Introduction

IGPNEA launched its Principles of General Practice Nursing course in January 2023.

2023 was a very successful 1st year for our Principles of General Practice Nursing Course.

The NEC officers & Education Committee are delighted to announce that the course will run twice in 2025 – in March & September.

The course is aimed at those nurses in the early stages of their general practice careers and those nurses considering joining general practice from another setting. It gives an understanding of the role carried out by general practice nurses (GPNs); the wide variety of skills required to work safely; information on how to link to evidence-based educational resources for further learning and the opportunity for further career development within the general practice setting.

All participants will have access to a recording of each module (except Module 6) following each live meeting.

The course content has been strategically planned to orientate the participant to practice safely in their new working environment. The therapeutic relationship in general practice differs from that of the acute healthcare setting. Care interventions span all age groups, throughout the life course and across all fields of nursing. The course will afford the participant the opportunity to consolidate his/her prior learning with the knowledge and skills to manage and deliver quality care in a range of issues in the primary care environment, within the realms of wellness and prevention of chronic disease and multi morbidity.

Optimal support and direction will be provided for those who are taking the course while undertaking other significant work and family commitments. The course values peer to peer learning and utilises the experience of those more established GPNs to give practical advice on working in real-life settings, integrating theory and practice, which optimises patient care and practitioner development.

The course shall consist of 12 modules, delivered virtually via zoom, over a 6-week period followed by a face-to-face practical skills day. NMBI Category 1 approval has been received for each module.

There will be a limit of 70 participants per course. All of the module tutors are experienced in working in general practice and will bring a unique insight into the practicalities of working in this exciting environment.

Course Dates:

Week 1: Tuesday 4th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 1: Thursday 6th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 2: Tuesday 11th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 2: Thursday 13th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 3: Tuesday 18th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 3: Thursday 20th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 4: Tuesday 25th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 4: Thursday 27th March 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 5: Tuesday 1st April 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 5: Thursday 3rd April 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 6: Tuesday 8th April 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Week 6: Thursday 10th April 2025, 2.30pm-5.30pm

Skills Day: Saturday 12th April 2025 9am-3.30pm