QIS Specialist Programme

Prior to 2019, QIS provision within the network was provided by Oxford Brookes University (OBU) for Thames Valley and a Work Based Learning approach by Southampton University/University Hospital Southampton for Wessex, with other units accessing universities outside the network.  Growing disparity of course content and cost within the network providers, which reflected similarly with the national picture, was the driving force for the development of a Network programme.

The Network practice educators worked collaboratively to design a programme that met the requirements of the units, ‘designed by the Network for the Network’. This followed a similar model to the already successful TVW Neonatal Preceptorship programme. Susi Hill and Kim Edwards led the initial stages with Lindsey Macfarlane joining Susi in July 2020 to become QIS co-leads. Lynette Kinnaird joined the team in 2021 as programme administrator.

The aim was to secure a fit for purpose programme for the future of the neonatal workforce, with the intention of standardisation across the network, for transferability nationally and to provide value for money.

Mapping of other QIS programmes and key documents were adopted to underpin this programme:

• Career, Education and Competency Framework (RCN)
• Matching Knowledge and Skills for QIS Neonatal Nurses: A core syllabus for clinical competency documents (BAPM)

Following the publication of the QIS National Standards in October 2024, the TVW QIS Programme is now fully aligned with these standards.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The programme offers a mixture of structured learning, self-directed study, and practical learning in the shape of skills days and a clinical placement in a tertiary unit.

• The programme runs twice a year, with intakes in September and February
• It offers 13 study days utilising the expertise of medical, ANNP, AHPPP and nursing teams from the units across the network.
• The Work Based Learning is accredited by Kings College London, offering Level 6 or Level 7 studies with 30 CATS points or 15 ETCS

The majority of the course is delivered virtually (live online days) and uses an online learning platform, which increases accessibility.  The scheduled skills days are run face to face and the learners are allocated to attend at their closest tertiary unit. If learners are out of the Southeast Network, these days are negotiated with the QIS course leads. Further practical elements of the course are facilitated by the education teams within the individual units and the ongoing support of the course leads.

Learners must be NMC registered nurses or midwives with a minimum of one-year neonatal experience, although a longer consolidation period is advisable. Learners should be working in a Neonatal Unit to enable achievement of the learning outcomes and require one or two practice assessors/supervisors from their unit to support them throughout the course. Completion of a Neonatal Foundation Programme or equivalent is essential.

The cost per learners will vary depending on the cost of the WBL and the number of learners attending. 2025/26 cost: £2,100

You can download a PDF of the course syllabus here.

Assessment of knowledge and skills is through a written assignment, a completed practice assessment capability document and a clinical skills assessment.  The clinical skills assessments are facilitated within the learner’s own unit with their practice educator. Training is given to the educators by the course leads.

You are expected to participate in approximately 500 hours of learning, plus a 150 hour clinical placement in a NICU. If currently working in a NICU, you will be required to have 150 hours supernumerary time.