Heather Richardson
Heather Richardson currently works as a senior consultant to the Professional Learning Team and wider organisation of St Christopher’s.
Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Nurse Consultant Development Programme
For skilled nurses in palliative or end of life care who want to become advanced practitioners and senior clinical leaders
Event overview
- New cohort dates to come
- Funding available for eligible applicants
- St Christopher's CARE and online
Register interest
Useful information
- Email us
- 020 8768 4656
- How to find us
- Delegate accommodation
- Cancellation policy
Welcome to the Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) and Nurse Consultant (NC) Programme — a unique opportunity for experienced nurses in palliative and end of life care to advance their careers.
Offered by St Christopher’s CARE, a leading institution in hospice care, this programme equips you with the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.
Whether you’re looking to become an ACP or NC, you’ll benefit from expert teaching, practical learning, and a supportive community.
Join us to take your nursing practice to the next level and make a meaningful difference in end of life care.
For more information about the programme, please email the Professional Learning Team at education@stchristophers.org.uk
The potential contribution of senior nurses in palliative care has arguably never been greater. There is clear recognition on the part of Government, commissioners and providers of the value of strong clinical leadership to meet emerging demographic, disease specific, regulatory and other challenges. Simultaneously, there is new rhetoric and clarity about the potential role of nurses alongside medical and other colleagues to fulfil such a leadership role.
This unique course will offer sustained opportunity for nurses who aspire to be advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) or nurse consultants (NCs) to gain the skills and knowledge required within these roles. We welcome nurses from across the NHS, private and voluntary sector.
The programme is divided into two parts. All learners start together for the first half of the programme. Then, those that wish to advance their role beyond advanced nursing practice to that of a consultant remain for the second half of the programme.
- New dates to be confirmed
Qualifications and experience required:
- Experience: At least three years in a Band 7 nursing role or equivalent.
- Palliative Care: Significant experience in palliative and end of life care.
- Education: Completion (or near completion) of a Master’s program that includes advanced physical assessment and independent prescribing modules, or these must be completed by the end of the course.
- Self-Development: A strong passion for self-improvement and enhancing nursing practice.
- Leadership: A desire to be an effective leader focused on improving the experiences of dying and grief through advanced practice.
- Network Commitment: Willingness to actively participate in the Global Palliative Nursing Network during the program.
Support from Host Organisation:
Candidates must work for an organisation that can support advanced practitioners, including:
- Clinical Support: Access to supervision from a consultant doctor or nurse in relevant competencies (can be arranged as needed).
- Mentorship: Guidance from a more senior nurse (can also be arranged as needed).
- In-House Resources: Access to advice on independent prescribing and advanced examinations.
Host Organisation Requirements:
- Adjusted responsibilities to allow for project completion, quality improvement experiences, and leadership opportunities.
- There must be a senior nurse or doctor available to assess and sign off on the nurse’s capabilities during practice.
- The organisation must agree to support the nurse’s development throughout the program with:
- Financial assistance.
- Time away from clinical duties for study.
Teaching and Learning Structure:
Participants will be taught by a diverse team of clinicians, healthcare leaders, academics, and peers. Learning will take place both in person and virtually.
Course Structure:
- Aspiring Nurse Consultants (NCs): Must complete both Part 1 and Part 2.
- Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs): Only required to complete Part 1.
Part 1 (For ACPs and NCs):
- 12 In-Person Days: Comprehensive, face-to-face training sessions.
- Minimum 6 Days of Self-Directed Learning: Independent study tailored by the course requirements.
- Leadership Training (Optional): Available virtually for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills.
- Teach with CARE (Optional): A hybrid program (in-person and virtual) designed to develop teaching and mentoring skills.
Part 2 (For Aspiring NCs Only):
- 6 In-Person Days: Advanced, face-to-face learning specific to the Nurse Consultant role.
- Minimum 2 Days of Self-Directed Learning: Independent study guided by course expectations.
Learning Methods for All Participants:
- Lectures, Seminars, and Webinars: Engaging and informative sessions delivered by experts.
- Workshops: Practical, hands-on learning activities.
- Communities of Practice: Collaborative spaces for peer support and shared learning.
- Guided Reflections: Opportunities for self-assessment and reflection on practice.
- Clinical Observations and Placements: Real-world experience in clinical settings.
- Online Learning Platform: A virtual space for interaction with peers and faculty, as well as access to additional on-demand learning resources.
Learners in the program will:
- Understand the current landscape of palliative and end of life care and the role of nursing within it.
- Grasp the diverse responsibilities of an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) or Nurse Consultant (NC) in this context.
- Gain confidence in delivering skilled, evidence-based, personalized care to dying patients and their families, as expected of an ACP or NC.
- Identify and act on leadership opportunities at all levels (individual, team, organiSation, system) that benefit from ACP or NC expertise.
- Understand the importance of quality in healthcare and the role of senior clinical leaders in maintaining high standards.
- Explore ways to advance and contribute to the nursing profession.
Meet your Programme Leaders
The programme will be led by Heather Richardson and Marie Cooper who will draw on the rich experience of colleagues within and beyond St Christopher’s working as senior clinicians and consultants. Some of the in-house team you will meet are described below.
Marie Cooper
Senior Nursing Advisor Celebrating Palliative Care Nursing Marie is a nurse with many years’ experience of clinical leadership with an expertise in practice development across a range of care settings. Having…
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More information
Professional Learning , Education
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Why our education programme?
We have a well-established programme of high quality, cutting-edge, specialist palliative care education, designed for those working in the UK and internationally.
Why St Christopher’s?
Education is at the heart of St Christopher’s mission to promote and provide hospice care of the highest standards.
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