Your Professional Pathway in Neonatal Nursing – QIS Foundation
When you first start working in your unit, you will begin your QIS pathway by enrolling in the QIS Foundation Programme. This pathway is designed to support your progression in neonatal care by empowering you to steadily build knowledge, clinical competence, resilience, and confidence. After completing the Foundation Programme, you will be encouraged to take time to consolidate your learning. If applicable, you will then move on to the next stage—the QIS Specialist Programme—where you work towards achieving full Qualified in Specialty (QIS) status. Both stages are essential to gain this qualification.
Whether you are just beginning your neonatal career or seeking to refresh your knowledge, the Thames Valley and Wessex (TVW) QIS Foundation Programme is here to help you meet your learning goals, build confidence, and progress within your unit.
Our programme provides a structured and supportive pathway for those transitioning into neonatal care—whether from Student to Registered Nurse, Midwife, Nursing Associate, Nursery Nurse, or Healthcare Assistant, or when entering a new speciality.
We use a blended learning approach that combines flexible, self-paced online modules with interactive face-to-face study days and hands-on training within neonatal units. This comprehensive model builds knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for babies and their families.
The TVW QIS Foundation Programme aligns with nationally agreed standards to ensure consistency across services. It champions Family Integrated Care, adopts a psychologically informed approach, and embeds principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through interprofessional learning and evidence-based practice, we also focus on shaping a positive workplace culture and supporting staff wellbeing.
To express your interest in joining the programme, please connect with your unit’s Practice Educator. They will provide you with the digital application form for completion and submission.
The TVW QIS Foundation Programme has a rich history of developing neonatal expertise. The TVW Foundation Programme was initially developed as a Preceptorship/Foundation Programme by Kim Edwards and piloted in the Wessex region in October 2014.
Thanks to the strong positive feedback from all stakeholders, the programme was expanded to include the Thames Valley region. Over time, it has undergone significant development, embracing technological advancements to offer a comprehensive, blended learning experience. This programme is now accessible to you from the moment you begin working in a neonatal unit, whether that is within the TVW region or wider afield.
The TVW QIS Foundation Programme combines self-directed study, in-person learning, diverse assessment methods, and essential clinical placements within a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or a unit of a different designation. Here are the key features that make this programme flexible and effective:
- Flexible Start Date: We offer rolling registration, allowing you to begin the programme as soon as you commence your role in a neonatal unit.
- Blended Learning Format: The programme consists of 10 self-guided domains and two in-person study days. These sessions leverage the expertise of medical, Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP), Allied Health Professional (AHP), Pharmacist, Psychologist, and nursing teams from units across our network.
- Varied Assessment Methods: Engage with our content through interactive questions, comprehensive capability assessment, practical clinical workshops, and written assignments.
- Integrated ELfH Resources: Relevant E-Learning for Health (ELfH) packages are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum to enrich your learning experience.
| Domains |
| 1. Personal and professional development |
| 2. Overview of neonatal services |
| 3. Fluid, electrolyte, nutrition, feeding and elimination management |
| 4. Respiratory and cardiovascular care |
| 5. Neurological and infant neurodevelopmental care |
| 6. Thermoregulation, skin, hygiene, infection prevention and infection |
| 7. Admissions, stabilisation, transfers and discharges |
| 8. Surgical care |
| 9. Palliative and bereavement care |
| 10. Psychologically informed neonatal care |
| Live Study Days |
| Patient Safety Study Day-face to face |
| Communication Study Day-face to face |
While the full QIS pathway is designed primarily for Registered Nurses and Midwives, the Foundation Programme is also open to other healthcare professionals working in neonatal settings who provide cot-side care. However, completing the Foundation alone does not lead to the QIS qualification.
Examples of professionals who can access the QIS Foundation Programme include:
- Newly qualified Registered Nurses and Midwives
- Paediatric Nurses on rotation
- Nursery Nurses, Nursing Associates, and Support Workers
- Allied Health Professionals, Psychologists, and Pharmacists
- Paramedics
We encourage learners to start the QIS Foundation Programme within their first month in a neonatal setting and aim to complete the programme within nine months.
- Foundation Programme: £450
- Foundation (Nursery Nurses, Nursing Associates, Nurses on Rotation): £350
DOMAIN 1: Personal and Professional Development
DOMAIN 2: Overview of Neonatal Services
DOMAIN 3: Fluid, electrolyte, nutrition, feeding and elimination
| Teamwork and Compassionate Leadership
Professional Development Communication and Documentation Clinical Governance Equality and Diversity Legal and ethical principles Safeguarding Engagement and Quality Improvement |
| Levels of Care
Neonatal care pathway and service structure The Neonatal Team Neonatal associations and other drivers |
| Embryology, A&P
Breastfeeding and breastmilk Creating relationships Alternative enteral feeding methods Nutritional care, fluid balance and growth Renal System Conditions and complications Jaundice, hyperbilirubinaemia, phototherapy |
DOMAIN 3a: Lines and Fluids
DOMAIN 4: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Care
DOMAIN 5: Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Care
| Medicines management
Parenteral Nutrition Common medication and fluids Blood products Care of indwelling lines |
| Respiratory embryology, A&P
Assessment and monitoring Blood gases Recognising deterioration Radiography Non-invasive respiratory care Invasive respiratory care Respiratory Conditions Cardiac embryology, A&P Cardiac Conditions Haematology Resuscitation and stabilisation |
| Embryology, A&P
Neurodevelopmental care and role of the family Pain, distress and discomfort Neurological conditions |
DOMAIN 6: Thermoregulation, Skin, Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Infection
DOMAIN 7: Admissions, Stabilisation, Transfers and Discharges
DOMAIN 8: Surgical Care
| Embryology, A&P
Thermoregulation Skin Hygiene Infection and Sepsis Strategies to minimise infection |
| Maternal health factors
Stabilisation Admission process Transfers Discharge process Outreach Screening |
| Embryology, A&P
Introduction to neonatal surgery Common Surgical Conditions Post-operative care |
DOMAIN 9: Palliative and Bereavement Care
DOMAIN 10: Psychologically Informed Care
ASSESSMENT METHODS
| Introduction to Palliative and Bereavement Care |
| Infant wellbeing on the neonatal unit
Staff wellbeing on the neonatal unit Family/carer wellbeing on the neonatal unit |
| Completion of theory (Moodle)
Knowledge assessments Critical analysis of an article Presentation of case study
Assessed in own unit: Capability document IV certificate (B5 only) Clinical Skills Assessment Handover task |
- Completion of theory (Moodle)
- Knowledge assessments – Moodle Quizzes
Assessed by ODN team:
- Critical analysis of an article
- Presentation of case study
Assessed in own unit:
- Capability document
- IV certificate (B5 only)
- Clinical Skills Assessment
- Handover task
You are expected to participate in the following hours of learning:
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities (contact hours) | |
| Self-directed online learning | 7.5hrs per domain – 75hrs |
| Face to face study days | 15 hours |
| Assessment | |
| Completion of PAD | Ongoing on unit throughout the 9months |
| Assignments | Additional time agreed by individual unit |
Acknowledgments
Thank you to all the Thames Valley and Wessex Practice Educators, ODN team and speakers that contribute to the successful development and running of the programme.