Advanced Practice

Roles

Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners are registered healthcare professionals undertaking a training programme to develop the skills and knowledge required for advanced clinical practice. The training programme typically lasts two years and includes both theoretical and practical learning. During this time, trainees work clinically under the indirect supervision of Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Nurse Consultants and medical colleagues.

The role involves assessing, diagnosing, interpreting investigations and treating patients across various services. Trainees are responsible for providing high-quality, patient-centred care while developing their clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills. They also participate in service development, research and education to enhance their practice and contribute to the healthcare team.

Upon successful completion of the training programme, Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners transition into the role of Advanced Clinical Practitioners, where they continue to provide expert clinical care and support to patients.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Specialism
  • Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professionals Council HPCP
  • Post-Graduate Course

Experience

  • Junior Sister/Charge Nurse
  • Associate Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist

Development

Career opportunities

Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Advanced Clinical Practitioners are experienced, registered health and care professionals who deliver a high degree of autonomy and complex decision-making in their practice. They are educated to Master’s level or equivalent, encompassing the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research. This advanced level of practice enables them to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers, including the analysis and synthesis of complex problems.

ACPs are responsible for diagnosing, prescribing and treating patients across various settings. They provide direct patient care, lead evidence-based practice, optimise organisational systems and advance nursing practice. They also act as role models, mentors and educators to other healthcare professionals, contributing to the development of nursing practice and healthcare systems.

In addition to their clinical duties, ACPs are involved in service development, research and education to enhance their practice and improve patient outcomes. They work closely with multidisciplinary teams including consultants, nurse specialists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Specialism
  • Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professionals Council HPCP
  • Post-Graduate Course
  • Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice

Experience

  • Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Development

Career opportunities

Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Nurse Practitioners are experienced, registered health and care professionals who deliver a high degree of autonomy and complex decision-making in their practice. They are educated to Master’s level or equivalent, encompassing the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research. This advanced level of practice enables them to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers, including the analysis and synthesis of complex problems.

They combine their clinical expertise with an increased level of autonomy and responsibility, performing a range of tasks including assessing and diagnosing health conditions, prescribing medications and developing and implementing treatment plans. ANPs often embrace a holistic approach to patient care, considering not only the physical aspects of health but also the emotional, social and psychological dimensions.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Nursing
  • Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
  • Post-Graduate Course
  • Masters level study including advanced assessment and non-medical prescribing

Experience

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist

Development

Career opportunities

Consultant Nurse/Practitioner

Consultant nurses and practitioners are responsible for ensuring the highest standards of care and effective treatment within healthcare delivery systems. Their roles range from direct patient care and strategic planning to the development of innovative approaches to collaborative working. They evaluate essential risk management information and provide strategic plans to assist organisations in attaining the highest levels of performance.

Additionally, consultant nurses and practitioners can offer advice on health-related aspects of insurance claims, medical malpractice issues and disability cases within health services. They also support professional development and deliver patient education services.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Specialism
  • Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professionals Council HPCP
  • Post-Graduate Course
  • Masters level study including advanced assessment and non-medical prescribing
  • Doctoral level education is desirable

Experience

  • Advanced Clinical Practitioner
  • Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Development