The STIF-NHIVNA Diploma - Advanced competency is a 30 credit equivalent, level 7, clinical training package assessing the knowledge and competence of nurses working at an advanced level, or physician associates and SAS doctors working in HIV medicine who do not wish to take the DipHIV exam. This competency involves tailored one-to-one clinical training and work-place assessment and is suitable for HCPs working in a Specialist HIV Medicine setting (Out-patient) or an Integrated GUM/HIV or ID/HIV setting. The National HIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA) and BASHH's STI Foundation have co-produced this qualification.
The training and assessment is structured as a clinical attachment within an HIV service and comprises e-learning, a minimum of 50 clinical sessions including reflective writing, formal assessment of competence, multi-source feedback and completion of an audit.
Being able to prescribe ARV medication is not essential but more in-depth knowledge about ARVs, their use, resistance, interactions and adherence support are expected.
Accessing NHIVNA Advanced via APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)
A new Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) route is now available towards NHIVNA Advanced, designed for experienced health professionals who are already practising at an advanced level.
This new pathway recognises the valuable knowledge, skills, and specialist training many professionals have already gained through their practice and previous education by submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of the required competency elements for NHIVNA Advanced Competency.
Click here (or the button on the right) to register for APEL into NHIVNA Advanced.
Information on the APEL portfolio can be found here.
Training is provided by Registered STIF Competency Trainers
STIF NHIVNA Advanced Competency prices
- £450
- £745 via APEL route
E-learning (eHIV-STI)
You do not need to be registered on the STIF-NHIVNA Advanced programme to begin the e-learning. It is highly recommended that you complete 50% of the e-learning before commencing your training and assessments.
Time frame for completion of training
The STIF NHIVNA Advanced Competency training and assessment pathway should be completed within 12 months of the date of the first assessment (unless extenuating circumstances).
The STIF NHIVNA Complete Competency training and assessment pathway should be completed within 24 months of the date of the first assessment (unless extenuating circumstances).
On successful completion of the training and assessment programme, a Diploma of STIF (STIF-NHIVNA Advanced Competency) is awarded. The Diploma needs to be revalidated every five years. Link to the revalidation web page.
Microscopy
Microscopy is carried out by health care professionals across a wide range of roles. We do not include microscopy as a core element within the competencies due to the variety of approaches to this area of work across Sexual Health Clinics. BASHH’s Bacterial Special Interest Group (BSIG) have developed an eLearning package to develop the knowledge required for microscopy. The eLearning is accompanied by a set of competency checklists that support the assessment and recording of the core competencies, which can be signed off by a senior microscopist with relevant experience.
The eLearning is free for BASHH members and costs £16.50 +VAT for a year’s access for non-members. Click here for more information.
University Credits
For more information on University of Greenwich credits use this link.