Practice in Contraception & Reproductive Sexual Health

If you’re a nurse looking for practical training in emergency contraception and contraceptive methods, this course will develop the clinical skills you need to work as a contraceptive care nurse.

As you study and do your clinical placement, you’ll develop skills in providing all methods of contraception, advising on sexually transmitted diseases, and sensitively responding to the impact of sexuality on the individual, family and society.

The course involves 42 hours of clinical practice in a placement which you must arrange, with the agreed support of a placement mentor. Our course leader (see 'Contact details') can provide details of clinics which are routinely used for placements. Alternatively, you might prefer a clinic near your usual place of work; we'll need to conduct an educational audit beforehand to make sure that this will be a suitable setting for you. Please discuss this with the course leader before applying.

To be eligible for this course, you must have already completed our Understanding Contraception and Reproductive Sexual Health module.

Course content:

• contraceptive methods
• sexually transmitted diseases
• human sexuality
• sexual development
• legal and ethical issues (eg the Fraser Guidelines)
• psychosocial influences (eg drugs, alcohol and the media)
• cultural issues
• political issues
• sexuality, disability and special needs
• local and national provision
• access to services
• facilitating informed choice – a lifespan approach to contraception and sexual health (eg during adolescence, peri-menopause and menopause).

For assessment, you'll complete a skills inventory to show that you’ve achieved the learning outcomes and the required level of clinical expertise. This will be supported by evidence from your reflective diary and your learning contract.