Pages: 62 - 66
Article topics: Mentorship, Preceptorship, Professional development
General practice nursing is unique in both its skill set and employment. The knowledge and skills required to be a GPN are not taught in pre-registration nursing courses, nor are they evident in other areas of nursing. GPNs perform varied and important roles with increasing responsibility. However, training for this role can be inconsistent, as individual GPNs negotiate it at practice level. This inconsistency has been highlighted in several reports. To address this, the Cheshire and Merseyside Training Hub has developed a one-year preceptorship course for new GPNs. The training is structured, uniform, and accredited by a university. The Hub also provides support from experienced GPNs. While the course has been successful, it has not been without challenges. Future efforts should focus on navigating these challenges and reconsidering the employment framework for GPNs to ensure consistent education.