The Postgraduate Certificate in Nurse/Midwife Prescribing at RCSI is the first of its kind in Ireland –we have educated over 700 prescribers since the programme's inception in 2007 – and offers appropriately qualified nurses and midwives the opportunity to enhance the care they provide to patients, clients and service users through the use of their prescriptive authority.
The fully accredited six-month part-time programme prepares nurses and midwives, from an education perspective, to prescribe medicines within their scope of practice.
It is offered to all nurses and midwives who meet the entry criteria and have the support of their employer and a designated medical mentor irrespective of their clinical grade or area of clinical practice.
Many nurses and midwives who having undertaken this programme continue their postgraduate education to postgraduate diploma and masters level, preparing them for specialist or advanced practice roles.
Learning outcomes
This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:
•Understand the necessary professional knowledge base (theory, concepts and methods) pertaining to the role of registered nurse prescriber.
•Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills required to be a competent registered nurse prescriber.
•Develop the specialised knowledge and understanding necessary to be a competent registered nurse prescriber.
•Demonstrate the practical and critical thinking skills required to exercise appropriate judgement in decision-making around the prescribing of medications.
•Critically appraise the role of the nurse with prescriptive authority within the context of relevant legislation, professional guidance and clinical governance structures.
•Lead patient care within the context of collaborative working.
•Critically analyse your own learning needs through the use of reflective practice to facilitate a lifelong learning approach to personal and professional development.
•Offer an in-depth insight into your own learning, professional knowledge and requirements for professional competence.
Nurse/Midwife Prescribing
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the programme you must:
•Be registered as a nurse or midwife on the Active Register of An Bord Altranais.
•currently be employed as a nurse or midwife.
•Have a minimum of three years post-registration clinical experience (within the past five years) with at least one year in the area in which prescribing is proposed.
•Have competencies recognised at Level 8 of the NQAI Framework.
•Demonstrate continuous professional development and the ability to study at Level 8.
•Have the support of your employer to undertake programme.
•Have the nomination and confirmation of a designated medical practitioner mentor.
Duration
The programme is run over one academic semester, beginning in January.
Further enquiries
The staff of the RCSI School of Nursing & Midwifery are more than happy to assist you with queries relating to our programmes. Feel free to call us, email or visit us at 123 St Stephen's Green.
•Tel: +353 1 402 5137/5136
•Email: nursing@rcsi.ie
Subjects taught
Modules
A blended learning approach is utilised in this programme, to promote lifelong learning and professional development for all nursing staff.
The programme modules are:
Module name Credits Assessment method
Professional Accountability in Nurse Midwife Prescribing 10 Assignment and a draft collaborative practice agreement
Pharmacology and Prescribing Science 10 Examination
Systematic Assessment & Evaluation in Patient Care 10 Clinical assessment and competency booklet
Application date
How to apply
The application process for this programme, beginning in January 2021, will open in June 2020 - apply online
Enrolment and start dates
Beginning in January 2021
Remember to mention gradireland when contacting institutions!