To apply directly to work in general practice, you need to be a qualified and registered adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse.

When applying for jobs, it might give you an advantage if you have experience in:

• chronic disease management, like diabetes or asthma
• child immunisations
• cervical screenings
• taking blood samples

You might need to do the Specialist Practitioner - General Practice Nursing course. This is an approved programme by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Return to nursing

If you've been out of nursing for a while, you could do a return to general practice nursing course. 

You do not need previous general practice experience. You can do work placements in the community to help you move into a general practice nurse role.

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could:

• run clinics for conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart problems and skin disorders
• apply dressings, treat wounds and take samples of blood and urine
• give advice on family planning, contraception, blood pressure and stopping smoking
• carry out infant injections, vaccinations and travel immunisations
• help patients to manage long term conditions

You could work at a GP practice.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.