It is imperative that we, as care providers to newborns, understand the role of pain and how we can alleviate pain in the newborn. Studies have shown that by 29 weeks of gestation, pain pathways and cortical plus sub-cortical centers involved in the perception of pain are well developed, as are the neurological systems for the transmission and modulation of pain sensation.  Furthermore, it has been shown that pain sensitivity in neonates is maybe more profound than that of older individuals and their nervous systems may be less effective at blocking painful stimuli than those of adults.

Through this course, normal newborn care providers will be able to:

• Identify the approved sites for venipuncture in normal newborn neonates.
• List potential complications of IV therapy.
• Define pain and discuss the NIPS pain scale.
• Provide interventions for pain relief in the newborn both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.
• Discuss the appropriate sites for performing heelsticks.
• List the most common lab tests performed on a normal newborn and describe the blood requirements for each.
• Identify the technique for starting a saline lock on normal newborns.
• Describe how to use a topical anesthetic agent prior to venipuncture.
• Review UC Davis Health System policies and procedures applicable to newborn IV therapy and antibiotic administration.

To complete this module, you must review the information, complete the post-test and print the certificate of completion for your records through HealthStream. Successful completion of this module requires a passing score of 80% or better on the exam. Upon completion of this course, the information will be entered into your education record.

To get started, log into HealthStream and click on Catalog. Once there you may search for Newborn IV Therapy or open the category view and click on Center for Nursing Education. Click on the self-study module and enroll in the course to begin the content.