AC6713 - Foundations Paediatric Intensive Care

What will I learn on this module?

The module is solely for professional staff working in the clinical area of paediatric intensive care. This module is delivered in practice to form part of a staff induction, preceptorship or an agreed development package The module enables the development of knowledge and skills in the care of a child or young person requiring intensive care. It is delivered in conjunction with the completion of clinical competencies as part of the induction/preceptorship/development period in the student’s workplace. Emphasis is placed on accurate holistic and family assessment together with the subsequent development and implementation of the appropriate management plans in order to provide efficient and effective therapeutic care interventions. Working with the Multi Professional Team (MPT) to ensure high quality care is a core underpinning of this module.

The summative assessment for the module will be through the submission of a portfolio of evidence, which includes a 2500 word reflective commentary, and evidence of clinical competence. Both parts of the assessment must be successfully achieved in order to gain academic accreditation. Formative feedback on progress will be via a designated mentor and / clinical educator. Summative feedback will be provided by written comments

Core concepts
• Critical illness Pathways
• The infant and Childs airway (Children are different)
• Maintaining the airway
• Intubation
• Non-invasive and invasive respiratory support
• Non-invasive and invasive monitoring
• Supporting the circulation
• Multi organ failure
• Assessment and care planning
• Management of Pain
• Management of sedation
• Family support
• Communication in PICU
• Care planning
• Evaluation of care

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, workshops, group work, use of on-line resources and discussion boards, supported by group/individual tutorials.
This varied approach allows you as an individual and with colleagues to question the knowledge base that underpins paediatric intensive care and informs your professional role.
Technology enhanced learning will facilitate your learning and enable flexibility and independence as you progress through the module; Blackboard Ultra will enable you to access general module information, review all taught content remotely and will host independent, interactive e-learning which will underpin taught sessions. You will have access to Panopto video recordings to enhance your understanding of the module and assessment requirements.
You benefit from feed-forward feedback, where your assessment becomes part of your learning and enables you to understand what you do well and what academic skills you need to develop during your foundation year.
You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and access to the full range of student administration and support services offered by Northumbria University which includes library and learning support outlined fully in the module handbook.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module team consists of experienced designated academics and clinical educators in practice. The module team will offer further support required and can be contacted via telephone, email, or in person – contact details are available via the elp, Blackboard Ultra on the programme and module sites.
Electronic media will support your learning, including opportunity for group learning. You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and specific support from the programme team with any specific IT issues related to the e-lecture packages. You will also have access to the full range of student administration and support services offered by Northumbria University, which includes library and learning support. In addition, you can access study skills support via Ask4Help and/or your student portal, details of which will be available on the module site via Blackboard Ultra. You will also have access to the NU connect app to enable you to view timetables and maps. Timetables will also be available online; you will also be supported by the module leader with general academic advice to help you achieve your full academic potential.
Additional needs can be discussed with the module tutor as they arise. If you have an existing disability which affects your study performance, or believe you may have a disability that impacts on your ability to learn, you may be eligible to access help from the university student support team. The student support team will liaise with module tutor to ensure you are offered appropriate support to help you get the most from your studies.
As there are clinical outcomes to be achieved students will be supported in practice by a designated preceptor/supervisor. They will also have individual tutorials with both the clinical and academic supervisor based around the module outcomes to provide guidance in their summative assessment.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Critically analyse aspects of normal and disordered physiology, demonstrate competence for accurate physiological and homeostatic measurements.
2. Critically examine the contribution that recent developments and current research in the management of CYP Critical care can make to the delivery of high quality care.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

3. Justify the importance and contribution of the multi-disciplinary team to the management of the child and young person in PICU and communicate effectively within the multi-disciplinary team when caring for infants and their families.
4. Critically analyse physiological, pathological, psychological, cultural and sociological factors that can influence the holistic management of an individual undergoing PICU care and their families and demonstrate the ability to develop a critical approach to decision making within their role utilising appropriate evidence.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the value base required for effective delivery of care; including themes such as safety, personal dignity, compassion, person centred care, evidence based practice, promotion of individuality, independence, rights and choice.

How will I be assessed?

The summative assessment will address all of the learning outcomes of the module and will involve 2 parts:


1. A critical reflective commentary (2500 words) providing an evaluation of your own learning in relation to an aspect of practice identified from the module content (MLO’s 1, 2 & 4).



2. Record of clinical competence (Pass/Fail) (MLO’s 3, 4 & 5).

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The aim of this module is to facilitate staff new to the specialty of PICU in developing a foundation of knowledge, skills and expertise in order to provide efficient and effective therapeutic care interventions, following a competence based education framework which enables the student to make independent decisions based on sound clinical skills and evidence.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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