between what is happening in the units, specialised commissioning and NHS England, where I represent and advocate as the voice of neonatal nursing and the wider multidisciplinary team workforce.

What I enjoy about my role is that I can influence what happens in neonatal nursing and have a much wider impact by using all my knowledge and experience from many years as a clinical neonatal nurse and now within a senior neonatal nurse leadership role.
Neonatal nursing has always been a privilege.

Chief Nurse

Coming soon

Head of Nursing

Coming soon

Lead Nurse - Unit Level

Responsibilities include managing nursing staff, ensuring adherence to clinical and national guidelines, and maintaining high standards of patient care and safety. They will review and develop services and care provision.

Matron

A matron oversees the care of neonates. They manage nursing staff, ensure high standards of clinical practice, coordinate with medical teams, support families, and implement policies. Their role focuses on quality care, staff training, and resource management to ensure optimal neonatal health outcomes.

Nursing Voice

Hello, my name is Jean and I am a registered children’s nurse with 27 years experience. I qualified with a DipHE after struggling academically due to dyslexia. Over my career I have worked mainly in PICU, NICU and children’s cardiac critical care. I am dual qualified in speciality (QIS) for both Neonatal and Paediatrics. The QIS program is a post graduate modular course completed at level 6/7. To be considered QIS you must successfully complete 4 separate modules, each have an academic and practical component. Only on completion of the QIS course can you apply for a band 6 role. In addition to the above qualifications it is expected you would have several years proven experience in speciality at Band 6 and 7 prior to applying for a Matron’s role.

I see the role of Matron as a bridge between services, departments, teams and individuals. I really enjoy being able to see middle ground and find new solutions to complex situations. I pride myself on ensuring the family’s interests remain at the heart of any decisions we make as a team. The role can be challenging, and at times frustrating but also extremely rewarding.

Resources

The NNA offers access to a Managers and Matrons Group.

Unit Manager

A neonatal ward manager oversees the care of babies born premature or sick. They manage staff, coordinate with the wider professional team, ensure compliance with regulations, monitor benchmarking and performance, and provide guidance to the team.

Resources

The NNA offers access to a Managers and Matrons Group.

Shift Coordinator

About the role
 A Shift Leader on the neonatal unit holds supernumerary status to support the daily activities on the Neonatal Unit. They offer clinical expertise and advice to both nursing and medical staff in order to optimise care for babies and families. 

Shift Leaders enhance patient experience by working within the multidisciplinary team in the assessment planning and delivery of care for neonates. Shift Leaders are expected to outline development opportunities and contribute towards ongoing development of the unit. 

A Shift leader needs the ability to organise, prioritise and coordinate own and others work on a shift-to-shift basis. 
 
How to get in to it
Discuss with senior members of the MDT team and identify in your appraisal. Discuss with your Line Manager. Choose an area of specific interest to you within neonates which you can develop within the unit & become involved in any projects in relation to this. Attending deliveries and further exposure too ITU/Escalation Scenarios. 
 
 Other courses/CPD that may help 
 – Leadership 
 – Courageous Conversation Course 
 – Mentorship Qualification 
 – Venepuncture & Cannulation 
 – Clinical Governance & Education 
 – Safeguarding Children – Level 3 
 – ATAIN Modules 

Nurse Consultant

A Neonatal Nurse Consultant is an advanced practice nurse. They provide expert clinical care, lead neonatal nursing practices, develop services and ensure high standards of care. 

Nursing Voice

Senior ANNP

The Senior ANNP role will likely include line managing ANNPs and trainee ANNPs, as well as covering clinical shifts supporting the consultant and junior medical team on the neonatal unit, delivery suite and the postnatal ward.

Senior ANNPs will also sit on working groups and attend strategic meetings to ensure the highest quality of care for all babies and families.

Nursing Voice

Hi, I’m Adele Farrow and I am the Lead ANNP on a level 2 neonatal unit.

My role includes line managing the other ANNPs and trainee ANNPs on the unit, as well as covering clinical shifts where I support the consultant and junior medical team on the neonatal unit, delivery suite and the postnatal ward. I also sit on a number of working parties and attend strategic meetings to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality of care to all our patients. I am currently leading the development of the transitional care unit, working closely with midwifery and neonatal colleagues to decrease separation of families.

I completed by Childrens’ Nursing degree back in 2005 and then started working on a tertiary neonatal unit. I knew neonates was where I wanted to work so I then completed my QIS course and got promotion to Band 6. I observed some fantastic ANNPs in practice and decided that would be my career path. I completed my ANNP course in 2013 in Southampton and then completed my Masters Dissertation in 2016. I then enjoyed a period of consolidating my practice on a tertiary unit and later as a Transport ANNP on a regional transport team.

I enjoy simulation and resuscitation training so also instruct on NLS and ARNI courses. I have also completed a scholarship through the NNA which I thoroughly enjoyed, and this gave me real insight into possible improvements with the neonatal setting and gave me new aspirations for my future.

Last summer I applied for my current job as a Lead ANNP. I can honestly say I feel incredibly lucky to have my dream job and love coming to work. I particularly enjoy the multi-professional working, especially working as part of an established perinatal team. I don’t think I will ever get bored of attending deliveries and supporting babies on their transition to independence as well as using my extended clinical skills. I also enjoy the managerial aspects of my role, developing the service both locally and on a national level.

Resources

The NNA offers access to an ANNP Group . Members of the NNA can access the back catalogue of recorded ANNP Group meetings and webinars, each with a focus on one of the 4 pillars of advanced practice. View recorded events.

ANNP (Tier 1 – suggested years 1-5)

The role of the Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP) is defined by the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical practice, leadership, education, and research. ANNPs provide advanced clinical care, lead and mentor within the neonatal unit, educate & support healthcare staff and families, and engage in research to improve neonatal outcomes. ANNPs develop and implement care plans, contribute to policy development, and lead quality improvement initiatives, ensuring evidence-based, ethical, and high-quality neonatal care.

Resources:
The NNA offers access to the NNA ANNP Group.

Members of the NNA can access the back catalogue of recorded ANNP Group meetings and webinars, each with a focus on one of the 4 pillars of advanced practice. View recorded events.

Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Capabilities Framework: A BAPM Framework for Practice – ANNP_Capability_framework_-_for_publication_10-5-21.docx.pdf (hubble-live-assets.s3.amazonaws.com)

ANNP video by J O’Keefe – Advanced Practice Film on Vimeo

Trainee ANNP

The trainee advanced neonatal nurse practitioner role is an extension and enhancement of the skills acquired as a senior staff nurse in neonatal care. The position encompasses academic work and practical training, necessitating university attendance, completion of relevant assignments and advanced practice competencies with supervision from the medical team. The role involves working with the whole multidisciplinary team, providing support to peers and independently developing skills. These skills include conducting assessments and formulating clinical management plans tailored to the needs of the infants and their families, aiming to gain autonomy within the role.
[Source: Wesell El Hag, Trainee ANNP)

Resources

The NNA offers access to the NNA ANNP Group. Members of the NNA can access the back catalogue of recorded ANNP Group meetings and webinars, each with a focus on one of the 4 pillars of advanced practice. View recorded events.

Enhanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ENNP)

The Enhanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ENNP) provides care for newborns with complex health needs. ENNPs perform clinical assessments, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and manage care. Their role integrates enhanced nursing practice, education, and leadership, ensuring high-quality neonatal care and supporting family-centered approaches.

Transport

A Neonatal Transport Nurse will:
– Undertake the transfer of critically unwell babies, working closely with other members of the transport team
– Undertake palliative care transfers for babies and families
– Undertake nurse-delivered transfers independently, with remote support from the medical tier

Fundamental to this is:
– Supporting parents during stressful transitions between hospitals
– Supporting referring staff who are involved with the stabilisation of babies prior to transfer
– Teaching and supporting members of the transport team
– Working on audit and service development/QI projects within the transport service
– Day to day elements of this role include:
– Checking transport equipment to make sure it is ready for use
– Maintaining familiarity with all transport equipment to ensure continued expertise
– Planning and prioritising transfers

Resources

The NNA offers access to an Neonatal Transport Special Interest Group. Members of the NNA can access the back catalogue of recorded Neonatal Transport SIG meetings and webinars. View recorded events

NTG webpage

Community Outreach

A neonatal outreach nurse supports families on their transition from the post natal ward, neonatal unit or transitional care service to home. They support families in the community with:
– babies who were born prematurely
– being discharged home at a low weight
– going home on low flow oxygen
– supporting early discharge home part tube feeding to establish full oral feeds at home- offering home phototherapy support to prevent readmission to hospital
– palliative or end of life care at home

Resources

Blog by Jo Bennett – Family Support on the Neonatal Unit and after Discharge – Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA)

The NNA will soon launch a Neonatal Outreach Special Interest Group. To register interest in this group, please email us.

Transitional Care

Transitional Care (TC) is care additional to normal infant care, provided in a postnatal clinical environment by the mother or other resident carer, supported by appropriately trained healthcare professionals, including neonatal nurses.
If you work on TC you will gain exposure to:
– babies requiring feeding support
– jaundiced babies on phototherapy and requiring frequent blood tests
– stable babies born between 34 weeks to 35+6 weeks gestation
– significant neonatal abstinence syndrome
– babies requiring medication

Resources

You can view recorded webinars about Transitional Care in the Members Area of the NNA website.

The NNA will shortly launch a Transitional Care Special Interest Group. For more information, please email us.

CPD examples:
East of England ODN Neonatal Transitional Care Programme – Applications-are-open-for-The-neonatal-Transitional-Care-Programme.pdf (eoeneonatalpccsicnetwork.nhs.uk)

Edinburgh Napier

‘Working with families to transition from neonatal units to home’ e-learning for health module.

Newly Qualified Nurse

A newly qualified nurse will have completed their undergraduate degree and secured a role as a neonatal nurse.

There will likely be an induction programme designed by the ODN Neonatal Clinical Educators to support newly qualified nurses. 

An induction programme might include topics such as:

Basic Clinical Observations and Assessment of the Neonate – Aim: To be able to complete a full and comprehensive assessment of the neonate.

Nutrition and Fluids – Aim: To provide adequate and appropriate nutrition using skills and knowledge to encourage healthy growth.

Infection Control – Aim: To provide a healthy and safe environment and take steps to prevent and treat neonatal sepsis.

Skin Integrity – Aim: To maintain healthy skin integrity

Jaundice – Aim: To identify jaundice and treat accordingly.

Medicines Management – Aim: Can administer medications safely and competently.

Family Integrated Care – Aim: The nurse is able to provide Family Integrated Care.

Recognising the deterioration of the neonate – Aim: The nurse is able to recognise when an infant is deteriorating and initiate resuscitation.

Pain management and assessment – Aim: The nurse understands how to assess and manage infant pain.

Admission, Discharge and Screening – Aim: To provide holistic care from Admission to Discharge.

Professional Conduct, Communication and Documentation – Aim: To work in accordance with the NMC standards and maintain professional accountability.

(The Network Educators of the Yorkshire & Humber Neonatal ODN generously shared this example induction programme content with us, with permission to share here. Thank you to them.)

Neonatal ODNs will each offer a programme of educational support. For example, the Yorkshire & Humber Neonatal ODN, offer a Foundation Programme for newly qualified nurses, and those new to neonates, once they’ve completed their induction [LINK]

The NNA offers online and in-person learning events & opportunities, as well as Special Interest Groups, scholarships and access to the Journal of Neonatal Nursing.

Resources

The NNA has a number of Special Interest Groups hosting regular meetings to share learning, experiences and encourage collaboration. You can join one or more of our Special Interest Groups.

You can access NNA recorded events including ‘Turning your dissertation into a publication’ and ‘Interview Skills’ via the NNA website.

Read this blog about the Neonatal Foundation Programme by Nicola Hunt – Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA).

Quality Roles

Infant feeding

An infant feeding lead supports feeding practices for newborns, ensuring optimal nutrition. They provide guidance on breastfeeding, expressing, bottle-feeding, and managing feeding difficulties. They work closely with the wider healthcare team, educate parents & colleagues, and implement policies to improve feeding outcomes for preterm and sick babies.

Nursing Voice

Neonatal Infant Feeding Coordinator

Hi, I am Amanda and work as the Neonatal Infant Feeding Coordinator for a NICU and a SCBU within one service. While the role is not standardised, many neonatal units now have dedicated posts.

I trained as a child branch nurse but knew I wanted to work within the neonatal unit as a student. Upon qualification, I worked within neonatal units and the paediatric community but I always had an interest in infant feeding. I transferred my community skills into neonatal care and gained my Qualification in Speciality.

I worked in a dedicated lead post on a neonatal unit and within the community. I am now back to working in a dedicated role for infant feeding and supporting the units through our Neonatal BFI journey.

As well as my nursing training and ensuring I was up to date with my mandatory infant feeding training in post, I also trained as a volunteer breastfeeding peer supporter and provided support in my community. I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Since, I have undertaken BFI’s train the trainer course, which supports me in delivering education to colleagues, and developed my skills to carry out audits and embed the neonatal standards.

I work closely with our allied healthcare professionals. I would not be without them, as we learn so much from one another and are able to support families and babies from so many angles. If not combined into one role, posts like mine will also find that they work very closely and synergistically with their Family Integrated Care (FICare) and Developmental Care leads.

This is my dream job, and I love supporting families and my colleagues. Seeing a colleague deliver support to parents that they learned on a teaching update and the pride in a mother’s face when she collects a drop of colostrum for her preterm or sick baby are experiences I never tire of.

Resources

Lactation After Loss: Choices for Bereaved Parents – Online Course – FutureLearn

Bereavement & Palliative Care

Neonatal bereavement and palliaitve care nurses provide support, and practical guidance to parents and families facing or experiencing the loss of their baby or babies. They provide compassionate care and facilitate memory-making and parental choice at a difficult time. They also deliver education and implement policies and guidelines to support their colleagues.

Resources

Blogs: Developing Bereavement Support by Jo Bennett – Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA)

Establishing a Bereavement Care Team by Maddie and Elle (St Michael’s Hospital, UHBW) – Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA)

NNA Palliative Care SIG

The National Neonatal Palliative Care Project

Loss of a Baby in Multiple Pregnancy: Supporting Grieving Parents – FutureLearn

Lactation After Loss: Choices for Bereaved Parents – Online Course – FutureLearn

Developmental Care

Developmental care involves providing individualised care to support preterm or sick babies’ neurodevelopment, minimise stress, and promote bonding with parents.

Resources

CPD examples:
– Sensory Beginnings – Neonatal Nurse Course 
– FINE training – family and infant neurodevelopmental education
– NBO training – newborn behavioural observations 

Consolidation of QiS

Coming soon

Completion of QiS

Coming soon

Completion of formal preceptorship programme competencies

Resources
 
Read this blog about the Neonatal Foundation Programme by Nicola Hunt – Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA).

Nursing Associate

A neonatal nursing associate supports registered nurses in providing care to babies and families. They assist with feeding and monitoring vital signs.

Pre-registration Nurse

As a pre-registration student undertaking a children’s nursing programme, you will hopefully get an opportunity to gain a practice placement on a neonatal unit that offers an opportunity to work within special care, high dependency and intensive levels of care, under the supervision of practice staff. Some Universities accommodate all their students to ensure this neonatal-specific experience happens, while for others, you might need to arrange this experience as an ‘elective’ placement. The latter would also apply to a student on an adult nursing programme.

Placements on a neonatal unit vary between on average 6 to 12 weeks depending on your year of study and whether students have supernumerary status. Student midwives also undertake varying lengths of time on a neonatal unit to gain clinical exposure to babies requiring special care.

Resources

To find out more about neonatal placements as a student, view our NNA webinar -‘Making the most of the neonatal placement‘.

The NNA has a number of Special Interest Groups hosting regular meetings to share learning, experiences and encourage collaboration. You can join one or more of our Special Interest Groups and gain access to the Journal of Neonatal Nursing by becoming a member of the NNA.

As a pre-registration nurse, you can join the NNA for free.

You can access NNA recorded events including ‘Turning your dissertation into a publication’ and ‘Interview Skills’ via the NNA website.”

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