Experiences of ward-based nurse prescribers in an acute ward setting

Abstract

A plethora of literature is written about non-medical prescribing, directed towards community nurses, specialist or advanced practice roles. There is a lack of literature, however, regarding the use of non-medical prescribing with the open formulary in the acute ward setting. The experiences of two nurses reveal that non-medical prescribing is a valuable addition to patient care within the acute cardiac ward setting. It ensures that patients receive timely access to medications. This article reveals that the development of nonmedical prescribing develops through clinical experience and with it, professional and clinical competence. Non-medical prescribing has been an invaluable addition to ward-based holistic patient care. It has ensured safety is maintained, and supported multidisciplinary working for the benefit of patients. It also provides the opportunity to develop service provision further.