General practice nurse Resources

Here, Mia Skelly, talks about her role as a general practice nurse, as well as her involvement in strategic thinking and decision-making.

In each issue of the journal we speak to general practice nurses and hear what they have to say about their role
in primary care. 

What is a typical day for you?

For the last six months l have been the only general practice nurse (GPN), whereas previously there were two of us. Despite interviews, it has been difficult to recruit anyone and we are now trying to get an advanced practitioner. I find that it now takes just as long for patients to see me, as it does the doctors.

In each issue of the journal we speak to general practice nurses and hear what they have to say about their role in primary care.

Beverley Bostock-Cox, nurse practitioner, Mann Cottage Surgery, Moreton-in-Marsh; education lead, Education for Health

This article focuses on prevention in the Five Year Forward View (NHS England, 2014a) and the role of primary care, particularly the role of the general practice nurse (GPN). It will:

• Describe the policy context for behaviour change interventions and how this will affect the expectations of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and NHS England as commissioners of general practice
• Define behaviour change interventions and the role of the GPN in delivering these
• Link behaviour change to longterm conditions management and support for self-care
• Recognise some of the practical issues which work against delivery of behaviour change in general practice
• Set out the opportunities for GPNs as leaders in improving their patients’ health.

In each issue of the journal we speak to a general practice nurse and hear what they have to say about their role in primary care...