Why a career in general practice is a rich and valuable one

There has never been a more exciting time to be a General Practice Nurse (GPN). I can confidently say this having spent most of my career in general practice. The difference today is the recognition that general practice nursing is a rich and valuable career option.

An Ipsos Mori survey that looks into the recruitment of nurses into general practice identifies that where students were able to experience positive placements, career perceptions could change. 

Considerable pressure

Many pre-registered student nurses who have experienced a placement in general practice are choosing it as a career above other areas of nursing. Recognition should be given to those GPNs who have stepped forward in this time of considerable pressure to make a positive experience for student nurses.

Much great work has taken place in England since the release of the Health Education England (HEE) District Nursing and General Practice Nursing education and career framework in 2015. 

The General Practice Forward View released earlier this year supports GPN development, with a £15 million national investment including improved training capacity in general practice, more pre-registration nurse placements, better retention of the existing nursing workforce and support for return to work schemes for practice nurses. 

Multi-professional workforce

Work has already started through a task and finish group to set out a plan to inform how this money will be spent. Delivery of this funding will be through HEE Training Hubs, the new network organisations designed to enable the development of a multi-professional workforce in general practice. 

GPNs must feel encouraged that make the most of this opportunity and play their part in supporting this work to create a new generation of the workforce. 

About the author

Karen Storey, MSc, is primary care lead nurse – workforce