Practice Nurse
Practice nurses work in GP surgeries to assess, screen, treat and educate patients, and help doctors give medical care.
Day-to-day tasks
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
Skills and knowledge
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
Industry Qualifications
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