Where to find practice nurse jobs

Practice nurses work in GP's surgeries in the NHS and private sector. To become a practice nurse, it is necessary to possess a nursing degree. This course of study allows nurses to perform all the different types of nursing tasks in their place of work. Discover how to become a practice nurse in the UK.

Work location

Practice nurses work in GP’s surgeries, as part of a large, primary care healthcare team. Practice nurses work alongside other nurses, doctors, pharmacists and dieticians. In large GP’s practices, a practice nurse may be part of a team of several practice nurses. In large teams, practice nurses may be required to share duties and responsibilities or they may concentrate on one single task, such as vaccinations, depending on the demand for treatment. In smaller healthcare settings, practice nurses work independently and take on a range of different roles. Practice nurses may work for the NHS or the private sector.

Work tasks

Regardless of whether they work in the private sector or the NHS, practice nurses in nursing positions are able to get involved in almost every aspect of patient care and treatment. They undertake tasks which may include: -Treating minor injuries -Assisting a trained GP in minor operations performed under local anaesthetic -Performing health screenings -Providing family planning advice -Running vaccination programmes for children and adults -Running programmes to aid people in quitting smoking -Running specialist clinics with the aid of a GP, including asthma clinics and diabetes clinics.

Education and skills

Education
To work as a practice nurse, you must have a nursing degree and you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). On acquiring a practice nurse job, you will be required to take further training and education relevant to the tasks that you will need to perform in your place of work. To embark on a nursing degree at nurse college, you will need a good standard of education. While each university sets different entry requirements for their nursing degree programmes, you are likely to require at least five GCSE passes and two A level passes. Skills Practice nurses require a flexible and adaptable approach to working. They must be able to work well with a range of healthcare professionals and be able to relate to patients from a variety of different backgrounds. Practice nurses must be well-organised, have confidence in their own abilities, and be able to work independently, by using their own initiative.

Career prospects

With further nursing training and experience in working as a practice nurse, you may be able to apply for more senior nursing work. With increasing experience, you will be able to manage your own case-load and take on more complicated tasks.