New framework sets out career paths for district and practice nurses

The roles of district and general practice nurses will evolve and cross-over much more closely in future to ensure community care continues to meet patient need, according to a new education and career framework launched by Health Education England (HEE).

The framework sets out the specialist knowledge and skills needed by both types of nurses to deliver services.

The district nursing and general practice nursing service education and career framework aims to set nurses up to respond to the shift from acute to community care, and to highlight clear career pathways.

It includes the job titles, responsibilities and experience level of every role available within general practice and district nursing sectors and explains what extra knowledge and skills are required to advance to the next level.

However, the framework report also acknowledges that the success of new care models being introduced in the NHS can only be achieved if ‘we have enough staff with the right skills, values and behaviours to deliver them’.

HEE director of nursing and national deputy director of education and quality Lisa Bayliss-Pratt said: ‘By outlining the specialist knowledge, skills and experience required to deliver district and general practice nursing care, the framework supports the shift of care from acute into primary and community settings – a key tenet of the NHS five-year forward view.

‘This framework is vital to support development of a nursing workforce who can deliver the right kind or care, when and where it is needed.’

Read more about the education and career framework on Health Education England's website