Welcome to this issue of The Journal of Prescribing Practice. I am writing this editorial in the week we start a new group of non-medical prescribing (NMP) students. Not unusual I hear you say, or hasn't she started an editorial like this before? Well yes, I have, but this time its not quite ‘as usual'. This will be the first cohort to start at our institution after accreditation against the new NMC Standards (NMC, 2019).
It is a very exciting time. I am looking forward to seeing how many of our new students have decided to continue using a medical doctor as their practice assessor and how many have gone out to other eligible professionals. I am also looking forward to seeing how well the roles of practice assessor and practice supervisor will work so that the student get a positive and comprehensive practice experience. Within the university we have an excellent structure for managing the supervision of our theoretical component and liaising with practice academic assessors. I am feeling confident and positive about the robust nature of support, supervision and assessment that this will provide. I can't help wondering, however, how our new students and practice assessors feel about it, and am conscious that for this cohort (and I suspect more to come) there will be a need for more intensive support in these early transitional days. I hope for and expect questions, only that way can people communicate, be sure about their roles, and learn and grow within them. I will actively reach out to new supervisors and assessors and establish lines of communication from the outset. Not that I am expecting problems you see, but because I want to avoid them. This strategy is important not only in this situation but in all situations our prescribers will encounter. Early and transparent communication facilitates better relationships and support across all areas of healthcare. I know my university will not be the only one starting students against the new standards and many of you reading this may well be preparing for your ‘first time' as an NMP practice assessor and supervisor. If not you, many will be in a position to do so soon and will be shadowing and supporting colleagues who are.
In changing times, we need to be more aware of this and support people in their new roles to ensure effective and safe care for our patients and clients. So, to all of you out there about to take on this new role, I am with you (as I am sure your local academics are too) and as a team I am confident we will be supervising, supporting and training some excellent new prescribers to enhance and strengthen our workforce. I do hope some of you embarking on this role will consider writing about your journey and experience, sharing it in this journal to help and inspire colleagues who will be taking on this mantle soon. I would encourage anyone thinking of doing so to keep a reflective diary to chart your and your students progress to aid writing about the role.
We would love to hear from you! I hope you enjoy the range of articles and features that we have for you in this month's edition.