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Christine Gold, Mary Kohn, MD, and Daniel Nicklas

In your previous course, you learned some medical interventions and skills to keep newborns healthy in the days and weeks after they have been born. In this course, you will learn what some additional skills that medical providers do to keep babies healthy. The Newborn Assessment Course will walk you through the physical examination from head to toe. You are going to learn that this is so much we can discover just by looking at a baby. And yes, we will be listening too, and discussing how medical equipment, such as a stethoscope or a pulse oximeter, can help in your exam. You will begin to be able to distinguish some normal findings from some abnormal findings.

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In your previous course, you learned some medical interventions and skills to keep newborns healthy in the days and weeks after they have been born. In this course, you will learn what some additional skills that medical providers do to keep babies healthy. The Newborn Assessment Course will walk you through the physical examination from head to toe. You are going to learn that this is so much we can discover just by looking at a baby. And yes, we will be listening too, and discussing how medical equipment, such as a stethoscope or a pulse oximeter, can help in your exam. You will begin to be able to distinguish some normal findings from some abnormal findings.

A newborn baby is an amazing beautiful life filled with hope. There is so much that goes into making sure that babies are born healthy, and so much more to think about after they are born. Whether you are in the health care field, or even a parent, this course is the perfect educational opportunity for you to keep newborn babies healthy in the days and weeks after they are born!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Newborn Exam: Assessment from Head to Toe
In all of the modules up until this one, we have discussed abnormalities or illnesses of newborns. In order to understand and recognize what is not normal, it is worthwhile to be clear on what is normal. In this module, Dr. Kohn will demonstrate how to examine a very well newborn. Aside from the obvious size differences and the unbelievable cuteness of newborns relative to adults, there are the influences of fetal development and transition that impact the newborn exam. Keep in mind that your exam may be the first physical evaluation that this baby has in its life!
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores normal and abnormal findings in newborns, equipping students to identify potential health issues
Taught by medical professionals with expertise in newborn care, providing learners with up-to-date knowledge
Covers a wide range of topics relevant to newborn assessment, from head-to-toe exam to common illnesses
Provides clear instructions on physical examination techniques, enabling learners to develop practical skills
Suitable for both healthcare professionals and parents seeking knowledge about newborn health

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive newborn assessment for all learners

According to students, "The Newborn Assessment" is a largely positive and highly practical course that offers an excellent foundation in understanding newborn health. Learners consistently praise the clear explanations and the ability of Dr. Kohn, the knowledgeable and engaging instructor, to make complex medical terms accessible. The course's practical demonstrations, especially the head-to-toe exam walkthroughs, are frequently highlighted as valuable. While it provides invaluable information for new parents and caregivers, some learners with a medical background felt certain parts were a little basic, suggesting it serves best as a comprehensive introduction or refresher rather than an advanced clinical deep dive.
Highly beneficial for those new to newborn health or without medical background.
"As a new parent, I feel much more confident in observing my baby's health."
"Invaluable information for any parent or caregiver."
"This course was particularly beneficial for me, as I don't have a medical background."
Dr. Kohn is highly praised for expertise and engaging teaching.
"The instructor is truly knowledgeable and passionate."
"Dr. Kohn is an excellent instructor who makes complex topics accessible."
"I appreciated the clear teaching style of the instructor."
Provides immediately usable knowledge for newborn assessment.
"The practical demonstrations were incredibly helpful, especially the head-to-toe exam."
"I gained practical knowledge I can apply immediately."
"It provides practical insights for anyone interacting with newborns."
Simplifies complex medical concepts for all learners.
"Dr. Kohn explains everything with such clarity, making complex medical terms easy to understand."
"The explanations are concise and to the point."
"I found the course well-structured and easy to follow, making even the challenging parts comprehensible."
Strong foundational content, but could benefit from more advanced clinical cases.
"Some parts felt a little basic for my nursing background, but overall, it's a solid foundation."
"I was hoping for more advanced clinical scenarios... I wished there were more interactive elements or case studies to apply the knowledge."
"It would be great if they could add a module on common feeding issues or sleep patterns, as these are also major concerns for new parents."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Newborn Assessment with these activities:
Conduct Practice Examination Checking
Practice your newborn assessment skills to solidify learning of the steps and gain confidence in your abilities.
Show steps
  • Obtain all necessary equipment. This includes a stethoscope, pulse oximeter, and a timer.
  • Perform a head-to-toe examination of a newborn baby. This includes checking the baby's vital signs, skin, and reflexes.
  • Record your findings in a chart or on a computer.
  • Compare your findings to the normal values for newborns.
  • Identify any abnormalities that you find and discuss them with your instructor or a more experienced healthcare provider.
Follow tutorials on newborn resuscitation
Newborn resuscitation is a critical skill for healthcare providers. Following tutorials will help you learn the steps and techniques involved.
Show steps
  • Find reputable tutorials on newborn resuscitation from organizations like the American Heart Association or the European Resuscitation Council
  • Watch the tutorials carefully and take notes on the key steps
  • Practice the techniques on a simulator or with a partner
  • Attend a newborn resuscitation training course if possible
Mentor new nurses or medical students in newborn care
Mentoring others will reinforce your knowledge and understanding of newborn care while also helping to develop the next generation of healthcare providers.
Browse courses on Newborn Care
Show steps
  • Identify a new nurse or medical student who is interested in learning more about newborn care
  • Share your knowledge and experience with them
  • Provide guidance and support as they develop their skills
  • Get regular feedback from your mentee to ensure that they are benefiting from your support
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete The Newborn Assessment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal Nurses provide care to ill or premature babies who require specialized medical attention. The Newborn Assessment course can be particularly useful for Neonatal Nurses as it delves into the physical examination of newborns, helping them to identify potential health issues and make informed decisions about their care.
Pediatrician
Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. The Newborn Assessment course can provide Pediatricians with a comprehensive understanding of the physical examination of newborns, helping them to assess their overall health and well-being.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioners provide primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan. The Newborn Assessment course can be beneficial for Family Nurse Practitioners as it covers the assessment of newborns, enabling them to provide comprehensive care to newborns and their families.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Midwives provide care to women throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. The Newborn Assessment course can be particularly valuable for Certified Nurse Midwives as it equips them with the skills to assess newborns and identify potential health concerns.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners provide primary care to infants, children, and adolescents. The Newborn Assessment course is highly relevant for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners as it provides them with the knowledge and skills to assess and care for newborns effectively.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide care to patients in various healthcare settings, including newborns. The Newborn Assessment course can enhance the skills of Registered Nurses by providing them with a thorough understanding of newborn assessment techniques, enabling them to provide optimal care to this vulnerable population.
Neonatal Physician Assistant
Neonatal Physician Assistants work under the supervision of neonatologists to provide care to critically ill or premature infants. The Newborn Assessment course can be highly beneficial for Neonatal Physician Assistants as it covers the comprehensive assessment of newborns, helping them to assist in the diagnosis and management of various health conditions.
Childbirth Educator
Childbirth Educators provide education and support to expectant parents. The Newborn Assessment course can be helpful for Childbirth Educators as it provides insights into the assessment of newborns, enabling them to better prepare parents for the postpartum period and the care of their newborns.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. The Newborn Assessment course may provide valuable information for Speech-Language Pathologists as it covers the assessment of newborns and potential feeding difficulties, which can impact speech and language development.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists assist individuals in performing日常生活活动. The Newborn Assessment course could be beneficial for Occupational Therapists as it provides an understanding of newborn development and potential physical challenges, allowing them to develop appropriate interventions to support their development.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help individuals improve their physical function and mobility. The Newborn Assessment course may provide Physical Therapists with insights into the physical development of newborns and potential movement limitations, enabling them to tailor therapy interventions to address these needs.
Developmental Pediatrician
Developmental Pediatricians specialize in the care of children with developmental delays or disabilities. The Newborn Assessment course could be helpful for Developmental Pediatricians as it provides a comprehensive overview of newborn assessment techniques, enabling them to identify potential developmental concerns early on.
Genetic Counselor
Genetic Counselors provide information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. The Newborn Assessment course may be useful for Genetic Counselors as it provides an understanding of newborn screening and potential genetic abnormalities, enabling them to provide informed counseling to families.
Lactation Consultant
Lactation Consultants provide support and guidance to breastfeeding mothers. The Newborn Assessment course could be helpful for Lactation Consultants as it covers topics such as newborn feeding and potential breastfeeding challenges, enabling them to provide informed advice and support to mothers.
Early Intervention Specialist
Early Intervention Specialists provide services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. The Newborn Assessment course may provide Early Intervention Specialists with a foundation in newborn assessment and potential developmental concerns, enabling them to develop appropriate interventions for these young children.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Newborn Assessment.
This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth overview of newborn care, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of common conditions. It is an excellent resource for healthcare providers working with newborns.
A comprehensive textbook on neonatal neurology. Covers a wide range of topics, including the nervous system of the newborn and common neurological disorders in newborns. Useful as a reference tool for neurologists and other healthcare professionals involved in the care of newborns with neurological problems.
This manual provides a comprehensive overview of neonatal care, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of common conditions. It is an excellent resource for healthcare providers working with newborns.
This classic reference offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of diseases and disorders in neonates.
This manual provides detailed instructions on how to perform common procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit. It valuable resource for healthcare providers who care for critically ill newborns.
This pocketbook provides concise guidance on the diagnosis and management of common childhood illnesses. It valuable resource for healthcare providers working in resource-limited settings.

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