This innovative course will enable the development of knowledge, deeper learning and understanding of the General Practice Nurse role for nurses new to primary care and who wish to further enhance their clinical practice and leadership in their role.

This fully funded unit is an excellent opportunity for any nurse, recently employed in General Practice and working within the Wessex region to develop skills in the management of clients as a General Practice Nurse. Taught by Clinical Experts the course also includes an exploration of the context of Practice Nursing and of Primary Care, Clinical Governance, QoF and the role of Clinical Commissioning groups.

You will learn through attendance at interactive, skills-based presentations and you’ll also build a portfolio of evidence from your practice. You’ll be supported throughout your study by lecturers, your peers and a mentor. During the unit you will develop the skills you need to function competently as a practice nurse including; Immunisation; Cervical cytology; Ear care; Wound management; ECG; Venepuncture; ECG.; Diagnostics / health screening; Venepuncture; Ear care; Immunisation / anaphylaxis; Cervical cytology; Sexual health / men & women’s health; Wound management/ Infection control; Mental health / vulnerable clients / safeguarding; Long-term conditions.

The course runs over 6 months: studying two days a fortnight.

Newly qualified nurses applying for this unit may be entitled to access the General Practice Nursing Fellowship and work towards a PG Cert Primary Care. Having completed this unit, you will be offered a further 20 credit unit - choosing from three options:

• Paediatric presentations in Urgent and Primary Care
• Care of Clients with Minor Illness
• Care of Clients with Long Term Conditions

This course requires 100% attendance.

Normally students may enter Level 7 (Master's level) study if they have been awarded:

• Undergraduate degree (honours or non-honours)
• An equivalent qualification (the learning outcome of which are demonstrably appropriate in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills) equivalent to 120 credits at Level 6.

If you do not meet this criteria you are still able to apply for this unit but we may ask you to complete a study skills handbook to familiarise yourself with academic writing at masters level or pre-admission work. This will be sent to you when we have received your application form.

This unit is also available at Level 6 (degree level).

Fees and funding:

This course cannot be self-funded - all funding is provided by NHS England. If your practice is in Hampshire & Isle of Wight; you must contact NHS England Hampshire & Isle of Wight Training Hub (england.primarycareschooltvw.se@nhs.net). If your practice is in Dorset you must contact; Dorset Primary Care Training Hub (traininghub@ourdorset.nhs.uk) before applying for this intake.

The assessment will comprise two parts (both of which must be passed)

• Part A is a written assignment 3,000 words
• Part B a structured portfolio 3,000 words

Having completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. To evaluate and critically reflect upon the current and future role of the General Practice Nurse 
2. To critically appraise the evidence base for the core competencies and professional skills required to function as a GPN
3. To critically discuss and evaluate the underpinning knowledge base required to function as a GPN in the evolving healthcare setting of primary care  
4. To critically appraise the professional knowledge and skills required to contribute to quality improvement and fulfil the role of the GPN in an evolving, changing world of primary care 

Course review:

In order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in practice to benefit our students we regularly review all of our courses. This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded.  These changes will come into effect for all new students from September 2025. Applicants will be notified by our admissions team of any changes.