Practice nurse

You would work within a GP practice to give nursing and medical care to people of all ages. The patients you deal with may be very upset or worried, and you would have to be able to reassure them that you would do your best to help them. 

You would:

• Set up and run clinics for conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and skin disorders

• Offer advice on family planning and contraception

• Take blood and urine samples and other specimens and swabs

• Perform routine procedures such as ear syringing, applying and removing dressings and treating wounds

• Offer advice on issues such as blood pressure, weight control and stopping smoking

• Carry out vaccinations and travel immunisations

• Give advice to patients on long-term medical and nursing needs

In larger GP surgeries you may work alongside other practice nurses and have the chance to specialise in particular conditions or age groups.

You’d need good knowledge of child protection and public health issues, as well as a solid understanding of infection control procedures.

You can see more about the role on the general practice nurse page on the NHS Career website.

• Nursing and Midwifery Council – details of the standards for training set by the NMC

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme

• NHS Education for Scotland – Training for the healthcare workforce including higher education and professional development