ABSTRACT
This chapter explores clinical competence related to the neonatal infant physical examination (NIPE) and how this competence can be measured. To become a NIPE practitioner requires midwives and neonatal nurses to attend a programme of formal education that includes a period of supervised practice, including assessment. Smith defines clinical competence as motivation, assimilating knowledge into practice, experience, critical thinking skills, caring, communication and a supportive environment. Professionalism is considered to include confidence, safe practice and holistic care. All of these attributes and skills should be held by a NIPE practitioner. In the modern healthcare environment nurses and midwives confront ethical issues that require skills in ethical decision-making. A number of definitions related to clinical governance have been produced since 1997. Accountability and clinical governance are inextricably linked in everyday life for healthcare staff from ward to board. A nurse’s duty of care binds them to providing the safest high-quality care, for which they are fully accountable at all times.
