PM4NIP-Independent / supplementary prescribing for nurses (Level 6)

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 60 [30 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Applicants must meet the NMC entry criteria for enrolment on this module
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: s.j.slade@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enables nurses to practise and develop as prescribers and to meet the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which will enable them to apply for annotation to the register to practise as independent prescribers.

The module can be studied stand-alone as part of the Graduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Nurses.  Practitioners will be supported to reflect on their experiences by developing a professional portfolio of their learning which is mapped to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Competency Framework for all Prescribers.

Aims:

To enable nurses to practise as independent and supplementary prescribers.  To meet the requirements of the NMC for annotation as an independent prescriber on the professional register.

Assessable learning outcomes:

The learning outcomes for independent prescribing programmes are set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council as stated below.

Students should be able to:

1. Undertake assessment and consultation with patients and carers


2. Review diagnosis and generate treatment options within a clinical treatment management plan


3. Prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively


4. Understand the legislation relevant to the practice of nurse prescribing


5. Understand and use sources of information, advice and decision support in prescribing practice


6. Understand how medicines are licensed and monitored


7. Understand the influences on prescribing practice and how to manage prescribing practice in an ethical manner


8. Apply knowledge of drug actions in prescribing practice


9. Understand the roles and relationships of others involved in prescribing, supplying and administering medicines


10. Practice within a framework of professional accountability and responsibility in relation to nurse prescribing


11. Refer to a medical practitioner when appropriate


12. Take an appropriate history, undertake a clinical assessment and make an appropriate diagnosis, having considered the legal, cognitive, emotional and physical differences between children and adults.


13. Recognise the unique implications and developmental context of the anatomical and physiological differences between neonates, children and young people

Additional outcomes:

Students will need to demonstrate they can reflect on implications to their own practice during the programme.

Outline content:

This module will focus on supporting practitioners to apply a range of clinical and scientific knowledge to develop as autonomous practitioners.  The content will also include consultation skills, clinical decision making, influence on (and the psychology of) prescribing, prescribing in a team context, applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, evidence-based practice, clinical governance, legal and ethical aspects to prescribing, professional aspects to prescribing, public health and using information resources.

Workplace-based learning will focus on the practitioner’s individual scope of practice, applying the taught content to their own context and patient population.

Global context:

As an accredited programme this module can only be offered to UK practising nurses who meet the entry criteria.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will use a range of teaching and learning methods.  The University teaching is based around face-to-face workshops using a mixture of presentations, problem-based learning and case-based learning, that is facilitated by the programme team, specialists and other healthcare professionals.  The workshops are underpinned by directed learning via Blackboard and self-directed learning, where practitioners are required to use a range of sources to gain information to support the development of their knowledge and skills.

A minimum of 78 hours of supervised workplace-based learning is required where practitioners will undertake activities to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours.  This will be guided by the professional portfolio of learning.

This module is usually studied over six months, and there may be more than one cohort per year, therefore the distinction of hours by term is not possible.  The hours shown for autumn term below are spread over the entire module.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1. 2 hour written examination paper
   
   
   
   • Short answer and multiple-choice questions
   
   
   • Long answer question
   
   
   
   


2. Practical skills assessment: 1 hour Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
   
   
   
   • Extended patient scenario station
   
   
   • Scope of practice viva
   
   
   • Prescription writing exercise
   
   
   
   

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

During module:

1. In-class test: 30 minute numeracy exam

End of module:

      2.  Professional portfolio of learning

• Portfolio contents review

Formative assessment methods:

1. Workplace-based assessments during workplace-based learning


2. Feedback on workplace-based learning from supervisors


3. Oral presentation to peers


4. Feedback from programme team during workshops


5. Mock numeracy exam papers


6. Mock OSCE station


7. Mock prescription writing exercise


8. Mock final exam papers


9. Optional formative feedback on draft portfolio contents (clinical management plan, practice placement profile, reflective account, case study)

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy. 

• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;


• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.




• The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
  
  You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

All elements of assessment must be passed; there is no compensation between elements. This is a requirement of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

1. The numeracy exam must be passed at 100%


2. The written exam: a mark of at least 80% in short answer and multiple choice questions (MCQs) and at least 50% for the long answer question.


3. Each OSCE station must be passed at 50% with all essential criteria met


4. The professional portfolio of learning must be passed at 50% and contain all mandatory content


5. The portfolio must contain a statement of competence and completion signed by the Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP)

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment for the numeracy exam will be arranged prior to the final assessments.  An exceptional third attempt is permitted for the numeracy exam.

Reassessment for the final assessments will usually be arranged with the next cohort, within a three to four-month period.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Printing and binding: Students can submit most of their portfolio online.  Currently library costs for printing are 5p a sheet for black and white. A simple ring binder can be purchased from stationers for around £3.

Last updated: 11 September 2019