Are you interested in becoming a practice nurse? Learn more about the job role, salary expectations and how to find available jobs with our helpful guide.
General Practice Nurses (GPNs) play a vital role in a primary healthcare team across the United Kingdom. GPNs are registered nurses work in GP surgeries or health centres. They support patients in managing their physical and mental health, provide treatment and health education, and develop effective self-management plans.
This blog post will provide an overview of the job description for GPNs, an idea of the estimated salary, and where to find practice nurse jobs in the UK.
So what is a General practice nurse?
GPNs work in general practice surgeries as part of a primary healthcare team. They work alongside doctors, other nurses, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff. As a GPN, you will be responsible for providing nursing care, health education, and health promotion.
You will work with patients of all ages, from children to the elderly. Your role will be varied, and you will need to be able to use your own initiative, prioritise your workload, and work independently.
GPNs are trained and experienced registered nurses who have specialised in general practice nursing. They undergo further training to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge in areas such as wound management, family planning, travel health advice, sexual health services, and women’s health.
GPNs may also specialise in mental health, learning disability nurse, or run vaccination programs. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive patient care.
GPNs work in a fast-paced but highly rewarding environment. They make a positive impact on patients’ lives by delivering a high standard of nursing care and providing health education and promotion.
GPNs also work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to enhance service delivery and evidence-based practice. They play an essential role in promoting good health and preventing illness in the community.
Key Skills:
For the most part, the key skills of a practice nurse won’t differ from being a Registered Nurse, which include:
Clinical Skills
Critical Thinking
Communication
Empathy and Compassion
Problem Solving
Time Management
Teamwork and Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Patient Advocacy
Key Responsibilities:
However, such is the setting of GP surgeries, the culture will be fast paced and two days never being the same, being referred to as a thrilling and satisfying line of work.. some key responsibilities include:
Holistic Care Approach
GPN’s have a strong emphasis on providing holistic care, taking into account the physical, mental, and social aspects of patients’ health. GPN’s are skilled in assessing patients’ overall well-being, providing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and promoting health and well-being through patient education and health promotion initiatives.
Primary Care Expertise
They are specifically trained to work in a primary care setting, which involves a broad range of patient populations and conditions. They possess comprehensive knowledge and skills in managing common illnesses, minor injuries, and providing primary healthcare services, including vaccinations, health screenings, and health assessments.
Long-Term Condition Management
GPN’s excel in the management of long-term conditions prevalent in the community, such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and COPD. They have a deep understanding of disease progression, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications required for effective management.
How to become a General practice nurse?
Practice Nurses in the UK requires a specific pathway and set of qualifications. To embark on this career, individuals typically start by obtaining a nursing degree or diploma from a recognised institution.
This can be a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree or a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Nursing. Following graduation, aspiring General Practice Nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), the regulatory body for nursing professionals in the UK.
After registration, nurses can gain experience by working in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals or community clinics, to develop their foundational nursing skills.
Practice Nurses will need further training and education in certain specialities and is required from most employers. This can be achieved through completing a short General Practice Nursing course, which may be offered at universities or through postgraduate programs.
Practice Nurses Training Programme, what will I learn & length of time?
Various programmes differ in price (around £1000 for the 1 year course) and duties you must complete which will generally include:
Completing online units with multiple-choice questions
Practice-based competency document
A word written project
The GPN training course will generally take 1 year and will teach you the following specialities:
Finding your feet in general practice
General treatment room skills
Emergency situations
Immunisations and vaccinations
Long-term conditions
Sexual health
Mental health
Learning disability nurse
Practice Nurse Career Progression.
Nurse Practitioner
With additional education and training, General Practice Nurses can become Nurse Practitioners. Nurse Practitioners have an expanded scope of practice and can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, including prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests.
Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
ANPs are highly skilled nurses who have completed advanced education and training. They have the ability to provide comprehensive patient care, diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions, and refer patients to specialists when needed.
Community health nurse
Community Nurses ensure the well-being and independence of patients while promoting holistic care in the community. They help vulnerable or elderly patients, administer medications, perform wound care, monitor vital signs, and provide education and support to patients and their families.
District nurse
Provides specialised nursing care to patients in their own homes or within the community. These nurses offer help and support to patients and their families and caregivers. They provide wound care, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide education and support to patients and their families regarding self-care and management of their condition.
Estimate Salary – General practice nurse.
The estimated salary for a full time GPN in the UK ranges from £35,000 to £45,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
The estimated salary for a full time contract/agency GPN in the UK ranges from £55,000 to £65,000 per annum.
Conclusion
General practice nursing is an essential role in a nursing team in the UK. GPNs provide nursing care, health education, and health promotion to patients of all ages. They work in close collaboration with other healthcare professionals to enhance service delivery and deliver evidence-based practice.
If you are a registered nurse or nursing associate looking for a rewarding nursing career, consider a career in general practice nursing. You will be making a positive impact on patients’ lives and playing an active role in promoting good health in your community.
Time to think about a career in General Practice Nursing.
Practice nurse jobs can be found on various recruitment websites. Alternatively, you may also find practice nursing jobs advertised on the websites of individual GP surgeries or health centres. Some healthcare providers also offer rotational training schemes for nursing associates or experienced nurses assuming the role of a practice nurse.
You can also discover exciting Practice Nurse job opportunities in your local area by browsing our job board. Don’t miss out on the chance to advance your career – check out our open vacancies today!
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