Essentials of Nursing Sick Newborns

Course Overview

The Essentials of Nursing Sick Newborns course is designed to introduce nurses working with sick newborns to essential knowledge and skills. The course is run by the Harry Crossley Children's Nursing Development Unit in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Cape Town.

Course Details

• Dates: 26 January 2026 to 24 May 2026
• Venue: Fully online with Amathuba (UCT's E-Learning Platform)
• Time: 16-week course consisting of a range of teaching and learning activities, requiring approximately 4-5 hours weekly. An assignment is due each week on a Sunday evening. All activities completed in your own time.
• Course Fee: R 7,860 per person (includes full online access to course material and support from specialist Children's Nursing educators)

Entry Requirements

• Registered Nurses (Professional and Enrolled)
• Must be currently working with sick newborns at any level of health facility
• No need to be working in a dedicated neonatal setting

Course Objectives

The course aims to introduce nurses working with sick newborns to essential knowledge and skills. An assessment of clinical skills competence in the participants' clinical setting is recommended.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Articulate their role, within the complex system and environments in which newborns are nursed, to ensure safe and efficient care for best possible outcomes.
2. Explain the anatomical, physiological, and developmental differences for different gestational age and weight of newborns, and how this impacts the response to illness and the required nature of care.
3. More confidently provide safe, quality, evidence-based nursing care to sick newborns using the Newborn Regul8 Framework as a guide.
4. Recognize and utilize the important supportive role and resource of the principal caregiver and family in the pathway of a sick newborn.

Certification

A digital certificate will be issued to participants who have completed and submitted all learning activities and assignments to an adequate standard.

Application and Payment

• Places on the course are limited and allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.
• Last date for applications: Friday, 26 September 2025
• Full payment is required within 4 weeks of being offered a place. Failure to make payment within this time will result in loss of the place on the course.
• Limited Children's Nursing Development Unit (non-SA) bursaries are available.

University of Cape Town: A Summary

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Overview:

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a globally recognized university located in South Africa. It is committed to unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society, with a focus on transformation, sustainability, and excellence. UCT is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to social responsibility.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context does not offer specific details about student life and campus experiences at UCT. However, it highlights the university's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

International Recognition:

UCT graduates hold qualifications that are recognized globally.

Social Justice Focus:

The university emphasizes values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

Research Excellence:

UCT is a leading research institution in Africa, contributing to new knowledge and addressing global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals:

UCT is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges through research.

Transformative Initiatives:

UCT is actively involved in initiatives like the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme and the 100UP programme, which aim to address critical issues in healthcare and education access.

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Academic Programs:

The context mentions the university's commitment to generating new knowledge in, for, and from Africa. It also highlights specific research achievements, such as identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains. However, it does not provide a detailed list of academic programs offered at UCT.

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Other:

UCT is ranked among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The university is actively involved in various initiatives to address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare access.