Program Overview

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

Course Overview

This programme is designed to prepare nurses and midwives to be eligible to apply for annotation to the register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and to practise as a Nurse or Midwife Independent/Supplementary Prescriber (V300).

Key Course Details

• Location: Location is dependent on start date; please enquire for further details
• Duration: Part-time, 16-24 weeks
• Start date: January and September
• Entry Requirements: Programme specification (PDF)

Programme Aims

The overall aim of the programme is to provide a learning environment that supports registered nurses and midwives to develop as competent prescribers who are then eligible to apply for annotation on the register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Nurse or Midwife Prescriber Independent/Supplementary prescriber (V300).

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the programme are designed to support the achievement of all competencies set out in the RPS (2016) A competency framework for all prescribers. The learning outcomes and competencies can be applied to the four identified fields of nursing practice (adult, mental health, learning disabilities and children’s nursing) as well as to specialist community public health nursing.

The Consultation (RPS, 2016)

• Effective consultation with the patient/client
• Shared decision making
• Prescribing of medicines
• The evidence base for medicines use

Prescribing Governance (RPS, 2016)

• Legal, professional and ethical frameworks
• Clinical governance and personal development

Learning and Teaching

We seek to create a stimulating and innovative community of learning, whether encountered on campus or at a distance, or in the learning environment of your clinical practice. The programme is undertaken alongside pharmacists and allied health professionals also seeking to prescribe in accordance with the legal permissions afforded to them.

Assessment

• Formative assessment: Provides specific opportunities for tutors to support your successful achievement of the programme Learning Outcomes by providing individualised and meaningful feedback to inform your ‘next steps’ in the development of your academic work and encourage the existing strengths in your work.
• Summative assessments:
  • A practical skills assessment which involves the completion of a record of learning and the demonstration of the competencies identified for all prescribers (RPS, 2016).
  • A viva voce and practical examination undertaken in the University.
  • A pharmacology exam.
  • A numeracy assessment undertaken by exam.
  • Completion of a written assessment which requires the demonstration of knowledge and understanding applied to the practice area in identified programme Learning Outcomes.

Modules

Module Dates

• Lancaster September 2021 cohort:
  • Commences 14 September
  • Dates for attendance on campus: 14, 15, 16 & 17 September, 7 & 8 October, 28 & 29 October, 30 November, 1 & 2 December
  • One further date for assessments between 18 – 22 January 2021
  • Date by which completed applications should be submitted: 14 August 2020 (earlier application advised)
• Lancaster January 2021 cohort:
  • Commences 11 January
  • Dates for attendance on campus: 11, 12, 13 & 14 January, 2 & 3 February, 23 & 24 February, 29, 30 & 31 March
  • One further date for assessments between 10 – 14 May 2021
  • Date by which completed applications should be submitted: 11 December 2020 (earlier application advised)

Programme Specification

Programme specification (PDF)

Entry Requirements

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
• 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
• 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
• 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)

Application Information

Applications should be made as early as possible. We advise that completed applications are submitted at least eight weeks before the start of programme, and we identify a final closing date approximately four weeks before the start of the programme.

Student Finance

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Resources and Facilities

Have a look at our learning resources for non-medical prescribing.

Meet the Staff

Our academic staff are passionate about their field and have a wealth of real-world experience to back up their knowledge. Find out more about your tutors.

Graduate Destinations

The programme to prepare to prescribe as a Nurse or Midwife Independent/Supplementary Prescriber (V300) is offered as stand-alone module but may also be used to contribute to a postgraduate award.

For example, successful completion of the University Award Independent/Supplementary Prescribing for Nurses and Midwives (V300) could contribute to a Postgraduate Certificate Practice Development, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Practice Development or towards the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice.