This 20-credit level 7 (masters) online course prepares you to become a Professional Advocate (PA) or Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA), developing your role to support and lead the healthcare workforce into the future.
This is a stand-alone course for post registration continuing professional development. The course runs online for 10 weeks of teaching content and 2 weeks of assessment preparation time, before the final assessment is due.
Study days are held once a week. This normally includes weekly online attendance to live webinars, engagement with online discussions and directed study tasks. These activities are designed to support learners to build their final assignment contents.
Who this course is for
Applicants must be supported by their manager/organisation and motivated to attend and complete the course online, which includes self-directed study and reading.
The course is designed for those who hold an active NMC/HCPC registration or suitable UK PRSB qualification (employed within a clinical healthcare role).
For some, course attendance is required to fulfil career development and progression, embark on further master’s studies, or as a job specification requirement (PA/PNA).
The course aims to
Provide participants with the opportunity to examine the theories that underpin the A-EQUIP model (NHS England, 2017) and apply their new knowledge within a healthcare practice setting.
Explore the role and responsibilities of the PA/PNA which is underpinned by the ‘A-EQUIP’ model of supervision and support. A-EQUIP is an acronym for advocating for education and quality improvement, which was initially developed for use by Midwives to replace their statutory supervision process (NHS England, 2017).
Understanding the course contents will help participants to develop skills in leadership, higher order communication, restorative supervision and practice. This will facilitate a cultural shift, resulting in a more resilient and compassionate workforce - ultimately leading to improved quality of patient care.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
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LO1
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Develop leadership skills that will assist in creating a workplace culture which leads to improved outcomes for staff, patients and their families.
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LO2
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Examine existing governance and quality improvement frameworks in order to actively contribute to the enhancement of quality assurance within clinical practice.
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LO3
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Evaluate the role of the Professional Advocate/Professional Nurse Advocate in order to support staff to facilitate a restorative clinical environment.
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LO4
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Appraise how the A-EQUIP model can be utilised to support staff working in the student’s clinical area of expertise.
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Indicative module content
- History of the PA/PNA role and the introduction to A-EQUIP model
- Culture & workplace
- Higher order communication and interpersonal skills
- Quality improvement theory
- Restorative clinical supervision
- Emotional needs of healthcare staff
Module leaders
Feedback from Students
“All staff delivering course contents have been amazing, their discussion has been insightful and very relevant. Course content week on week has really made me evaluate how I do things and look at my practice from a different angle as it relates so directly to my role, current position and that of my workforce”.
“I am so impressed with how well the module has been delivered. How warm and inclusive the tutors are, including kindness and understanding in every session. This has really given me more confidence with both the PNA role and in completing the assignment”.
How you'll learn
This module is delivered online, via the virtual environment platform called Canvas which will provide you with the flexibility to manage your studies around your existing work and home commitments.
You will engage with the module team and fellow students via online discussion boards and during the scheduled online live webinars.