An overview of the development of nurse prescribing.

This article provides an overview of nurse prescribing in the UK. The initial recommendations for nurse prescribing, perceived benefits of prescribing and the findings from evaluation studies are reported. Current education and training courses available for nurse prescribers are described. The development of nurse prescribing has been slow and, it could be argued, out-dated, as many practitioners are excluded from this initiative. It is important that nurse prescribers receive adequate time and funding to undertake appropriate training and education in this area.