Why you should read this article

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To refresh your knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship

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To understand the needs of nurses in fulfilling their role in antimicrobial stewardship

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To discover an antimicrobial stewardship competency framework for education and practice

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat that has prompted a global response. One strategy used to manage antimicrobial resistance is known as antimicrobial stewardship, its main goals being to optimise antibiotic use and avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. There is an increase in the number of nurse prescribers, as well as in the percentage of antibiotics dispensed in primary care by non-medical prescribers, many of whom are nurses. Nurses, both prescribers and non-prescribers, play an important role in antimicrobial stewardship, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. To be able to fulfil that role, nurses need the right knowledge, skills, resources and behaviours. This article explores the role of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship and describes a competency framework designed to underpin it.