Newborn and Infant Physical Examinations (NIPE) Level 6

Program Overview

Professional Education

Study

Newborn and Infant Physical Examinations (NIPE) Level 6 (6KMWPQ01)

Course Overview

The aim of this module is to prepare the midwife with the knowledge and understanding required to undertake a Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) in line with local and national evidence-based guidance.

Course Details

• Duration: 2 months
• Fees: £3,650.00
• Credit level: 6
• Credit value: 30
• Delivery mode: Blended
• Application deadline: 15 March 2026
• Places: Course closed

Course Features

Module content will include:

• National guidelines and key performance indicators for NIPE. Use of the national S4N IT system to record examinations and "Red Book" documentation
• Morphological examination, including examination of mouth and palate using a tongue depressor and torch; examination of the eyes for congenital cataracts using an ophthalmoscope
• Cardiac examination, including the use of a stethoscope to detect cardiac murmurs and palpation of thrills, heaves, and femoral pulses
• Abdominal examination including palpation of the newborn infant's liver, spleen, kidneys, and genitalia. Neonatal jaundice
• Examination of the skeletal system and Ortolani and Barlow's to detect developmental dysplasis of the hips
• Rashes and birthmarks
• Neurological examination including Moro reflex
• Gestational assessment
• Neonatal sepsis
• Neonatal thermoregulation and glucose metabolism
• Giving challenging news
• Safeguarding

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and understanding of national screening and diagnostic tests for newborn infants and associated ethical dilemmas
• Demonstrate a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and clinical skills to undertake a NIPE (Newborn and infant Physical Examination)
• Being an accountable, autonomous, professional midwife, keep and securely store, effective records for the newborn infant
• Critically evaluate approaches for building relationships and sharing information effectively in difficult conversations about newborn infants and giving challenging news
• Critically review evidence-based, best practice approaches for first-line management of complications and additional care needs of the newborn infant: including support, referral, interdisciplinary and multiagency team working, escalation and follow-up, as needed.

Entry Requirements

This course is for qualified Midwives.

Before you apply for this course, please confirm the mentorship for the NIPE examinations has been agreed upon by your employer/ NHS Trust beforehand.

Assessment

• MCQ exam
• OSCE
• Clinical Assessment Document

Teaching Schedule

Term 3 - 22/04/2026, 29/04, 06/05, 13/05, 20/05, 27/05, 30/06

Key Information

• Course code: 6KMWPQ01
• Offered by: Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care