Are nurses required to attend a yearly medication administration course?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear D,

Thank you for your question.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published guidance on the “Managing medicines in care homes” in March 2014.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/sc1/chapter/1-recommendations#training-and-skills-competency-of-care-home-staff

This is an excellent guidance tool and in response to your question I would recommend that you read the section: 1.17 Training and skills (competency) of care home staff.

1.17.5 says: “Care home providers should ensure that all care home staff have an annual review of their knowledge, skills and competencies relating to managing and administering medicines. Care home providers should identify any other training needed by care home staff responsible for managing and administering medicines. If there is a medicines-related safety incident, this review may need to be more frequent to identify support, learning and development needs.”

I am sure that you will find that this guidance answers your questions.

Best wishes.

Sheila