What the SPQDN taught me

As I near the end of the Specialist Practice Qualification in District Nursing (SPQDN) programme, I reflect on how much I have learnt and how it has changed my practice. I was fortunate enough to be offered a part-time place on the programme, studying over 2 years. It was suggested to me that studying part time would be difficult, since your time is split between attending university, placement, studying and work, but I disagree. I have found that placement work and working with my usual team has allowed me to practice what I have learnt.

As part of the programme, I had the opportunity to complete the nurse independent prescribing (V300) non-medical prescribing qualification. I spent a significant amount of time with a GP practising invaluable assessment skills, which has increased my knowledge and confidence in both the holistic and physical assessment of patients. Advanced assessment skills are integral to making safe and effective prescribing decisions. I have learnt so much about the importance of identifying ‘red flag’ signs and symptoms that could indicate a serious illness (Nuttall and Rutt-Howard, 2016) and the potentially significant implications of polypharmacy in patients with long-term conditions (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2019). The programme has equipped me to become an assured, safe and proficient practitioner.