Post Basic Neonatal Nursing - College of Nursing Sciences, FMC Asaba, Onicha-uku

Advanced specialization in intensive care of newborn infants

12 Months Duration

Program Overview

The Post Basic Neonatal Nursing Program is a highly specialized 12-month intensive course designed for experienced nurses who wish to specialize in the care of critically ill and premature newborns. This advanced program focuses on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursing, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to care for high-risk infants and support their families during critical periods.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Provide specialized nursing care for critically ill neonates
Operate and monitor advanced neonatal life support equipment
Perform neonatal resuscitation and emergency procedures
Assess and manage neonatal pain and comfort
Provide family-centered care and emotional support
Collaborate with multidisciplinary neonatal care teams

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1 - Neonatal Foundations

Neonatal Anatomy and Physiology
Neonatal Pathophysiology
Neonatal Assessment and Monitoring
Respiratory Support Systems
Neonatal Pharmacology
Infection Control in NICU
Neonatal Nutrition and Feeding

Semester 2 - Advanced Practice

Critical Care Monitoring
Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP)
Surgical Nursing Care
Developmental Care Practices
Pain Assessment and Management
Family-Centered Care
Discharge Planning and Follow-up

Common Neonatal Conditions

Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Neonatal Sepsis
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Congenital Anomalies

Clinical Rotations

Level III NICU
Level II Special Care Nursery
Neonatal Transport Team
Cardiac ICU (Pediatric)
Neonatal Surgery Unit
High-Risk Delivery Room
Neonatal Follow-up Clinic

Specialized Skills Training

Technical Procedures

Intubation assistance
Central line care
Chest tube management
Peritoneal dialysis
Phototherapy management
ECMO support

Equipment Proficiency

Ventilators and CPAP systems
Incubators and radiant warmers
Cardiorespiratory monitors
Infusion pumps
Pulse oximetry and blood gas analyzers
Ultrasound machines

Program Details

Duration:	12 Months
Certification:	Neonatal Nursing Specialist
Accreditation:	NMCN Approved
Mode:	Full-time
Clinical Hours:	1,000+ hours
Preceptorship:	6 months supervised

Entry Requirements

Valid Registered Nurse (RN) certificate
Minimum 3 years clinical experience
Pediatric/NICU experience preferred
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Medical fitness certificate
Professional references
Age limit: Not above 40 years

Career Opportunities

NICU Staff Nurse
Neonatal Transport Nurse
NICU Charge Nurse
Neonatal Clinical Specialist
NICU Educator
Neonatal Research Coordinator
Pediatric ICU Nurse

Note: This is a highly demanding program requiring dedication and commitment to intensive study and clinical practice.

Post Basic Neonatal Nursing Program