The prescribing of medicinal products is a new role for nurses and midwives in Ireland in order to meet the needs of patients/clients and the community in general. International literature supports the safe, effective and efficient utilisation of nurse prescribers. The introduction of nurse prescribing in Ireland is informed by International best practice, helping to ensure a high quality approach to nursing and midwifery. It is designed in response to strategic developments by the Health Service Executive and An Bord Altranais and is part of quality and transformation in health care in Ireland.
The Certificate in Nurse Prescribing (Nurse/Midwife Prescribing) (NFQ Level 8 Special Purpose Award) aims to prepare nurses/midwives as independent prescribers enabling nurses/midwives to provide patients with effective access to medications, and expands the role of nurses and midwives in progressing the health care needs of the future.