Advancing general practice nursing through professional development and career progression
To acknowledge the importance of professional development and career progression in general practice
To read about post-registration training and career progression opportunities for general practice nurses
To recognise the need for employers to provide protected learning time, funding for training and mentorship
General practice nurses have a central and expanding role in healthcare service provision in the UK. Continuing professional development (CPD) and career progression are key in equipping them with the required knowledge and skills, increasing their job satisfaction and sustaining their motivation. General practice nurses should have access to post-registration training opportunities, notably for becoming specialist practitioners or independent prescribers. They should also be able to consider going into advanced nurse practitioner roles, leadership and management roles, and academic and research roles. However, the professional development and career progression of general practice nurses are impeded by major barriers, notably limited funding and workload pressures. This article discusses the advancement of general practice nursing through professional development and career progression, highlighting the need for supportive workplaces that offer funding for training, protected learning time and mentorship to their staff.
