PM4PP2-Preparing to Prescribe for Nurses (level 6)

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Pre-requisites: Applicants must meet the NMC entry criteria for enrolment on this module
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Mrs Sue Slade

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 begin meeting the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which, after completion of PM4NP2 or PMMNP2 will enable them to apply for annotation of the NMC register to practise as prescribers.

The module can be studied stand-alone as part of the Graduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Nurses or as part of the MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice (N.B. a maximum of 20 credits at level 6 can be counted towards the PGCert and a maximum of 30 credits at level 6 can be counted towards the  PGDip/MSc qualification).  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 develop the core competencies required to prepare them to study for module PM4NP2 or PMMNP2.  To demonstrate understanding of the literature that guides practise, building up skills in critical appraisal for future study at Master’s level.

Assessable learning outcomes:

The following learning outcomes are based on the programme requirements set by the NMC for prescribing programmes.

 

Knowledge

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


2. Understand the way medicines work in relation to the disease process (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics)


3. Understand how medicines are licensed and monitored


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


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


6. Understand how consultation models can support appropriate communication with patients


7. Understand the pathophysiology of the disease state(s) within the stated scope of practice

 

Skills

1. Apply knowledge of drug actions in prescribing practice


2. Apply evidence-based medicine (EBM) to individualise patient care

 

Behaviours

1. Continually advance own knowledge and understanding through continuing professional development and life-long learning


2. Demonstrate a systematic approach to medicines optimisation for patients within stated scopes of practice

Additional outcomes:

Practitioners who demonstrate Master’s level critical appraisal during their studies, including the implications to their own practice, may be able to progress to PMMNP2 to gain level 7 academic credits for their second module.

Outline content:

This module will focus on supporting practitioners to apply a range of clinical and scientific knowledge to develop as prescribing practitioners.  The content will also include consultation skills, prescribing in a team context, applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, evidence-based practice, professional aspects to prescribing, and using information resources.

 

Workplace-based learning will begin to 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 development of their knowledge and skills.

There are no mandatory hours of supervised workplace-based learning required for this module, but practitioners are encouraged to undertake activities to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace.  This will be guided by the professional portfolio of learning.  This experiential learning will be individual to the practitioner’s workplace and scope of practice therefore the ratio of hours that are work-based learning and wider independent reading will vary between practitioners.

 

This module is usually studied prior to undertaking PM4NP2, although the two modules may be studied concurrently.  As a standalone module it is usually studied over two to three 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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	42
Work-based learning	42
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	42
Wider reading (directed)	6
Exam revision/preparation	7
Preparation for presentations	7
Preparation for seminars	12
Completion of formative assessment tasks	14
Essay preparation	21
Reflection	7
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1. 1 hour multiple-choice written examination paper
   
   
   
   • Numeracy
   
   
   • Pharmacology
   
   
   
   

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

During module:

1. Case study
   
   
   
   • Written report of approximately 2,500 words
   
   
   
   

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. Development of own personal formulary/medication profile in pharmacology workshops


6. Mock prescription writing in using information sources workshops


7. Mock numeracy and pharmacology exam papers


8. Optional formative feedback on draft case study

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (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:

1. The numeracy section of the exam paper must be passed at 100%


2. The pharmacology section of the exam paper must be passed at 80%


3. The case study must be passed at 50% with all essential criteria met

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will usually be arranged promptly to allow students to continue their studies although, where necessary, may occur with the next cohort, within a three to four-month period.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment and ongoing further study.

 

Practitioners who fail one section of the exam paper but pass the other will only be required to resit the failed section.  For students who have passed all elements of the module except for the numeracy section of the exam paper, an exceptional third attempt is permitted for that section of the paper only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. 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