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
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
Related topics
Guidelines for vaccinating in general practice
National Immunisation Office - information for healthcare professionals
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.
Related topics
Hand Hygiene Training Resources (Community)
National Standards for infection prevention and control in community services (HIQA.ie)
Health Care Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance
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
Related content
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
Related documents
My Pregnancy Book (PDF, 7.8MB, 228 pages)
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:
Related topics
Self-management support for chronic conditions
HSE National Wound Management Guidelines (PDF, 4.4MB, 366 pages)
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
General practice nurses
General practice nurses should contact their nearest Professional Development Coordinator.