Pre-requisites
Must be a level 1 registered nurse, registered midwife or SCPHN.
Must have been registered with the NMC for a minimum of 12 months prior to application for entry onto the programme.
Evidence capability to study at level 7
Confirmed proficiency in clinical/health assessment, diagnostic/care management and planning and evaluation of care.
Have the support of a Nominated Person, a Designated Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor who are experienced prescribers with a suitable equivalent qualification.

Admissions requirements Must satisfy admission requirements for the programme

1. Demonstrate an in depth understanding and consistent application of all the competencies for all prescribers as detailed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Knowledge and Understanding
Application

2. Critically analyse and apply knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks/mechanisms that underpin independent and supplementary prescribing practice. Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry
Analysis

3. Analyse prescribing practice reflexively and, with critical argument, demonstrate a clear understanding of your professional accountability
Reflection
Analysis
Learning
Communication

4. Critically evaluate and critique the evidence base relating to prescribing practice and synthesise solutions to a selected clinical scenario
Problem solving
Enquiry
Application

5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant pharmacological principles, and critically apply these to inform prescribing practice
Knowledge and understanding
Application

Clinical pharmacology to include pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and adverse drug reactions.
Consultation, history taking and clinical decision making.
Influences on and psychology of prescribing.
Professional accountability, responsibility, legal and ethical issues related to independent and supplementary prescribing practice.
Evidence based practice and clinical governance.
Supplementary prescribing and the use of clinical management plans.
Drug licensing, monitoring and reporting of ADRs.
Prescribing across the lifespan and in comorbidity including the impact of common disease processes.
The patient perspective and influences on / impact of adherence and non-adherence.
Prescription writing, use of the BNF, cost effective prescribing and record keeping.
Prescribing in the team context and collaborative working, health promotion and the public health arena.

Online/blended learning
Formal, virtual and interactive lectures
Group work/online collaborative peer working
Inter professional discussion
Debate
Assignment preparation
Formative group working and collaborative discussion
Online resources, VLE e.g. Blackboard, Teams
Simulated learning using clinical scenarios

Joint Formulary Committee (2020) British National Formulary Online. London. Pharmaceutical Press.

McFaddon, R. (2019) Introduction to Pharmacology for Nursing and Healthcare. 3rd Ed. Oxen. Routledge.

Nuttall, D., Rutt-Howard, J. (2019) The Textbook of Non-Medical Prescribing. 3rd Ed. Chichester. Wiley-Blakewell.

Ritter, J.M., Flower, R., Henderson, G., Loke, Y.K., MacEwen, D., Rang, H.P. (2019) Rang and Dale’s Pharmacology. 9th Ed. Edinburgh. Elsevier.

Access to Practice Supervisor, Practice Assessor and Academic Assessor.
Access to online materials and virtual learning environments.
Library services.

PLEASE NOTE: All 6 elements of assessment must be passed for successful completion of this module

1. Numeracy exam: A 30-minute exam consisting of 10 numeracy questions. Calculators are permitted. Pass mark is 100% (L.O. 1)

2. Pharmacology exam: A 90-minute exam consisting of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions assessing knowledge of pharmacology. Use of the BNF is permitted. Pass mark is 80% (L.O. 1, 5)

3. OSCE: A 30 minute practical exam where you will undertake a thorough patient consultation and write a safe and accurate prescription. The BNF is permitted. Pass/fail (L.O. 1, 2, 4, 5)

4. Practice Assessment Document: You are required to spend a minimum of 78 hours in practice in prescribing preparation where your Designated Practice Assessor will use the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s competency framework to assess your competence to prescribe. Pass/fail (L.O. 1)

5. Case Study: A 2500 word case study demonstrating a reflexive understanding of your professional accountability in relation to prescribing practice (L.O. 2, 3)

6. Supplementary prescribing: A 1000 word assignment demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the distinction between independent and supplementary prescribing for non-medical prescribers. You will be required to develop a Clinical Management Plan to accompany this work. (L.O. 2, 4)

No condonement can be offered in this module in line with professional governing body standards