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Nurse prescribing: developing confidence, autonomy and collaboration

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
nurse prescribing

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Nurse prescribing has been introduced in many countries with benefits for patients, prescribing clinicians and healthcare systems. However, nurse prescribing is not without challenges and the role of nurse prescriber has been debated. Some nurses may be reluctant to take on the role because they are concerned about making prescribing errors, acquiring sufficient knowledge and skills, or having to give up some of their other nursing roles. This article discusses the fundamental requirements for nurses to become effective and safe prescribers, a process underpinned by developing confidence, autonomy and collaboration – in particular with prescribing mentors. This article is written from the combined perspectives of the Australian and UK contexts.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to understand the benefits of nurse prescribing for patients, clinicians and healthcare systems

to identify techniques that can improve the confidence of aspiring and novice nurse prescribers

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Rachael Elizabeth Summers

Nurse Practitioner - Hunter New England Local Health District, Aged and Extended Care, Armidale Community Health Centre, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia

Leah East

Associate Professor in Nursing - School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
Downloaded from https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/e1723-Nurse-prescribing-developing-confidence-aut.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023