Building the Next Generation of General Practice Nurses
The Staffordshire General Practice Nursing Foundation School is a full-time, 12-month structured development role designed to embed high-quality practice-based learning, academic excellence, and workforce sustainability into general practice nursing across Staffordshire.
WHAT THE PROGRAMME DELIVERS
Through three integrated pillars, the programme ensures a coherent and rigorous journey into general practice nursing:
Immersive Practice Experience – 26 hours/week placement in a general practice setting, applying learning in real-world primary care environments.
Academic Excellence – A 7.5 hour/week university-based, post-registration course in Fundamentals of General Practice Nursing.
Structured Professional Development – 4 hours/week of targeted learning, supervision and clinical development through the GPN Foundation School.
STRATEGIC RATIONALE
The traditional route into general practice nursing has been inconsistent in structure and support. As workforce pressures grow, a standardised pathway is essential to:
- strengthen recruitment into newly qualified and new-to-practice nurses;
- enhance retention by embedding supervision, development and support;
- align training with the ambitious goals of primary care transformation, workforce stability and patient safety.
PROGRAMME PURPOSE & OUTCOMES
This scheme has been co-designed through national collaboration and evaluated independently. It offers:
- Centralised recruitment to simplify employer engagement;
- A standardised training and supervision framework that gives practices confidence to recruit new entrants;
- Leadership development and multi-professional learning that enhance service capability;
- A sustainable model that aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan and builds the GPN workforce of the future
ADVANTAGES OF THE PROGRAMME
- Outstanding Retention Rates; 95% average
- Evidence-based
- CPD Accredited
- Centralised Recruitment
- Preceptorship
- Standardisation
- Multi-Professional Learning
- Wrap-Around Support
- Leadership Training
GPN Training School Earns Strong Endorsement, Setting a New Standard of Excellence!
The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) was commissioned to conduct an independent evaluation of the GPN Foundation School.
This evaluation demonstrates a benchmark for the General Practice Nursing workforce, highlighting the importance of training to develop competencies, retaining skilled professionals to maintain stability, and reforming strategies to adapt to future challenges.
Key Findings
Appeal of GP Nursing
- Foundation GPNs were drawn to GP nursing for its focus on health prevention, continuity of care, and relationship-building with patients.
- Foundation GPNs valued the learning opportunities and variety of roles.
Challenges and Surprises
- Some Foundation GPNs were surprised by the autonomy and responsibility in GP nursing, and a few felt uneasy about its business-oriented aspects.
- There was discomfort with the perceived lack of scrutiny in GP nursing compared to hospital settings.
Support and Growth
- Foundation GPNs appreciated the structured support provided by GPNFS, including the Fellowship half days and the Fundamentals course, which contributed to their retention and development in GP nursing.
- Growth in confidence and competence was noted, with some trainees beginning to demonstrate leadership skills.
Integration and Career Aspirations
- Integration into general practice teams varied; some Foundation GPNs felt well-supported, while others encountered challenges.
- Foundation GPNs anticipated negotiating their future employment terms and expressed enthusiasm for career progression in specializations like diabetes care.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives
- Development of the GPN Foundation School Programme: It aimed to address workforce issues, including high sickness rates, retirements, and recruitment challenges.
- Support Structures: The centralised recruitment and the balanced theory-practice model were well-received.
- Placements and Integration: Effective preparation and support for general practices were emphasized as crucial.
Sustainability and Value
- The programme was recognized for its role in providing a pipeline of skilled GPNs, reducing isolation, and contributing significantly to the primary care workforce.
UNDERSTAND WHAT’S ON OFFER
For practices and PCNs, this programme provides an evidence-based approach to building a practice nursing workforce that is competent, confident and ready to contribute from day one. It mitigates the risk of variable training, supports workforce succession planning and provides a clear pathway for aspiring GPNs.
Watch a short presentation from the GPN Foundation School Programme Director, Rachel Viggars and find out the benefits to your Practice of recruiting a General Practice Nurse via the school:
Next Steps
Practices / PCNs
- Hosting a Foundation GPN’s placement
- ARRS Funding
- Advice for PM’s and PCN Clinical Directors
Nurses: Newly Qualified & New to General Practice
Newly qualified and looking for more information about the Staffordshire GPN Foundation School?
Practice & PCN: Programme Expression of Interest
If your Practice/PCN is recruiting or succession planning for a General Practice Nurse, let us know and we will contact you to see how we can support your team.