NS5003 - Skills 4: Advancing Medicines Management

In this module you will engage in structured seminars and problem-based learning to gain a thorough understanding of pharmacology principles and the safe, evidence-based administration of medications specific to the role of a nursing associate. You will explore the effects of medications, allergies, and adverse reactions, enabling you to analyse and articulate these complex concepts effectively.

Practical workshops, simulations, and problem-based scenarios will enable you to develop and apply effective communication skills in medication administration, with a focus on clear and accurate reporting of side effects and patient responses. The module will emphasise the rehearsal of nursing associate skills in medicine management, incorporating both low and high-fidelity simulated practices to build confidence, deepen understanding, and enhance competence and proficiency achievement. You will also have the opportunity to apply these skills in your practice settings, where you will demonstrate and apply your skills and knowledge in medicine management. Throughout this module, you will be supported in making informed decisions around medications management that is guided by the latest evidence and best practices. This support will be through engagement with academics and peers during collaborative seminars, workshops and simulations.

In this module, you will also develop your medicine management skills through online learning resources such as SCRIPT and the Skills4Practice website (https://www.s4pwebsite.com/), which will provide you with the theoretical foundations to support and evidence your skill development.

You will be supported by a specialist module team in Nursing, Midwifery and Health. You will receive ongoing guidance and feedback to ensure you are able to engage with concepts of safe nursing associate practice. You will also be supported via the OSL systems in addition to face-to-face teaching and group work activities and discussion. You will be able to contact the module team in person, by email or phone and through Blackboard Ultra (eLP). Skills Plus, the University Library’s collection of online learning materials can be used to support the development of your academic skills. Further support for your learning is provided with a 24-hour IT Helpline, a comprehensive range of services through the Student Life and Wellbeing Team and the University’s student portal, which gives help and advice on student enquiries such as disability, faith, counselling, mental health support, finance, assessments, and welfare issues. You can access these services via email on your student portal, by telephone or through the help desk staff based within university libraries.



You will also support each other via peer support, through engaging in discussion and debate to enhance your learning. Additional relevant materials, including the electronic reading list and other teaching and learning methods, will be available via eLP and library services. The University Libraries at both Coach Lane Campus and City Campus offer an extensive collection of material, both hard copy and electronic, access to international databases and training in information retrieval. All support will be in line with any Student Accessibility Plan (SAP).

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of medications on physical and psychosocial health, recognising allergies, contraindications, adverse reactions, and the need for patient advocacy. Uphold legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities to support person-centred, inclusive care
2. Analyse pharmacological principles and evidence-based medicines administration, integrating leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and public health strategies to enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes
Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA):
3. Apply effective communication skills to support safe medication administration, report side effects, and enable shared decision-making to safeguard vulnerable individuals and meet their care preferences
4. Demonstrate competence in maintaining patient safety across all settings by applying evidence-based practice, recognising and assessing at-risk individuals, and utilising written, digital, and numeracy skills to enhance care quality


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate the application of care that is compassionate, respectful and maintains dignity and well-being of people who use services and carers (PUSC), taking into consideration reasonable adjustments, and in promoting individuality, independence, rights, choice, and inclusion.

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment will be in the form of quizzes (SCRIPT) and peer learning/feedback which will assess your knowledge and understanding in preparation for the summative assessment.



Summative Assessment:

Your summative assessment will be a 2-hour unseen exam consisting of 20 drug calculations. 100% must be achieved to pass

Study at L4

N/A

This module builds on foundational skills from year one of your programme, introducing more complex skills that are in line with the NMC (2024) Standards for Nursing Associates. The focus of this year two module is pharmacology, medicine management, medicine calculations, and medicine administration across the life span and practice placement settings. You will gain a deeper understanding of pharmacology, including safe, evidence-based medication practices via recognising and responding to allergies, side effects, and contraindications.

The module emphasises the development of effective communication skills for patient interactions and the accurate reporting of information related to the safe administration of medications. You will also explore best practices for patient safety, using professional guidance to deliver dignified and individualised care that promotes patient rights, independence, and well-being. Practical and theoretical learning will build your confidence in calculation medications, administering medications, documenting accurately, and adhering to policies, preparing you to care for patients with complex needs and supporting medication optimisation in diverse practice placement environments.