What is an NMP and how can you become one?

Non-medical prescribing was introduced sixteen years ago in May 2006 to improve patients access to treatment. Only nurses and pharmacists that have been trained to prescribe can do so, and they can only prescribe within their area of expertise. Here is our extensive guide on how to take your career to the next level and become an NMP.

What are the different types of prescribers?

Allied Health Professionals who have completed an accredited prescribing course and registered their qualification with their regulatory body are allowed to prescribe. The two main types of prescribers are independent prescribers and community practitioner nurse prescriber. An Independent Prescriber is someone who has successfully completed an NMC Independent Nurse Prescribing Course (a v200 or v300) and who is registered with the NMC as an IP. Independent Prescribers can prescribe any medication provided it’s in their competency to do so. This includes medicines and products listed in the British National Formulary, unlicensed medicines and all controlled drugs in schedule 2-5 (https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medicines-guidance/controlled-drugs-and-drug-dependence/).

A Community Practitioner Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) is anurse who has successfully completed a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) CPNP course (v100 or v150) and are registered as an CPNP with the NMC. The preponderance of nurses who have done this course are district nurses and public health nurses (previously known as health visitors) community nurses and school nurses. They are registered to prescribe from the Nurse Prescriber Formulary (NPF) (https://bnf.nice.org.uk/nurse-prescribers-formulary/)which includes appliances, dressings, and pharmacy.

How can you become a prescriber?

To become an NMP, eligible practitioners will undertake an accredited programme, delivered by a Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).Non-medical prescribing programmes provide the knowledge, skills, and training to prescribe safely and competently.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has created a Prescribing Competency Framework for all prescribers that has been designed to help maintain prescribing standards, inform education curricula, and provide a source of recognised guidance for those involved in NMP.

All prescribing roles build on and extend registered professionals the ability to deliver full installments of patient care. In turn this enhances patients’ timely access to treatment with medicines and experience whilst reducing waiting times, hospital admissions and more effectively using members of the healthcare team.

What qualifications and experience are needed?

• Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a first-level nurse or specialist community public health nurse fora minimum of one year prior to application for entry
• Applicants are to be professionally practicing in an environment where there is an identified need to regularly prescribe and be able to demonstrate support from their employer/sponsor, line manager,non-medical prescribing lead and practice supervisor and assessor.
• All applicants should be capable of safe and effective practice at a level of proficiency appropriate to the module/programme undertaken and their intended area of prescribing practice in the following areas: Clinical Health assessment, Diagnostics/care management, Planning,and evaluation of care.
• All applicants must be able to demonstrate ability to study at academic Level 7
• At least three years’ experience as a practicing nurse or specialist community public health nurse and be deemed competent by your employer to undertake the programme
• Subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
• Your approved course will enable you to learn the skills and knowledge you need to qualify. You’ll be able to develop your legal, ethical,and professional knowledge on topics relevant to pharmacology and therapeutics.

What careers and opportunities will this open you up to?

Once you’ve completed your course and registered with the NMC, you’ll be able to prescribe independently and in partnership with a medical or dental prescriber and the patient. Some areas you can work in include:

• Mental Health
• Substance Misuse
• Travel Medicine
• HIV Medicine
• Critical Care
• Nutrition
• Rheumatology

To name just a few.

You can also use your course to advance on to higher level courses including advanced nursing practice or advanced clinical practice as well as becoming a prescribing supervisor. The prescribing supervisor is an independent supervisor who completes assessment and teaching in practice(previously known as a designated medical practitioner (DMP)). The Practice Supervisor (PS) is a colleague in practice who must be able to provide guidance and supervision of your practice-based learning whilst you’re on the course.The PS must be someone with whom you normally work, and they must meet specific criteria as outlined by the HEI.

If you’re looking to develop your medical career, take on greater responsibilities and manage enhanced patient care, becoming a non-medical prescriber may be the right direction for you to take.

If you're an NMP looking for your next opportunity, take a look at our current roles here. Can't find what you're looking for or nothing in your area? Give our dedicated Criminal Justice team a call on 01473939670 who will be able to match you to your next role.