Ministry of Health

NZ Government

    
 ©Copyright
 Published: 20/02/2009

The Newborn Unit Nursing staff consists of over 90 FTEs staff nurse positions, 14 senior nursing positions and Nurse Specialists (Advanced Neonatal Practice).  Nurses have the opportunity to work part time or full time and there is a choice to work either 8 or 12 hr shifts.  Enquiries about possible positions for neonatal nurses in Newborn Services should be directed to Dale Garton (Charge Nurse - Newborn).

Clinical Pathways Education Opportunities Orientation Programme Advanced Nursing Roles

Clinical Pathway for Nurses

What is this?

Auckland District Health Board has had a well-established Professional Development Programme (clinical pathway) for nurses since 1991. This programme has been based on Benner (1993) Novice to Expert.

The professional development programme provides a framework, which provides structured support, learning and feedback to assist nurses develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective patient/client care.

This programme is a means of recognising and differentiating the skill and competence levels of different nurse clinicians and prepares registered nurses to progress to fill advanced practice roles in patient care delivery and leadership.

A nurse may progress through four levels commencing at Novice (level 1) through to Expert (level 4). Level 3 and 4 are currently recognised and linked to a pay incentive.

What does this mean?

This means that you have a clinical career pathway to follow in neonates. The Newborn Service has integrated the use of the professional development programme from orientation of a new staff member to offering advanced clinical career opportunities within the speciality of neonates.

What Orientation Programme does the Newborn Service offer?

All nursing staff employed by the Newborn Service receives an orientation programme or sometimes called a preceptorship programme. This programme ensures all new staff entering the Newborn Service are given the knowledge and skills required to enable them to provide optimal care for all premature and sick neonates and their families within NICU Level two and the Parent Infant Nursery.

Individualised programmes take into account those staff with previous neonatal experience and their current level of expertise.

Progression to the Level 3 nursery usually occurs after a separate orientation programme designed to prepare the nurse for the specific needs of ELBW infants and respiratory technology.

What Education Opportunities are Available?

Auckland District Health Board has a strong commitment to ongoing education for nurses. Level 2, 3 & 4 of the Professional Development Programme is linked to an additional allowance for this purpose (Continuing Nursing/Midwifery Education fund)

The Newborn Service offers

• Regular Inservice education
  • Daily education sessions
  • Neonatal Resuscitation programme
  • Research journal club

The Newborn Service with Massey University jointly offers

• Postgraduate Neonatal Certificate
• Advanced and Expanded Nursing Roles programme - Science and practicum papers.

These two courses are offered on site in the Newborn Service.

The Newborn Service also supports nursing attendance and presentations at the New Zealand Association of Neonatal Nurses and Perinatal Society conferences and meetings.

Opportunities for Advanced Nursing Roles

The Newborn Service offers a diverse number of Advanced nursing roles. These roles make a strong contribution to the multidisciplinary team and outcomes for babies and families who come through the service.

• Clinical Charge nurses
• Family Liaison nurse (primarily providing a support and discharge planning role for parents)
• Clinical Nurse Educators
• Charge nurse – Newborn
• Lactation Consultant
• Homecare Nurse
• Research nurse
• Advanced Clinical Nursing Role (formerly called the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner)
• Neonatal Flight Transport Team

Reviewed by Dale Garton, November 2002