Independent/Supplementary Prescribing

Who is it for?

This module is open to NMC registered nurses, midwives and eligible HCPC registrants (paramedic, physiotherapist, therapeutic radiographer and chiropodist/podiatrist). They will be working in primary and/or secondary care and want to qualify as independent/supplementary prescriber. 

Applicants must be a registered nurse (level 1), a registered midwife,  a SCPHN (registered with the NMC) or eligible HCPC registrant who, on successful completion of the module, can apply for independent/supplementary entitlement of prescribing rights within their respective governing body. 

• Registered NMC applicants need a minimum of one year post registration experience prior to application for entry onto the programme, as per the NMC (2018) requirements, of which one year must be post registration clinical experience in the role in which they intend to prescribe. 
• HCPC applicants need a minimum of three years post registration experience prior to application for entry onto the programme, of which one year must be post registration clinical experience in the role in which they intend to prescribe.
• Applicants will need evidence that demonstrates they have the necessary skills in clinical and health assessment, diagnostics, care management and the planning and evaluation of care.
• This is a 30 credit, level 7 module. It is expected that all applicants will have at least 120 credits at level 6 (degree) or demonstrate their ability to study at this level. 
• All applicants must be numerate and confident in undertaking drug calculation skills.
• NMC registrants are required to have a Practice Supervisor (PS) willing to contribute to and supervise the 60 hours of learning in practice element of training. In addition, they will need a Practice Assessor (PA) who is required to participate in the assessment of supervised clinical prescribing practice for a total of 30 hours. 
• HCPC registrants require a Practice Educator (PE) who will supervise and assess the 90 hours of learning in practice element of training.
• The PA/PE will fulfil the role of Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and must be suitably prepared for the role and able to provide evidence of training as a DPP. Medical prescribers will need to be annotated as supervisors on the GMC register. All DPPs, without evidence of current DPP training, be they medical or non medical prescribers, will receive inhouse training and will also complete DPP training provided by the Health and Education Cooperative. 
• The practice environment must be audited for suitability prior to the programme commencing.

It is a programme requirement for all applicants to have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance that is valid within 3 years of the commencement date and which covers the duration of the course. All applicants must provide the DBS certificate at least 10 days before the commencement date. You will not be allowed to join the course without this. This includes applicants who are self-employed or work in non NHS settings.

Overview of content

• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics
• Adverse drug reactions
• Drug Interaction
• Prescribing for specific patient groups
• Development of non-medical prescribing
• Consultation skills
• Differential diagnostics
• Public health
• Legal & ethical issues
• Prescribing response and medicine review
• Prescribing controlled drugs
• Clinical governance and audit

What is it about and how does it enhance practice?

This module enables registered nurses, midwives and eligible allied health professionals (paramedic, physiotherapist, therapeutic radiographer and chiropodist/podiatrist) to critically evaluate the principles underpinning  independent and supplementary prescribing including exploring drug pharmacology and examining the issues faced when prescribing in clinical practice as part of an interdisciplinary team. This will allow them to prescribe safely, appropriately, and cost effectively. 

Students will be required to undertake supervised clinical practice under the mentorship of a designated prescribing practitioner (DPP). Successful completion of the module will fulfill the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) criteria to allow annotation of an additional entitlement in the professional register as an independent/supplementary prescriber. 

Preparing for the module

Before starting the programme prospective students are advised to refresh basic numeracy skills and knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

Course structure

1 x study day per week for 22 weeks with an additional 12 days (90 hours) of practice-based learning.

This programme will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face and online tutorials, webinars and online learning activities. You must have access to a computer with a fast and reliable internet connection.

There is a minimum level of computer literacy required, including the ability to: 

• navigate the Blackboard virtual learning environment to locate teaching and learning materials and to access and submit assessments (with initial basic training)
• communicate by email
• work efficiently with Microsoft Word or similar word-processing software
• use the internet to search websites
• scan documents for uploading to the e-portfolio
• navigate e-learning programs
• participate in online webinars

Assessment

The participant will be assessed in both theory and practice.

Clinical competencies will be assessed in the participant's workplace by an experienced prescribing practitioner and supported through the use of a reflective personal e-portfolio which demonstrates the application of theory to practice.

One 3000-word assignment that explores a prescribing issue relevant to your area/scope of practice. 

There will also be a written numerical assessment within the context of prescribing practice and a final examination which consists of short answers and multiple choice questions.

Application and funding

To apply for this course you need to complete an online application form and you can do this by visiting our how to apply page.  Please provide accurate details of your Nurse/Midwifery/HCPC training qualifications on the online application form, as you may be contacted to clarify these details if it is not clear. You are also required to complete an approval form which will automatically be sent to you on submission of your CPD application form.  All applicants need to have support from their Line Manager and the Non-Medical Prescribing Lead from their NHS Trust. 

The closing date for completed applications is six weeks prior to the commencement date. Any applications received after this time will not be considered until the next intake.

For information on funding options please see here.

If your course application is successful you will receive a confirmation email with the exact details of the location of teaching, closer to the start date.

Our non medical prescribing team is based in the School of Allied Health, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery based at 358-362 Mushroom Lane, Sheffield. However, teaching will take place across the University campus.

Contact

Fran Rayner (NMC)

Craig Bell (HCPC)

Email: nmp@sheffield.ac.uk