Community Practitioner Nurse Prescribing (NMC V150)

Course detail

How will this course be taught

The course is delivered over one university semester. You are required to undertake 6 taught days plus a further 10 days of supervised practice within your existing clinical setting. Together the practice and theory will provide you with the opportunity to engage with, and understand the principles of, community nurse prescribing. Successful completion of the course will enable you to register with the NMC (NMC, 2018).

Theory component

The theory module comprises of theoretical content delivered in the classroom by lecturers and pharmacists and self-directed learning using web-based learning through the university’s online learning environment onto which you will be registered on commencement of the programme. This is delivered over a 13 week period. 

Supervised practice component

The supervised practice element of the programme commences at the same time as the theory element. During this period of time you will be expected to complete a minimum of 10 days/65 hours of supervised clinical practice with a mentor undertaking community practitioner prescribing activities.

Support during the course

Your competence will be assessed by a Practice Assessor (PA) and your Practice Supervisor (PS) through the course. The PA and PS must be fit to undertake that role and must have appropriate training and experience.

The Practice Assessor (PA) must be a registered healthcare professional and an experienced prescriber with suitable equivalent qualifications for the course the student is undertaking.

The Practice Supervisor (PS) must be a registered healthcare professional and an experienced prescriber with suitable equivalent qualifications for the course the student is undertaking.

They must have:

• active prescribing competence applicable to the areas in which they will be supervising
• appropriate patient-facing clinical and diagnostic skills
• supported or supervised other healthcare professionals
• the ability to assess patient-facing clinical and diagnostic skills.

Entry requirements

• You must be a 1st level registered nurse/midwife/specialist community public health nurse currently on the NMC register.
• It is a condition on application for the Community Practitioner Prescribing course that you identify a Practice Assessor (PA) and Practice Supervisor (PS) for the duration of the course. The PA and PS must be registered healthcare professionals and experienced prescribers with suitable qualifications for the course the student is undertaking.
• You must have agreement of your employer to undertake the course and confirmation that you will have appropriate supervised practice.
• Evidence of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Evidence of ability to study at a minimum academic level three (degree).

Assessment

The module is assessed as follows:

• CW1 - classroom phased tests (including numeracy, short answer and multiple choice questions)
• CW2 - Portfolio demonstrating clinical competence and a log of supervised practice, including 3 x 750 word critical reflections to meet the competencies for prescribing

How will this course enhance my career prospects?

This course will prepare you for undertaking advanced autonomous roles within healthcare, able to demonstrate the provision of high quality, innovative and cost effective care to patients with the community care setting.

Benefits of studying this course to the student:

• Successful completion gives students eligibility to apply for registration with the NMC as a Community Practitioner Nurse Prescribing
• Opportunity to network with fellow students from a range of specialties
• Access to a wide variety of clinical expertise in acute and community care
• Increased job satisfaction
• Opportunity to build on credits towards a full academic award.

Benefits of studying this course to the employer:

• Workforce transformation
• Individuals will be able to challenge current practice and embed evidence based practice into their delivery of care
• A deeper commitment to service delivery and patient care through greater individual job satisfaction.

Benefits of studying this course to the patients/users/carers:

• Receive effective and comprehensive care from a professional
• Cared for by health professionals who have an understanding of the needs of patients with specific problems
• Care is delivered by health professionals who have contemporary knowledge and understanding of evidence based practice
• Care is delivered by health professionals who are committed to enhancing the care of individuals.