a) Written final examination (MCQ) (80% pass mark) b) A numerical assessment including drug calculations within the context of prescribing practice (100% pass mark) b) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) c) Satisfactory completion of practice experience assessed by designated medical practitioner d) Portfolio of Practice Evidence demonstrating application of theory to practice and rationale for prescribing decisions and reflective practice
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Applicants must meet the NMC’S criteria for eligibility to undertake a nurse independent/supplementary prescribing programme. These are clearly identified on the South East Coast SHA non medical prescribing (NMP) application form obtainable from the trust NMP lead and include: • Be a registered first level nurse, midwife and/or specialist community public health nurse. • Must have a least three years experience as a practising nurse, midwife or specialist community public health nurse and be deemed competent by their employer to undertake the programme. Of these three years, the year immediately preceding application to the programme must have been in the clinical field in which they intend to prescribe e.g. neonates, mental health. Part-time workers must have practised for a sufficient period to be deemed competent by their employer • Have identified a designated medical practitioner who meets the eligibility criteria for the supervision of nurse prescribers (NPC 2005) and who has agreed to provide the required term of supervised practice • Have written confirmation from the employer to support the student to undertake the module of study and for CPD once qualified • Be competent to take a history, undertake a clinical assessment and diagnose in their area of practice plus demonstrate appropriate numeracy skills • Must provide evidence of their ability to study at Level M (Masters) by providing evidence of recent study at level 3 or above in the last five years
Module Aims
This stand-alone module has been revalidated to incorporate the Nursing and Midwifery Council Standards of proficiency for nurse and midwife prescribers (NMC 2006). It is intended for nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses who are selected by employing organisations using strict entry criteria and are willing to undertake the course. The module will enable practitioners to enhance their practice by providing quicker access to medicines. Since May 1st 2006, qualified nurse independent prescribers are able to prescribe any licensed drug from the British National Formulary, for any medical condition within their competence including some specific controlled drugs previously named in the Extended Nurse formulary. In addition this module will enable nurses to supplementary prescribe. Supplementary prescribing is a voluntary partnership between an independent prescriber (doctor or dentist) and a supplementary prescriber to implement an agreed patient – specific clinical management plan with the patient’s agreement (DoH: 2005: 11.) Supplementary prescribers are able to prescribe any medicine including controlled drugs and unlicensed medicines, for the full range of medical conditions, provided that they do so under the terms of a patient-specific clinical management plan.
Learning Outcomes
Module Content
The content is presented within eight themes related to prescribing: • Consultation, decision making and therapy including referral • Influences on, and psychology of, prescribing • Prescribing in a team context • Clinical Pharmacology, including the effects of co-morbidity • Evidence-based practice and clinical governance in relation to nurse prescribing • Legal, policy and ethical aspects • Professional accountability and responsibility • Prescribing in the public health context
Methods of Teaching/Learning
300 hours in total comprising of : 162 hours contact (27 x 6 hours in university setting) 90 hours practice (12 x 7.5 hours in practice setting) 48 hours self directed study