Introduction

Introduction

The IGPNEA award winning  Principles of General Practice Nursing course (Irish Health Care Awards 2024– Highly Commended award) launched in January 2023. The demand for the course has been unprecedented with six courses completed to date.

Booking for the April 2026 course is now open.  

 This course is aimed at:

  • general practice nurses (GPNs) in the early stages of their general practice nursing careers
  • nurses considering joining general practice from another setting
  • experienced GPNs who wish to be updated on key aspects of GP nursing.

The programme illustrates the diversity of the role carried out by GPNs and the wide variety of skills required to work safely in general practice. It provides  links to evidence-based educational resources for further learning and explores opportunities for further career development within the general practice setting.

The module tutors are experienced practitioners in general practice or have specialist knowledge and links with general practice and primary care. The tutors bring a unique insight into the practicalities of working in this exciting environment.

The Principles of General Practice Nursing course consists of 12 (3-hour) modules, delivered virtually via zoom, twice a week (Tues & Thurs afternoons) over a 6-week period followed by a face-to-face practical skills day at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. NMBI Category 1 approval has been received for each module.

All participants will have access to a recording of each module (except the Sexual Health Module) for 4 weeks following each live meeting. (available approximately 24/48 hours after the live module).

Please note you must attend the Sexual Health Module and the Skills Day in person to receive your final course certificate. We would also recommend attending module One and the Immunisation modules live, if possible, as these are very interactive with a great opportunity to ask questions.

We have also developed a ‘Principles of General Practice Nursing Course’ Handbook which will be distributed to all participants once the course begins.

The course content has been strategically planned to orientate the participant to practice safely in their 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.

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 Principles of General Practice Nursing Course was shortlisted for a Irish HealthCare Award in December 2024 and received a ‘Highly Commended’ award.

Feedback from the judges:

”This educational initiative for nurses in general practice is highly practical and comprehensive, providing valuable upskilling opportunities in daily topics. Its cost-effectiveness, reflects excellent value for the extensive training offered.”

We are very proud of our course and we work hard to improve the course based on participant’s feedback, each year.

Course Fees

 

IGPNEA Members       –         €300.00

Non Members               –         €600.00

Downloadable GP Letter to Support Attendance of Principles Course

Course Modules

The exact order of the modules will be confirmed in the coming weeks once the speakers availability is confirmed.

The subjects covered are:

  • Scope of Practice, Professional Development, The General Practice Setting, PPPGS, PCRS, Sláintecare, CDM Programme and IGPNEA Membership. 
  • Asthma
  • Obesity, Wound Care
  • Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Disease Management
  • Immunisation – Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme (PCIP), Adult Vaccinations 
  • Dermatology, Mental Health Presentations, End of Life Care
  • LGBTQ Awareness, Best Practice in Travel Health, Inflammatory Conditions 
  • COPD, Smoking Cessation
  • Women’s Health
  • Men’s Health, Exercise Prescribing, Cancer Referral Pathways
  • Sexual Health
  • Diabetes

Skills Day

Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise

The skills day comprises a mixture of interactive presentations and small group skills stations.

This provides all delegates with an opportunity to ask in depth questions and apply evidence to their practice. Experienced GPNs will be available all day to answer any practice related questions.

 

The stations cover many topics including:

  • blood pressure monitoring, monitoring devices, managing CDM consultations in practice, recording ECGs,
  • management of respiratory presentations, inhaler technique, patient education,
  • immunisation schedules, best practice in administration, understanding catch-up schedules,
  • dressings, stock order forms, ordering consumables, diabetes and blood glucose monitoring.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

  • Participants must attend all modules to achieve Course Completion Certificate
  • Satisfactory internet connection
  • Course delivered through zoom platform
  • Screen recording is not permitted.
  • The ability to look back at each module is available for 4 weeks only. This cannot be extended.
  • All course content is copyrighted to the IGPNEA and/or Module Presenter
  • NMBI Cat 1 approval for each module – course total = 40 CEUs
  • Once a course has begun, there is no refund available if a nurse cannot attend.