Professional Nurse Advocate

Improve your clinical supervision skills to better support the nursing workforce. You’ll reflect on your practice and think critically about your work. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA).

Two nursing students in the mock hospital ward comparing notes they are holding

LevelShort courses and CPD

Duration10 weeks

Start dates27 January 2026, 4 May 2026

Fee£834

Course codeCID1558

Course summary

Are you a registered nurse? Do you want to support others through change and leadership? This PNA course could be for you.

The course will help you build your clinical supervision skills so you can better support and retain the nursing workforce. You’ll explore the role of the PNA and how it fits within today’s healthcare system. You’ll also reflect on your own skills and experience. This will enable you to grow and develop in your role.

The course is based on the A-EQUIP model, which focuses on nursing leadership and restorative clinical supervision. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to apply what you’ve learned in practice as a PNA.

Please note, the course isn't suitable for nursing associates.

Why Sunderland for Short courses and CPD

Accreditations and approvals

This course is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

What you'll study

Topics covered on this course include:

The A-EQUIP model and how it works
Making decisions in complex situations
Different models of clinical supervision
Restorative clinical supervision
Clinical governance and the PNA role
Quality improvement and how to measure it
Finding, reviewing, and using nursing research
Evidence-based practice
Patient care and safety
Leadership and workplace culture
Legal and professional issues in the PNA role
Lifelong learning and ongoing development
Support strategies for staff.

How you'll learn

We deliver the course online, one day a week for 10 weeks. Teaching is via lectures, supported by directed and self-directed study.

Assessment methods include:

A portfolio
A presentation and discussion on a quality improvement initiative of your choice.

You'll complete your assessment four weeks after the module ends.

Entry requirements

This is a postgraduate certificate for registered nurses. You must be on part one of the register and able to show recent Level 6 or 7 study. This doesn't include nursing associate roles.

You need to complete two modules before starting the course. This is through the NHS elearning for healthcare hub(opens in new tab). We'll need you to confirm you've completed these when you submit your application.

Fees and finance support

Employers usually meets course costs. We advise that you speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants. If you'd like to explore your options, contact us at cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact our team for further information about applying for this course. Call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).