CPD Professional Nurse Advocate

The Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) course is a clinical and professional leadership programme which aims to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge to:

• deliver restorative clinical supervision to their colleagues and teams across the NHS in England
• lead quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care
• contribute to positive cultures of learning

The course is designed to equip students who complete it successfully to implement the role in clinical practice straightaway as newly qualified PNAs.

The nationally funded programme (launched by NHSE in March 2021) provides senior nurses with the skills to listen and understand the challenges and demands of colleagues, then to lead support and deliver quality improvement initiatives in response to them. 

The course content is designed to align with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Professional Nurse Advocate Standards for Education and Training Programmes and Modules and is RCN accredited.

Delivery

• Delivered over 15 weeks on Thursdays
• On-campus classroom-based learning (two days), along with online sessions via Microsoft Teams, supported by our virtual learning platform Canvas

This blended approach is suitable for those based in and around the north west region, as face-to face attendance is required in some sessions.

Teaching and learning activities include:

• Lectures, tutorials, and workshops - both tutor-led and group-led seminars or workshops.
• Simulated experiences and action learning - practical application of learning is promoted to link theory to practice. 
• Independent study - directed by your course team and underpinned by online content in Canvas. This supports you to add depth and breadth to your knowledge of topics and practice skills, and to reflect on critical incidents and your practice.

Regular academic supervision is provided by a designated member of the LJMU programme team throughout your course. 

• Alternative qualifications considered

  Learners must hold an active NMC registration.  

  Learners must be employed in a registered nursing role.  

  Learners must practice within a health care setting that provides NHS or NHS commissioned services.  

  Learners must provide evidence of holding a level 6 academic award 

  Those without a level 6 award must provide evidence of equivalent experiential learning 

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU CPD application form. You will need to provide details of your qualifications and curent employment.

Assessment

You will produce a portfolio of learning aligned to the RCN accredited proficiencies for Professional Nurse Advocate, and be supported through continuous opportunities for reflective learning.