Nurse prescribing in Spain: The law and the curriculum

Abstract
In this cross‐sectional study, we explored course content related to pharmacology and/or healthcare products and supplies in all nursing degree programs in Spain. Changes in nurse‐prescribing legislation in Spain require that nurses take a certification course before prescribing over‐the‐counter products and medications. Using a cross‐sectional descriptive study, between July and September 2014, the degree programs of all centers that offer a degree in nursing in Spain were examined, selecting those with course information available online. All centers offered at least one pharmacology course. One‐third of the required courses had content related to pharmacology and healthcare products/supplies. The analysis showed that the course content and training received during the current nursing degree program provides the knowledge and skills needed to prescribe healthcare products/supplies and medications that do not now require a doctor's prescription, without the need for additional training and certification. It is essential that government regulation of nursing education be aligned with nursing competencies, curriculum standards, clinical practice, and evidence‐based research to provide the maximum level of confidence for nursing professionals and their patients.

Source: Nursing and Health Sciences - June 1, 2017 Category: Nursing Authors: Angel Romero ‐Collado, Marta Raurell‐Torreda, Edurne Zabaleta‐Del‐Olmo, Carolina Rascon‐Hernan, Erica Homs‐Romero Tags: Research Article Source Type: research