Independent Nurse: Practical Prescribing
April 20, 2008 by admin
I am a student on the prescribing programme and work in an elderly care setting. In order to successfully complete the course, I have to demonstrate my competence in relation to history taking and assessment in children. Can you explain this outcome as it bears little relevance to my area of practice?
Many nurse prescribers work in settings in which they regularly come into contact with children. The NMC have developed an additional learning outcome for the prescribing programme that strengthens the ‘Standards of Proficiency for Nurse and Midwife Prescribers’ (NMC 2006) in relation to prescribing for this group.
The NMC Standards of proficiency make it clear that only nurses with the relevant knowledge, competence, skills and experience should prescribe medicines for children. Anyone prescribing for children (e.g. nurses in walk-in-centres) must be aware of their area of competence for these patients and know when to refer if working outside of their area of expertise.
As a means of strengthening this Standard, the NMC now require student prescribers to demonstrate that they are aware of the anatomical and physiological difference between children and adults, are able to take an appropriate history and clinical assessment, and make an appropriate decision to diagnose or refer.
The above assessment should take place within the context of the students work setting. As you work in an elderly care setting and do not see children this would not be possible. Therefore, the above assessment may be demonstrated in your portfolio. It might be that in the future you take up a position working in a primary care setting in which you will be required to prescribe for children. By demonstrating knowledge in the areas outlined above on the prescribing course, you will be able to recognise if you require further education and training in children prior to taking up such a post.