University Award - Independent / Supplementary Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives (V300) - Level 7

Prescribing by nurses and midwives has evolved to offer better access to medicines and to optimise the skills and expertise of nurses in the provision of care. Where appropriate, nurses and midwives are able to complete episodes of care, whilst also enhancing their role within the team. Patients evaluate their experience of Nurse Independent prescribing positively. Students frequently report that the course is probably the most challenging they have undertaken since their pre-registration programme, but also the most rewarding.

With the aim of supporting the development of knowledge, understanding and skills for safe, appropriate and cost-effective prescribing, the programme consists of 40 credits of learning at Level 7. Students complete 26 days of scheduled learning and teaching which combine attendance for face-to-face, in-class work and the remainder are delivered more flexibly online supported by the VLE and e-learning approaches, and also complete 12 days equivalent (90 hours) of learning in the environment of the student’s future clinical practice as a prescriber.

As a Nurse or Midwife Independent/Supplementary (V300) prescriber in training, you are actively facilitated to apply and integrate your existing and developing professional knowledge and understanding within your clinical practice. This provides an educational experience which seeks to support the development of your clinical practice in your current environment as well as supporting future development.

Students identify a Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor with suitable equivalent qualifications for the programme to support the period of learning and assessment in clinical practice. On successful completion of the programme, you will be able  to demonstrate all competencies of the Competency framework for all prescribers (Royal Pharmaceutical Society, 2016).

Full details are available in the Programme specification

All entry criteria must be met in full prior to programme commencement. Entry requirements include:

• submission of a fully completed application form;
• current registration as a nurse (level 1) or midwife - this will be checked on receipt of the application form;
• registration with the NMC for a minimum of one year prior to application for entry to the programme;
• evidence of a satisfactory enhanced disclosure clearance (DBS) within three years of the programme start date. Responsibility for application to the DBS rests with the programme applicant and is applied for by his/her employer;
• the academic ability to study at the level required for the programme;
• the ability to practise safely and effectively at a level of proficiency appropriate to the programme and their intended area of prescribing practice in the following areas: clinical/health assessment, diagnostics/care management, planning and evaluation of care;
• identification of a Practice Assessor and Practice Supervisor who meet the criteria for eligibility to undertake these roles;
• that appropriate clinical governance arrangements are in place for practice as a Nurse or Midwife Independent/Supplementary Prescriber (V300)

Please see the application form for further detail.