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National Standards for Neonatal Qualified in Specialty (QIS) Education
Neonatal nurses care for newborn babies who are premature or sick in a range of different healthcare settings, including intensive, high dependency, special and transitional care units. It is vital that our workforce consists of the right number of healthcare professionals, with the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours that enables them to deliver compassionate high-quality care.
The national standards for neonatal nursing have been developed to drive improvement in the quality and consistency of neonatal Qualified in Specialty (QIS) education programmes in England. By determining the minimum standards required for the delivery of QIS programmes there will be greater parity in the knowledge, skills and behaviours of our future neonatal workforce.
Nurses, midwives and other registered health care professionals working in neonatal settings should be able to access education and training that is consistent in terms of quality and outcomes regardless of where in England they choose to work and study.
By developing a new set of nationally endorsed standards, we can begin to reform neonatal education and training and address these inequalities meeting the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan aims to grow the workforce, embed the right culture and reform the way that NHS workforces train and work developing the neonatal workforce for the future.
Click here to view the national standards for neonatal qualified in specialty (QIS) education
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the national working group and stakeholders who contributed their expertise and time.
The Neonatal Nurses Association, the British Association of Perinatal Medicine, and the Royal College of Nursing have endorsed these standards.
Mark Radford, NHS England Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, said:
“For the first time, these standards establish a unified framework for neonatal qualified in specialty education tailored for neonatal healthcare professionals throughout England.
“The national standards will enable the workforce to deliver high quality neonatal services for all.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to all colleagues and key stakeholders who have constructively contributed to the development of these standards.”
Lynn Woolsey, Royal College of Nursing Chief Nursing Officer, said:
“Neonatal care is a constantly changing environment with new and emerging treatments and technologies. Ensuring a consistent level of learning is essential in maintaining relevant skills and delivering care to this vulnerable population.
“This is an important set of standards expected of providers of training and education in neonatal nursing. Setting such standards will strengthen the education pathway for nursing staff and add to improving the consistency in expertise, knowledge and skills of those working in neonatal care.”
Cheryl Titherly, Neonatal Nurses Association Chief Executive, said:
“The NNA welcomes this new standard for Qualification in Specialty for Neonatal Nurses and are proud to have been part of its development. The standard aims to ensure all neonatal nurses undertaking this role essential qualification have access to high quality education and protected time to gain the skills and knowledge required for the complex specialty of neonatal care.”
Diane Keeling, Neonatal Nurse Consultant and BAPM Representative, said:
“The National Standards for Neonatal Qualified in Specialty (QIS) provide clarity on the education provision, experiences and capabilities required for the qualification. Consequently, learners, employers and service users have assurance that, upon completion of QIS, healthcare providers are able to deliver quality care to the most vulnerable infants and their carers. BAPM are proud to have contributed to and supported this education document, recognising the importance of QIS training to develop our neonatal workforce and continually improve outcomes.”