Professional Nurse Advocate

Improve your clinical supervision to support the nursing workforce. Engage in critical analysis and self-reflection. Learn to implement the skills and knowledge required of a Professional Nurse Advocate.

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

LevelShort courses and CPD

Duration10 weeks

Start dates27 January 2026, 5 May 2026

Fee£834

Course codeCID1558

Course summary

The Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) course is aimed at registered nurses (excluding nursing associates) who have an interest in supporting others through the means of change management and leadership. You'll have a desire to improve your clinical supervision skills to support the nursing workforce of the future and retain our established nursing teams.

You'll critically analyse the role of the PNA and recognise this in the current strategic context, as well as reflect on your own skills to encourage wider development via several approaches. The course draws upon the Advocating and Educating for Quality Improvement (A-EQUIP) model of professional nursing leadership and restorative clinical supervision.

On completion of this short course, you'll apply and implement the skills and knowledge obtained to become a PNA.

Accreditations and approvals

This course is accredited by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN)(opens in new tab).

What you'll study

Topics covered on this course include:

Theoretical foundations of A-EQUIP
Complex decision making
Clinical supervisory models
Theoretical foundations of restorative clinical supervision
Clinical governance relating to the role of the PNA
Quality improvement processes and evaluation
Identification, critical evaluation, and implementation of nursing research
Evidence-based practice
Patient care and safety
Leadership and culture
Medico-legal implications of the PNA role
Lifelong learning and continuous development
Supportive strategies.

How you'll learn

The course is taught one day per week over ten weeks via blended learning, consisting of structured, facilitated lectures online and using a combination of directed and self-directed study.

There are two assessment methods, which include a portfolio and a presentation/professional discussion on a quality improvement initiative of your choice. Assessments will be completed four weeks following the end of the course.

Entry requirements

This Level 7 postgraduate certificate, worth 20 credits, is for registered nurses on part one of the register who can demonstrate recent Level 6 or 7 study. This does not include nursing associate roles.

All applicants must also complete two modules prior to starting the course via the elearning for healthcare hub(opens in new tab). You'll be required to send verification that you've completed these modules when you submit your application.

Fees and finance support

The employer usually meets course costs – we advise you to speak to your workforce development lead before applying.

We also accept self-funded applicants and encourage anyone wishing to explore their options to contact cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Contact the Corporate and Professional Education team for further information about applying for this course by calling 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or emailing cpd@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).