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General practice nursing
Contents
Practice nurses play a key role in GP practices, planning and providing care, treatment, and health education for patients of all ages. They work alongside GPs and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality care is delivered to patients in a primary care setting.
A day in the life of a practice nurse in primary care
Further Information
Discovering a nursing career in general practice
Nurses interested in starting a career in general practice can now undertake the CNO002 discovering a nursing career in general practice CNO002 module. This three-month module is designed to enhance understanding and awareness of general practice nursing and support applications to this career. It is available to nurses and nursing associates at all levels, from pre-registration to registered nurses working in other healthcare settings.
Nursing associate
The nursing associate role was introduced to strengthen the nursing workforce and improve the delivery of high-quality care. It offers career progression for healthcare support workers and provides a clear route to becoming a registered nurse if desired. Learn more about nursing associates.
Return to practice nursing (pre- and post-registration)
Higher education institutions offer courses to help qualified or registered nurses who have been out of practice return to the workforce. If you are interested in returning to practice as nurse in primary care, contact your local Training Hub for support and guidance through the process.
Advanced clinical practice (ACP)
Advanced clinical practice (ACP) is a defined level of practice that transforms care pathways and allows professionals to work across traditional boundaries. ACPs are healthcare professionals educated to Master’s level or equivalent, with the expertise to expand their practice to better meet patient needs. For more information, visit the Centre for Advancing Practice website.
core capabilities framework for ACP (Nurses) working in general practice / primary care in England provides clarity on the required capabilities for working at an advanced level. It outlines the skills, knowledge, and behaviours necessary for ACP roles in primary care.
Primary care and general practice nursing career and core capabilities framework
The role of general practice nurses has evolved to meet increasing demand and clinical care changes. To support these evolving roles, two frameworks have been developed in partnership with Skills for Health and commissioned by NHS England, as part of the General Practice Nursing Ten Point Plan. These frameworks help to build confidence, capability, and capacity for general practice nurses.
The career and core capabilities framework supports nurses, employers, and workforce planners in understanding the skills and knowledge needed in primary care nursing. Download the primary care and general practice nursing career and core capabilities framework from the skills for health website. Watch the video.
Other Resources
Practice nurses work in GP practices where they plan, provide care, treatment and health education to patients of all ages.