Nexplanon

Nexplanon® has replaced the progestogen-only subdermal contraceptive implant, Implanon®. 

Accreditation in subdermal contraceptive implants for nurses who hold a current accreditation certificate remains valid. Nurses fitting Nexplanon must ensure they have received the necessary training in fitting this device. The RCN is now requesting evidence of this training for all applicants applying for accreditation and existing applicants applying for re-accreditation.

In many areas local arrangements are being made to cascade training. You can find details of training organised by Nexplanon on their website, www.nexplanontraining.co.uk, where you can also find an online introduction to the new device (60 minutes in length). After undertaking the online introduction, the RCN recommends you familiarise yourself with the device and perform an insertion using a placebo on a model arm, before attempting to fit Nexplanon on a patient. The pharmocokinetics of the implant are unchanged, except for the addition of barium which enables Nexplanon to be detected by x-ray examination. The removal technique is identical to that of Implanon.

In accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s code (2008) nurses are expected to keep their skills and knowledge up to date in order to provide safe and effective practice.