IGPNEA is launching its Principles of General Practice Nursing course in January 2023. 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 will give 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.

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 for each module. There will be a limit of 30 participants per course. It is envisaged to run the course 3 times per year. 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 17th  January, 2pm-5pm
• Week 1: Thursday 19th January, 2pm-5pm
• Week 2: Tuesday 24th January, 2pm-5pm
• Week 2: Thursday 26th January, 2pm-5pm
• Week 3: Tuesday 31st January, 2pm-5pm
• Week 3: Thursday 2nd February, 2pm-5pm
• Week 4: Tuesday 7th February, 2pm-5pm
• Week 4: Thursday 9th February, 2pm-5pm
• Week 5: Tuesday 14th February, 2pm-5pm
• Week 5: Thursday 16th February, 2pm-5pm
• Week 6: Tuesday 21st February, 2pm-5pm
• Week 6: Thursday 23rd February, 2pm-5pm
• Skills Day: Saturday 25th February, 10am-4pm (venue to be confirmed)

Course Modules:

• Module 1: Scope of Practice Issues
• Module 2: Cardiovascular
• Module 3: Obesity, Inflammatory conditions, End of Life Care
• Module 4: Immunisation
• Module 5: Asthma
• Module 6: Sexual Health
• Module 7: COPD, Smoking Cessation
• Module 8: Wound Care, Dermatology
• Module 9: Women’s Health
• Module 10: Men’s Health, Cancer Referral Pathways
• Module 11: Mental Health
• Module 12: Diabetes
• Skills Day:

For more information on each module click HERE: