Infection Prevention and Control Programme

Current context

The prevention of infection is central to health and wellbeing and the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance. In human health and care settings the rapid evolution of resistance, particularly to antibiotics, will require nurses and other allied health professionals to adjust their clinical practice to reflect the evolving evidence base and models of service provision. 

This innovative programme will prepare participants for current and future challenges to their roles that directly impact on the prevention or management of infection.

This programme is open to anyone regardless of RCN membership status.

It has been designed specifically to enable development of clinical and leadership skills in the prevention of infection. It will suit those whose roles contain a focus on the prevention of infection working in the NHS, independent sector and social care organisations at Band 6 and 7 or equivalent. 

The programme has been developed to support:

• trainee infection prevention and control nurses/practitioners in all care settings
• surveillance nurses/practitioners
• newly appointed directors of infection prevention and control with no IPC experience
• infection prevention and control practitioners who would like to refresh their skills and knowledge
• health protection practitioners
• infection prevention leads in independent care settings, such as nursing homes or GP practices
• nurses leading IPC components of NHS provider commissioning bodies
• ward managers and matrons.

Formal programme assessment

• Service Improvement Project/Plan of 3000 words maximum to include completed stakeholder analysis template (100% of the marks).

Supplementary Assessment to support Service Improvement Project/Plan

• Supplementary Assessment to support Service Improvement Project/Plan
• e-portfolio
• Interpretation of laboratory results
• outbreak report.

The programme will be delivered online.

With academic credits: £1,450 + VAT
Without academic credits: £1,100 + VAT

VAT registered Charities who pay for employees to undertake this programme will be able to claim back the VAT.

For more information please read the programme outline.

*Price includes: programme materials, face-to-face tuition on three days, online educational resources, six coaching sessions and portfolio assessment. 

For more information please read the programme timetable.

Fees must be paid in full in advance of the course start date. 

FAQs

How much will it cost to take this programme?

With academic credits: £1,450 + VAT.
Without academic credits: £1,100 + VAT.

Can my organisation fund the programme on my behalf?

Yes, your organisation can fund the programme on your behalf.

Once I have expressed my interest, how many weeks do I have to complete the payment and enrolment process?

Enrolment and payment is due before the programme start date.

What is the duration of the programme?

The programme will be held on six half days over 13 weeks.

How much study time is involved?

Participants are required to commit a total of 200 hours of study time for the entire programme. This includes work-based learning activities, online learning, live lectures, seminars and workshops, additional reading, and six hours of one-to-one coaching.

Is coaching offered as part of this programme?

As part of the programme one-to-one coaching is offered to support learning and assignment preparation. Guidance in study skills and assignment planning is also available from the programme academics and the RCN librarians.

Is all the learning online?

Yes, the programme is delivered 100% online, with some live online sessions and self-directed learning.

What time do the live online lessons run?

9:30am – 1:00pm (Please note the first session will start at 9:15am to allow for introductions).

What is the breakdown of the learning?

The make-up of the learning will be 10% live digital teaching; 40% self directed work based learning and 50% online directed study.

How many CPD hours is this programme worth?

Up to 30 hours of of participatory learning and additional individual learning hours

Will I be issued a certification on completion of the programme?

Yes, a certificate will be issues on completion of the programme. Please display proudly!

Do I need to buy any specific equipment to undertake this programme?

A laptop or tablet will be required. Please note that a mobile phone will not be suitable.

Is this course suitable for newly registered nurses?

Yes, this course is suitable for newly qualified nurses

Do I need to be in a leadership role already to take the course?

No, you do not need to be in a leadership course to take the course. This course will prepare you for a leadership role.  

Where can I find out more?

Please visit our web page and complete the expression of interest form, or send your queries to IPCeducation@rcn.org.uk.

What are the key benefits for our team and wider organisation?

The impending climate change crisis requires each organisation and team within the health care sector to change their procurement processes, replacing practices that damage the environment with one which promote sustainability. The skills and knowledge imparted to learners on this programme will help make their teams and organisations fit for the future.

Why is 'sustainability' an important topic for my team to be aware of?

The climate change crisis is the next health crisis. health care providers and staff will need to be equipped with the knowledge of the science of climate change and the skills to reform procurement in order to play their part in addressing this. The World Health Organisation have set out seventeen sustainability development goals to which they expect member nations to aspire in order to build a ecologically prosperous world. The Sustainability Programme's learning outcomes are mapped to the WHO sustainainability goals demonstrating their relevance to the learnng content and reinforcing how the health care sector can play its part in meeting them.

Will the member of staff need to take study leave from work?

Yes, staff will need to be supported to attend all six half days with study time to complete the programme. The programme will include 200 hours of face-to-face and directed study time