Foundation in Neonates Programme (FiN)

Starting your career in neonatal care can be both exciting and challenging. This programme is designed to support you through those first steps, helping you build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to care for neonates safely.

The 6-month programme is the first stage of the Qualified in Speciality (QiS) pathway within the North West and is aimed at nurses who are new to neonatal care.

The programme combines 11 study days with clinical experience, allowing you to link your learning to practice. This includes experience within Special Care and High Dependency, alongside a supported, supernumerary placement within Intensive Care.

Throughout the programme, you will work through a competency workbook to evidence your learning and development, with guidance from programme and clinical educators.

You are not expected to know everything from the start. The programme is designed to help you develop your knowledge and confidence over time, ask questions, learn from your experiences and build a strong foundation for your future career in neonatal care.

Foundation in Neonates Programme for International Nurses (IR FiN)

This 3-month programme is designed for International Nurses who have previous experience in neonatal care but are new to working in the UK.

The programme helps you transfer your existing neonatal knowledge and skills into the UK context, with a focus on communication, culture, and local and national guidance and practice.

The programme includes 6 study days, a competency workbook to evidence your learning and development, and a supernumerary placement within Intensive Care.

Your previous neonatal experience is recognised throughout the programme, allowing you to build on the skills you already have and progress through the QiS pathway at an appropriate pace.

The aim is to help you develop confidence in UK neonatal practice while making the most of the knowledge and experience you bring with you.

This programme runs when there is sufficient demand. If there are not enough learners to run a dedicated cohort, International Nurses can join the FiN programme alongside other learners.

Your Practice Educator can discuss your experience and learning needs with you and enquire about your suitability for the programme and current availability.