Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit extends and integrates learning from MIDW335 Babies Needing Extra Care, through simulation laboratories and supervised clinical practice, with a focus on care of the neonate with complex needs including admission to a Special Care Nursery. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in neonatal care, meeting the needs of the family with a sick neonate and education requirements of families. Students will continue to participate in and learn from the Continuity of Care Experience (CCE). This unit is required by students to assist them to use theory to drive clinical practice in neonatal care and to understand needs of the family, inclusive of education needs.
The aim of this fourth Clinical Midwifery Practice unit is to build on students' previous and current learning including anatomy and physiological processes of childbearing to further contextualise their theoretical knowledge through clinical practice.
We recognise that people who access maternity care may have diverse gender identities, that those who do can experience marginalisation and oppression, and that using appropriate terminology can help with these community members’ recognition and visibility, acknowledge the variety of pregnancy and birth experiences people may have, and respect individuals’ preferences. To reflect this, terms such as ‘pregnant person’, ‘birthing person’, ‘childbearing people’, ‘parent’ and ‘chestfeeding’ may be used in the midwifery courses at ACU in addition to ‘woman’, ‘mother’, ‘maternity’, ‘maternal’ and ‘breastfeeding’, which are used not to exclude those who do not identify as a woman, but in recognition that women continue to be marginalised and oppressed in many places around the world and to respect their own individual preferences.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Apply legal and ethical frameworks, policies and p...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate competence in neonatal resuscitation;
Learning Outcome 02
Apply knowledge and skills to assess, plan, provid...
Learning Outcome 03
Reflect on learning to initiate and evaluate effec...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
Legal and professional practice
- Scope of practice
- Documentation and use of health informatics and health technology
- Medication knowledge and administration
- Med+Safe medication calculations
- Assertive communication skills
Midwifery knowledge and practice
- Special Care Nursery environment and equipment
- Thermoregulation devices
- Oxygen saturation equipment
- Assisted ventilation equipment
- Vital signs monitors
- Phototherapy
- Routine care of the neonate
- Gestational, physical and psychosocial assessment
- Hygiene
- Nutrition
- Immunisation
- Thermoregulation
- Developmental care
- Parental involvement
- Promoting bonding and attachment
- Resuscitation of the baby
- Oxygen therapy
- Continuous positive airways pressure
- Surfactant therapy
- Blood gases
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Breastfeeding
- Orogastric &/or nasogastric feeds
- IV therapy
- Breastmilk substitute feeds
- Fluid balance and electrolytes
- Neonatal medications
- Intravenous therapy and medications
- Care of the neonate with complex needs
- Respiratory distress
- Hypoglycaemia
- Jaundice and phototherapy
- Perinatal drug exposure
- Prematurity
- Sepsis
- Neurological disorders
Midwifery as primary health care
- Care of the family
- Support and counselling
- Involvement in care and decision-making
- Education - care of the baby
- Transition from hospital to home
- Transition to parenthood
Reflective and ethical practice
- Ethical issues in caring for neonates and their families
- Self-care strategies working in Special Care Nursery
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures consistent with University assessment requirements will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes.
The on-campus assessment will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate developed skills in the safety of a simulated experience using the Aboriginal 'hands on' way of knowing. The continued development of the professional midwifery portfolio will allow the students to showcase their learning experiences through clinical documentation and reflection (clinical and CCE) in a professional manner ensuring that documentation meets the professional legal requirements for practice experiences. Students must complete and pass all assessment as ungraded hurdle task.
These assessments are required to build student knowledge and skills which, by the conclusion of this program, will enable the student to graduate as a safe and effective midwife. For these assessments:
The reflective assessment is an “Ungraded Hurdle” (PASS/FAIL). Students will be offered two attempts to pass this assessment.
The On-campus Practice Competency is an “Ungraded Hurdle” (PASS/FAIL). Students will be offered two attempts to pass the assessment. The National Assessment Review Committee may, in exceptional circumstances, grant one further attempt ‘only’. Students must pass the On-campus Practice Competency to be eligible to attend professional experience placement.
The professional Midwifery Portfolio is an “Ungraded Hurdle” (PASS/FAIL) which comprises the midwifery professional experience placement. Students are required to document clinical experiences and complete the Australian Midwifery Standard Assessment Tool (AMSAT) as detailed in the assessment rubric. Students who do not pass the AMSAT first time will be provided a second opportunity through a negotiated clinical learning contract.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Reflective Activity Enables&n...
Assessment Task 1: Reflective Activity
Enables students to observe and reflect upon family centred care.
Pass/Fail
Assessment Task 2: On-campus Practice Competency ...
Assessment Task 2: On-campus Practice Competency
Enables students to demonstrate competency in professional behavour, communication skills and safe and effective implementation of midwifery skills and knowledge.
Pass/Fail
Assessment Task 3: Professional Midwifery Portfol...
Assessment Task 3: Professional Midwifery Portfolio.
Enables students to showcase their clinical experiences in a professional manner, inclusive of the Continuity of Care Experience, ensuring that documentation meets the professional and legal requirements for practice.
Pass/Fail
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Modes of delivery in this unit include group learning activities such as skill demonstrations, simulated practice, online classroom, supervised clinical practice, participation in Continuity of Care Experiences (CCE) and self-directed study. Development of knowledge, skills and understanding will also be supported using 'hands on' methods, story sharing, community linking and other Aboriginal ways of learning. Consistent with adult learning principles, the teaching and learning strategies used within these modes of delivery will provide students with foundational knowledge and skills relevant to professional midwifery practice. These strategies will also support students in meeting the aim, learning outcomes and graduate attributes of the unit and the broader course learning outcomes. Learning and teaching strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively with peers. Scenario-based learning, case-based learning, problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning are all used to support the development of students' independent learning ability.
Students undertaking a tertiary qualification need skills to assist them in managing their individual learning. Feedback and effective self-reflection are required to identify what is being done well, what requires additional work and to identify progress toward required learning outcomes. Located in the third year of the programme, this clinical unit assists students to link theory with its application and to build life-long learning skills. Group learning activities are utilised to convey content and central principles while laboratories and simulation deliver interactive learning sessions which assist student to apply theory to clinical practice and build critical reflective skills. The supervised clinical practicum of 240 hours in relevant health care settings (with a minimum of 80 hours in Special Care Nursery) provides a safe environment where students can provide assisted woman-centred care essential for successful graduate practice.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice
In connection to the learning outcomes, these Midwife standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts. They also inform women, and others including consumers, those who regulate, educate, collaborate with and manage midwives on what to expect from a midwife’s practice.
Relating to
Promotes health and wellbeing through evidence-based midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Identifies what is important to women as the foundation for using evidence to promote informed decision-making, participation in care, and self-determination
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Undertakes ongoing processes of reflection to ensure professional judgements acknowledge how personal culture impacts on practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Supports the development, implementation and evaluation of evidenced-based health initiatives and programs, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3
Relating to
Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Supports the choices of the woman, with respect for families and communities in relation to maternity care
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Partners with women to strengthen women’s capabilities and confidence to care for themselves and their families
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Practises ethically, with respect for dignity, privacy, confidentiality, equity and justice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Practises without the discrimination that may be associated with race, age, disability, sexuality, gender identity, relationship status, power relations and/or social disadvantage
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Practises cultural safety that is holistic, free of bias and exposes racism
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Practises in a way that respects that family and community underpin the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO3
Relating to
Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Understands their scope of practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Participates in own continuing professional development to maintain the required knowledge and skill base for safe and effective practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Uses relevant processes to identify, document and manage complexity and risk
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Recognises and responds appropriately where safe and quality practice may be compromised, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and wellbeing of self and others in relation to the capability for practice.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Relating to
Undertakes comprehensive assessments
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of women, communities and populations
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Uses assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Analyses information and data and communicates assessments and anticipated outcomes as the basis for midwifery practice, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Assesses the resources that are available to inform planning.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Develops a plan for midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Interprets assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan for practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Collaboratively develops plans until options, priorities, goals, actions, anticipated outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the woman, and/or relevant others
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Co-ordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Documents, evaluates and modifies plans to facilitate the anticipated outcomes.
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3
Relating to
Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2
Relating to
Is responsible for consultation and referral and/or escalation in situations that are outside the individual’s scope of practice, and
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2
Relating to
Provides and accepts effective and timely direction, allocation, delegation, teaching and supervision
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2
Relating to
Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4
Relating to
Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4
Relating to
Revises plan and actions based on evidence and what is learned from evaluation
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4
Relating to
Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development
Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3, LO4