Overview
The BSc (Hons) Nurse Practitioner programme is designed to prepare nurses working in both acute and primary care clinical settings to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies required to practice as an advanced ‘Nurse Practitioner’. The course is accredited by the RCN and the course includes the competencies developed by the RCN in conjunction with the NMC for advanced practice. During the course, skills of top-to-toe assessment, history taking, making a differential diagnosis, ordering investigations and non medical prescribing are all integral to the teaching and learning process. Successful completion of this programme leads to a recognized RCN certificate which enables the practitioner to use the title ‘Nurse Practitioner’.
Content and Modules
The Biological Basis for Practice (20 credits)
This module aims to develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the biological basis underpinning practice within the acute and primary care setting. The students produce a portfolio of evidence for the assessment part of the module.
Physical assessment for Healthcare Practitioners (20 Credits)
This module aims to enhance and develop the knowledge and skills to enable practitioners to competently assess a range of patients using a systematic approach to clinical examination. The use of simulation enhances the learning for the students.
Non-Medical and supplementary Prescribing (40 Credits)
This module prepares individuals for the enhanced skills required to become a non-medical prescriber in order to prescribe first line medications in line with current legislative policy. The module also includes a strong history taking element in order to allow the participants to gain the skills necessary to elicit specific information from patients and clients with regards to the prescribing of medications. The students will require support from their employers, along with access to an appropriate clinical supervisor.
Evidence-Based Practice Healthcare Dissertation (40 Credits)
The dissertation module of this programme facilitates practitioners to undertake an in-depth and systematic literature review based around a question focused on an element of practice relevant to the practitioner’s area of practice and speciality.