Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400972

Coordinator Christine Taylor Opens in new window

Description This subject provides the student with knowledge of the theories of child development and the foundational knowledge and skills to be applied in the screening, surveillance and promotion of health and well-being of young children and families. This includes current immunisation schedules and use of evidence-based developmental screening tools. Content will focus on the normal physical, social and emotional growth and development of young children (0-5 years). The importance of the early years in brain development including infant-parent attachment will be linked to an exploration of child behaviour, sleep and settling, play and safety issues. The child and family health nurses' role in supporting families experiencing infant sleep and settling difficulties and behaviour problems will be addressed. The knowledge gained in this subject will be consolidated through virtual clinical placement.

School Nursing & Midwifery

Discipline Mothercraft Nursing and Family and Child Health Nursing

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4713 Master of Child and Family Health (Karitane), 4714 Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health (Karitane) or 4715 Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane).

Assumed Knowledge

Students require basic knowledge of infant and child health at an undergraduate level, augmented with clinical experience as a general Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse and incorporate the theories of child development (physical, cognitive social and emotional), and maternal-infant and parental-infant attachment, as applied to child and family health practice.
2. Apply age appropriate developmental tools to undertake a complete physical assessment of any child aged 0 to 5 years using evidence-based developmental screening tools and interpret the outcomes of the physical assessment using clinical judgement based of child development and range of expected 'norms'.
3. Utilise evidence-based developmental screening tools to support clinical decision making and practice in relation to common well child concerns for parents.
4. Critically discuss the interaction of child, family and community factors that influence child development (physical, cognitive social and emotional), including the importance of play to global child development.
5. Analyse and synthesise contemporary issues related to the need for immunisation and apply the current immunisation protocol in practice.
6.  Consider and relate knowledge to the provision of a safe environment for children others and staff.

7.  Synthesise current evidence to develop flexible individualised clinical management plans based on best practice principles to meet the unique needs of each family.

8. Apply communication and other technologies effectively in personal and professional learning.

9. Prioritise and select appropriate skills as a self- reliant learner to effectively work in groups and teams.

Subject Content

Module 1: Child Growth and development
- Pregnancy - foetal growth and development
- social and emotional development
- language and communication
- cognitive development
- Gross motor development
- foundational theories and principles of child development. including infant-parent attachment
- The Importance of play in child development
Module 2: Assessment and screening for growth and development
- appropriate tools for child growth and development assessment
- clinical skills for child growth and development assessment
- clinical knowledge and skills to support families experiencing infant/child sleep and settling difficulties
- common well child concerns for parents
- childhood behaviour
- childhood Immunisation as A protective health measure