This module is for registered nurses working within a Primary Care setting, the applicant would have already achieved basic treatment room skills such as cervical cytology and immunisation and are looking to enhance the care that they provide.

This course aims to build on the core skills of nurses working in general practice, the module will improve knowledge, competence and clinical leadership required for successful, innovative, and autonomous practice. Applicants will develop their ability and confidence in the assessment, intervention and management of patients presenting with a wide range of conditions within the general practice environment.

The module will aim to enhance your knowledge in respiratory and diabetes care, alongside providing sessions in interpreting results, cancer as a long-term condition and introducing enhanced clinical skills.

Study at Level 6 or above within the last five years.

1. Write up of clinical audit - Students will be required to undertake an audit in clinical practice and provide a write up of this audit giving rationale for choice, critically analysing current practice with reference to contemporary literature, professional guidelines and policy and evaluating the audit finding in relation to proposed changes for improvement to clinical care.

Learning Outcome - 1,2,3,5.
Pass mark - 50%
Wound count - 4000

2. Presentation - Students are to present their audit finding to the class with recommendations for change/improvements to future practice.

Learning Outcome – 2,4,5,6.
Pass Mark – Pass/Fail

All elements of the assessments must be passed to successfully complete the course.

Students will be required to discuss choice of audit with module leader and present the audit findings to the rest of the class.

On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:

1. Undertake effective consultations using a range of history-taking models
2. Demonstrate safe, evidence-based clinical decision-making skills
3. Assess and manage a range of conditions encountered in general practice using a variety of assessment tools and consultation models
4. Demonstrate underpinning knowledge of contemporary general practice nursing and the application and integration of research and other evidence
5. Take a lead role within the practice working at an enhanced level and providing support to other members of the nursing team
6. Critically review the nature of practice nursing and develop innovative and creative solutions to deliver quality care to service users across the lifespan

Indicative content

• Consultation and history-taking skills
• Physical assessment skills
• Motivation interviewing and self-management
• Management of a range of long-term conditions and comorbidities
• Understanding and applying the evidence base in relation to assessment, treatment, and management of patients within general practice
• The context of the public health role of community and general practice nurses: related to health promotion, education, and protection.
• Communication skills including negotiation and influencing.

Teaching and learning activity

• Reflective learning
• Seminar presentations
• Lectures
• Group discussions and peer review
• Action learning sets will provide a varied learning experience.