PIPER Learning Packages

  • These eLearning courses have been developed by PIPER Neonatal Educators for Nurses/Midwives and Medical professionals that are caring for infants outside of a neonatal intensive care setting.

    [The eLearning link will open The Royal Children's Hospital Education Hub Online Learning Platform, create a free account to access and search for the PIPER resources]

    Non-invasive ventilation of the neonate in non-tertiary Special Care Nurseries (published 2023)

    • Risk factors for developing respiratory distress and the need for intervention
    • Nursing care of a neonate experiencing respiratory distress
    • Indications for initiating non-invasive respiratory support
    • Nursing care plan for a newborn on nCPAP or nHF
    • PIPER referral for a neonate on nCPAP or nHF in a level 3-5 SCN in Victoria e.g., because a newborn may require increased support, they may need to receive ongoing support in a higher level SCN/NICU

    Supraglottic Airway Insertion for Neonates

    • The purpose of this learning package is to ensure the safe and correct placement of the Laryngeal Mask (LM)/Supraglottic Airway (SGA) in the neonate ≥34 weeks and ≥1500g.
    • The LM/SGA can be used for situations:
      • Where there is an anticipated or unexpected difficult airway
      • Where mask ventilation is ineffective
      • When the operator does not have skills in neonatal intubation 

    Neonatal and Paediatric Ventilation using the Hamilton T1

    • Demonstrates assembly of the ventilator circuit for invasive ventilation, nasal CPAP and nasal High Flow
    • Describes how the Hamilton T1 draws power and gas supplies
    • Complete the pre-operational checks
    • Describes the two most common invasive ventilation modes used in neonates
    • Describes the two most common invasive ventilation modes used in paediatrics
    • Navigates the controls and alarm settings
    • Configure the circuit and set the ventilator for nCPAP
    • Configure the circuit and set the ventilator for nHF