Posted 22 March 2024 - 13:45
Posted 22 March 2024 - 13:45
News
Purple uniforms introduced for advanced nurse practitioners
Scottish NHS trust introduces purple tunic for advanced nurse practitioners in new uniform pilot, as NMC proposes a universal standard for education and skills
Scottish NHS trust introduces purple tunic for advanced nurse practitioners in new uniform pilot, as NMC proposes a universal standard for education and skills
Advanced nursing practice could soon have a universal standard for education and skills, as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) puts forward recommendations for approval.
It comes as NHS Fife has introduced a new uniform pilot for its advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) so staff and patients can more easily recognise them in emergency settings.
Emergency practitioners and ANPs will now wear purple tunics rather than blue ones to make them more identifiable.
Unclear whether public fully understands advanced nurse practitioner role
The NMC will put proposals to its governing council in a meeting next week that include suggesting a UK-wide advanced practice principles framework and future changes to the Code.
The plans follow an independent report by the Nuffield Trust which found that a lack of consistency in training, education, responsibilities and governance is causing a risk to the public.
Currently, there is no single definition of advanced practice and the NMC says it is unclear whether the public fully understands the role and what it means for their care.
NMC executive nurse director of professional practice Sam Foster said: ‘Advanced practitioners bring significant knowledge, skills, and experience to provide person-centred care.
‘Regulation is about enabling the public to have consistently high expectations and experiences of working with professionals across settings and locations.’
UK’s four chief nursing officers welcome recommendations to recognise advanced level practice role
The NMC's recommendations, jointly welcomed by the chief nursing officers of the UK, include developing a standard of proficiency for advanced level practice and associated programmes.
In addition it is recommended that advanced level practice requirements are included in the wider reviews of revalidation and the Code scheduled for 2025-2026.
If the council agrees, the NMC say it will also make plans ‘for a proportionate approach’ to recognising nursing professionals with existing advanced practice qualifications.
In a joint statement the chief nursing officers for the four countries of the UK said: ‘It’s welcome news that the NMC is looking to develop approaches to the regulation of advanced practitioners. These professionals make a significant and positive impact on people’s lives every day, and it’s vital that everyone receiving care from them has confidence in their knowledge, skills and experience.’
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