Practice Nurse
| Posting date: | 24 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Negotiable |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 07 September 2025 |
| Location: | Leamington Spa, CV32 4RA |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | A0707-25-0000 |
Practice Nurse Roles
- Provide immunisations and depot (IM) injections. Child immunisations. Travel health vaccinations.
- Perform cervical smears, pregnancy tests, and Contraception reviews and advice.
- Assist GPs with minor surgeries and coil fittings if required.
- Carry out ECGs, urinalysis, and wound care (including ulcer management and suture removal).
- Review and action pathology tests such as urine culture and swabs where appropriate.
- Chaperone and assist patients being examined by other clinicians.
Leadership & Team Support
- Mentor and supervise any new-to-practice nurses, nursing associates, and HCAs.
- Work collaboratively with the wider practice team to enhance patient care.
- Promote public health and screening programs, including immunisations and cervical screening.
- Integrate population health management approaches to reduce health inequalities.
Clinical Governance & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
- Ensure compliance with clinical protocols, including prescribing audits and reviews if qualified.
- Adhere to NMC revalidation requirements and practice within the NMC Code of Conduct.
- Follow infection control policies and ensure safe handling of specimens.
- Contribute to audits and service evaluations.
- Support the effective use of NHS resources and practice policies.
Practice & Housekeeping Duties
- Ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of nursing and treatment rooms.
- Maintain and clean clinical equipment.
- Monitor and order medical stock, drugs, and vaccinations.
- Attend and contribute to practice meetings and training sessions.
Health & Safety Responsibilities
- Comply with national infection control standards and health and safety guidelines.
- Ensure safe handling, storage, and transport of specimens. Identify risks in work activities and take necessary precautions.
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK NMC registration.
FAQs on United Kingdom Practice Nurse Opportunity
Role and ResponsibilitiesQ: What is a Practice Nurse in the UK?
A: A Practice Nurse is a registered nurse who works in a primary care setting, typically within a GP surgery or health centre. They deliver preventive and acute care services, focusing on health promotion, chronic disease management, and minor procedures. The role emphasizes patient-centered care in a community environment, helping to reduce the burden on secondary care services like hospitals.Q: What are the main duties of a Practice Nurse?
A: Duties vary by practice size and patient demographics but commonly include:
A: A Practice Nurse is a registered nurse who works in a primary care setting, typically within a GP surgery or health centre. They deliver preventive and acute care services, focusing on health promotion, chronic disease management, and minor procedures. The role emphasizes patient-centered care in a community environment, helping to reduce the burden on secondary care services like hospitals.Q: What are the main duties of a Practice Nurse?
A: Duties vary by practice size and patient demographics but commonly include:
- Conducting health assessments, vaccinations (e.g., flu, travel immunizations), and screenings (e.g., cervical, blood pressure).
- Managing long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and COPD through clinics and medication reviews.
- Performing minor procedures such as wound dressings, ear syringing, and venesection.
- Administering medications, including injections (e.g., B12, depots).
- Providing health education, family planning advice, and supporting mental health initiatives.
- Collaborating with GPs, healthcare assistants, and multidisciplinary teams. Practice Nurses often handle triage for minor illnesses and contribute to practice audits.
Q: How does the role of a Practice Nurse differ from other nursing roles in the UK?
A: Unlike hospital nurses, who focus on acute or inpatient care, Practice Nurses work in community-based GP settings with a preventive emphasis. They see patients across the lifespan and manage ongoing care plans, often independently. Compared to district nurses (home visits) or health visitors (child/family focus), Practice Nurses are surgery-based but may refer to these roles.Qualifications and Training
A: Unlike hospital nurses, who focus on acute or inpatient care, Practice Nurses work in community-based GP settings with a preventive emphasis. They see patients across the lifespan and manage ongoing care plans, often independently. Compared to district nurses (home visits) or health visitors (child/family focus), Practice Nurses are surgery-based but may refer to these roles.Qualifications and Training
Q: What qualifications are required to become a Practice Nurse in the UK?
A: You must be a registered nurse with an active NMC PIN, holding a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) or equivalent (e.g., DipHE in Nursing). For GP-specific roles, additional qualifications like the RCN’s Competence Framework for General Practice Nursing or a postgraduate certificate in minor illness/minor injury are highly desirable. Experience in primary care (e.g., 1-2 years post-registration) is often required, along with skills in phlebotomy and immunization.
A: You must be a registered nurse with an active NMC PIN, holding a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) or equivalent (e.g., DipHE in Nursing). For GP-specific roles, additional qualifications like the RCN’s Competence Framework for General Practice Nursing or a postgraduate certificate in minor illness/minor injury are highly desirable. Experience in primary care (e.g., 1-2 years post-registration) is often required, along with skills in phlebotomy and immunization.
Q: Is specialized training mandatory for Practice Nurses?
A: Yes, ongoing professional development is essential. New Practice Nurses typically complete an induction program, including training in cervical screening (via the NHS Cervical Screening Programme) and chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes diploma). Annual appraisals and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours (35 per year) are required by the NMC. Employers like the NHS or private practices often fund courses through providers like the RCN or local universities.
Q: Can I transition from another nursing field to a Practice Nurse role?
A: Yes, many Practice Nurses come from hospital, community, or mental health backgrounds. You’ll need to demonstrate transferable skills and complete GP-specific training (e.g., a 6-12 month preceptorship). Bank or locum shifts in GP practices can build experience. All candidates undergo NMC registration checks and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) enhanced checks.Daily Work and Challenges
Q: What does a typical day look like for a Practice Nurse in the UK?
A: A standard day in a GP surgery (e.g., 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM) involves a mix of booked appointments (15-20 minute slots) and walk-ins. You might start with a diabetes clinic, followed by vaccinations, then triage calls or home visits if needed. Administrative tasks like updating patient records on systems (e.g., EMIS or SystmOne) and QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) coding take up time. Full-time roles are around 37.5 hours/week, with part-time and flexible options common.
A: A standard day in a GP surgery (e.g., 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM) involves a mix of booked appointments (15-20 minute slots) and walk-ins. You might start with a diabetes clinic, followed by vaccinations, then triage calls or home visits if needed. Administrative tasks like updating patient records on systems (e.g., EMIS or SystmOne) and QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) coding take up time. Full-time roles are around 37.5 hours/week, with part-time and flexible options common.
Q: What are the biggest challenges in this role?
A: Challenges include:
A: Challenges include:
- High patient volumes and time pressures, especially in understaffed practices.
- Dealing with diverse patient needs, from anxious children to complex comorbidities in the elderly.
- Keeping up with evolving guidelines (e.g., NICE recommendations) and administrative burdens.
- Emotional aspects, like breaking bad news or managing safeguarding concerns. Support comes from clinical supervision, peer networks (e.g., RCN forums), and work-life balance policies under Agenda for Change.
Q: How do Practice Nurses ensure patient confidentiality and safety?
A: Adhere to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and Caldicott Principles for data handling. Use secure IT systems, obtain informed consent, and report incidents via the practice’s governance framework. Infection control follows PHE (Public Health England) standards, with regular audits. Safeguarding training (Level 3) is mandatory for vulnerable adults and children.
Pay, Benefits, and Career Progression
Q: What is the typical salary for a Practice Nurse in the UK?
A: Under the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales, Practice Nurses are usually banded at 5-7 (£28,407 – £42,618 annually as of 2023/24), depending on experience. Private practices may offer £30,000-£45,000, plus enhancements for unsocial hours (e.g., evenings). Locum rates can reach £25-£35/hour. Salaries vary by region (higher in London with High Cost Area Supplements).
A: Under the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales, Practice Nurses are usually banded at 5-7 (£28,407 – £42,618 annually as of 2023/24), depending on experience. Private practices may offer £30,000-£45,000, plus enhancements for unsocial hours (e.g., evenings). Locum rates can reach £25-£35/hour. Salaries vary by region (higher in London with High Cost Area Supplements).
Q: What benefits are available to Practice Nurses?
A: NHS employees receive generous benefits, including 27-33 days annual leave, NHS pension (up to 20.6% employer contribution), occupational health support, and maternity/paternity leave. Additional perks include indemnity insurance (via the RCN or NHS Resolution), flexible working, and access to training funds. Many practices offer childcare vouchers or cycle-to-work schemes.
A: NHS employees receive generous benefits, including 27-33 days annual leave, NHS pension (up to 20.6% employer contribution), occupational health support, and maternity/paternity leave. Additional perks include indemnity insurance (via the RCN or NHS Resolution), flexible working, and access to training funds. Many practices offer childcare vouchers or cycle-to-work schemes.
Q: What career progression opportunities exist for Practice Nurses?
A: Start as a newly qualified GPN and advance to Senior Practice Nurse or Lead Nurse roles. Further qualifications (e.g., MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice or Independent Prescribing) can lead to Nurse Practitioner positions, where you diagnose and prescribe independently. Other paths include clinical audits, teaching (e.g., mentoring students), or management (e.g., Practice Manager). Many move into specialist roles like sexual health or research.
A: Start as a newly qualified GPN and advance to Senior Practice Nurse or Lead Nurse roles. Further qualifications (e.g., MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice or Independent Prescribing) can lead to Nurse Practitioner positions, where you diagnose and prescribe independently. Other paths include clinical audits, teaching (e.g., mentoring students), or management (e.g., Practice Manager). Many move into specialist roles like sexual health or research.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Q: What legal and regulatory requirements apply to Practice Nurses in the UK?
A: You must maintain NMC registration and revalidation (every 3 years, including 450 practice hours and 35 CPD hours). Follow CQC (Care Quality Commission) standards for safe, effective care in regulated practices. Comply with medicines legislation (e.g., Human Medicines Regulations) for prescribing/administering drugs. Mandatory reporting of notifiable diseases (via UKHSA) and adverse events is required.
Q: How do Practice Nurses handle emergencies or urgent cases?
A: Use protocols like the practice’s urgent care pathway—triage via phone or in-person, stabilize if needed (e.g., basic life support), and refer to A&E, out-of-hours services, or 111/999. Carry emergency drugs (e.g., adrenaline for anaphylaxis) and have access to defibrillators. Document everything and debrief with the team.
To apply for this job please visit findajob.dwp.gov.uk.