Nursing - Examination of the Newborn

This programme is aimed to develop and advance the clinical skills of registered midwives to become competent practitioners in the complete (sometimes called 'discharge') physical examination and screening of the neonate.



An active learning format will empower you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in a variety of ways. These will include online lectures, tutorials and workshops in a simulated, virtual clinical environment, specified learning activities, and autonomous self-directed learning.



What Will I Learn?

• Students will be motivated to continue independent learning, facilitating adaptation to the dynamically altering environment within society and maternity care to empower personal and professional development within variable and diverse maternity care settings



• Demonstrate capacity to evaluate, critically analyse and apply research related to the examination of Newborn babies. Demonstrate the application and integration of best practice informed by national and international research in order to advance midwifery practice and delivery.



• Use technology effectively to enhance midwifery practice and personal and professional development ensuring a contribution to learning, and the delivery of safe, evidence based maternity care.



• Apply critical, creative, reflective, independent thinking and problem solving to demonstrate clinical decision making and care is safe, effective, evidence based and woman and family-centered. Promote leadership to evolve this midwifery led initiative.



• Communicate and collaborate effectively with women, their families, advocates, the public, and professional peers in a competent, compassionate and professional manner that respects autonomy, dignity and privacy. Refer appropriately to the multi disciplinary team.

Module/Trimester/Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

NMHS43380 Examination of Newborn 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 10

Applicants need a minimum of 2 years post registration experience in a postnatal/community or neonatal setting.



NB: Applicants must secure a Lead Clinical Mentor-Assessor within their practice setting and work with them to undertake thirty complete (discharge) examinations of the new-born. The assessed new-born examinations may be undertaken in a postnatal ward setting or possibly during a new-born clinic. The mentor-assessor should closely supervise the first 15 examinations, then appropriately monitor and assess the student's progress throughout the remainder of the clinical assessment component. The lead mentor/assessor should then conduct three, in-depth assessments of the student's competence for the final three new-born checks before signing the student off in all standards and elements of the complete examination and screening of the new-born.



Documents Required

• Degree transcript (unless ex UCD) or RPL

• Birth Cert or copy of personal page of passport

• Copy of current nursing registration PIN number

• Professional Reference Form

• Declaration Form

• Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.



Who Should Apply?

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

8 months part-time. Delivery: Blended.

X753: Professional Certificate in Examination of the Newborn Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career Opportunities

Students will be motivated to continue independent learning, facilitating adaptation to the dynamically altering environment within society and maternity care. The module is offered as part of the MSc in Advanced Practice (Midwifery) programme or as a stand alone module at level 9. On successful completion of the module 10 credits (ECTS) will be awarded.