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.  

2025 10

Campus offering

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  • Semester 1Multi-mode

Prerequisites

MIDW201 Clinical Midwifery Practice 3 OR MIDW224 Midwifery Professional Practice 4

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

Apply legal and ethical frameworks, policies and procedures to safe, culturally competent, evidence-based care for the neonate and family in the postnatal ward and Special Care Nursery;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC5, GC8, GC9, GC11, GC12

Demonstrate competence in neonatal resuscitation;

Learning Outcome 02

Demonstrate competence in neonatal resuscitation;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC8, GC12

Apply knowledge and skills to assess, plan, provid...

Learning Outcome 03

Apply knowledge and skills to assess, plan, provide and evaluate safe, competent, evidence-based, family-centred care for the neonate with complex needs within the context of the multidisciplinary team;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC8, GC9, GC11, GC12

Reflect on learning to initiate and evaluate effec...

Learning Outcome 04

Reflect on learning to initiate and evaluate effective learning and self-care strategies for themselves and others in relation to caring for neonates.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC9, GC11

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 follow through experience allows the student to observe and reflect upon the transition for a family from Special Care Nursery to home. The continued development of the professional midwifery portfolio will allow the students to showcase their learning experiences (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 tasks. 

These assessments are required to build student knowledge and skills which, by the conclusion of this programme, will enable the student to graduate as a safe and effective midwife.   

Overview of assessments

Follow through experience with a woman, neonate a...

Follow through experience with a woman, neonate and family 

Enables students to observe and reflect upon the transition for a family from Special Care Nursery to home. 

Weighting

Hurdle

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3, LO4

On-campus Practice Competency   Enables students ...

On-campus Practice Competency 

Enables students to demonstrate competency in professional behavour, communication skills and safe and effective implementation of midwifery skills and knowledge. 

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3

Professional Midwifery Portfolio.   Enables stude...

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. 

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

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 the the Continuity of Care Experience (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

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Australian College of Midwives [ACM]. (2021). National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral (4th ed.). Australian College of Midwives. 

Davies, L., & McDonald, S. (Eds.). (2020). Examination of the Newborn and Neonatal Health: A Multidimensional Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier. 

Gardner, S. L., Carter, B.S., Enzman-Hines, M., & Niermeyer, S. (2020). Merenstein & Gardner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Johnson, R., & Taylor, W., De-Vitry Smith, S., Bayes, S. (2018). Skills for Midwifery Practice Australian & New Zealand Edition (1st ed.). Elsevier. 

MacDonald, S., & Johnson, G. (Eds.). (2017). Mayes' Midwifery (15th ed.). Elsevier. 

Meeks, M., Hallsworth, M., & Yeo, H. (Eds.). (2013). Nursing the Neonate (2nd ed.). Wiley.

Sinha, S., Miall, L., & Jardine, L. (2017). Essential Neonatal Medicine (6th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. 

Wylie, L. & Bryce, H. (2016). The Midwives' Guide to Key Medical Conditions (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

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