GPN role

General Practice Nurses (GPNs) are integral to the delivery of patient care and vital to the ongoing sustainability of general practice, and essential for fulfilling the Fit for the Future NHS 10-year NHS plan.

They offer a wide range of essential services, including the management of chronic conditions, health promotion, routine screenings, and specialised nursing services such as contraception, sexual health, immunisations, wound care, travel health, and menopause management.

Operating within the scope of their professional competence, GPNs work both independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary primary care teams, including pharmacists, paramedics, physiotherapists, general practitioners, and specialist nurses. Their role is essential to ensuring comprehensive, high-quality care for patients across various healthcare settings.

Why become a GPN?

General Practice Nurses (GPNs) play a central role in primary care, focusing on preventative medicine, health promotion, and the management of a wide range of common conditions.

GPNs undertake a diverse range of roles and responsibilities, which makes the work both challenging and rewarding.

GPNs work with patients from all backgrounds, from birth to end-of-life care and everything in between, meeting the care needs in a community setting.

General practice nursing offers numerous opportunities for professional development and specialisation. Many GPNs enjoy the regular hours and flexibility of working in a general practice setting, which can enhance job satisfaction and work-life balance.

GPN Flow chart

Portfolio Careers

A portfolio career refers to a professional pathway characterised by the pursuit of multiple roles across various organisations, rather than being confined to a single job. In Primary Care, there are numerous opportunities for secondments into different roles and organisations. This approach allows individuals to acquire new skills while also reinforcing and consolidating established competencies.