Training resources for nurses

The professional development coordinators for practice nursing (PDCPNs) provide support and advice on educational programmes.

Essential education and training

Basic life support (BLS) training

The BLS Provider programme is recommended every 2 years for all healthcare professionals.

The programme covers:

adult, infant and child BLS
use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
removal of foreign body airway obstruction

Contact your PDCPN for information about BLS training

Anaphylaxis training

The management of anaphylaxis is an essential skill for all healthcare personnel working in general practice.

Initial anaphylaxis training must be face-to-face. Further updates can be completed online at HSeLanD

Anaphylaxis - treatment in the community (PDF, 55KB, 7 pages)

Immunisation training

Practice nurses delivering immunisation programmes are recommended to complete the Immunisation Foundation Programme available on HSeLanD

Other HSELanD modules:

Medication management module
HPV immunisation module
Flu vaccination

Access these modules on HSeLanD

Contact your PDCPN for information about immunisation training

Hand hygiene

There are national standards for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. It is recommended that all healthcare professionals are fully informed on how to follow these standards.

eLearning

HSeLanD is the HSE's online learning portal, providing over 170 learning programmes for nurses and midwives.

The Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Directory (ONMSD) have a dedicated nursing and midwifery hub providing online programmes and access to a digital professional development plan (PDP)

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

As a nurse or midwife, you can improve your knowledge, skills and competence through continuing professional development (CPD).

The Office of the Nursing & Midwifery Services Director (ONMSD) provides options and resources to help you with your CPD.

Find programmes to meet your:

short-term goals, such as maintaining your practice or meeting your professional requirements
long-term goals, such as furthering your career or changing career direction

Children First training

All registered nurses and midwives must complete the Children First training. This is available on HSeLanD

Venipuncture training

Venipuncture is a core skill for practice nurses. There are courses available on HSeLanD and INMO Professional

Recommended training resources

The National Healthy Childhood and Nurture Programmes

Many general practices provide free care to children under 6.

The National Healthy Childhood Programme focuses on developing and delivering:

Universal child health services - 0 to 2 year olds

Nurture programme - the first 3 years of childhood

Best practice in child care training modules are available on HSeLanD

These modules include:

growth monitoring in children
nutrition
breastfeeding
child safety

Registered nurse prescriber (RNP)

Practice nurses can undertake the medicinal product educational module. This registration will enhance clinical practice and the management of chronic conditions. The PDCPN supports practice nurse candidates as the prescribing site co-coordinator.

NMBI prescriptive authority: practice standards and guidelines

National cancer screening programmes

Practice nurses should be familiar with all cancer screening programmes.

These include:

Chronic conditions management and support

Providers offering long-term conditions-management training modules:

Contact your PDCPN for more information

Advanced practice roles

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

There is no division on the register with NMBI for CNS. If you want to become a CNS contact your PDCPN for more information

Advance Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

To become an ANP you must successfully complete a level 9 advanced practice module. You will then be eligible to make an application for registration as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP). Contact your PDCPN for advice and support

NMBI - Advanced Practice registration