Transforming Roles paper 6: role of the general practice nurse 2025

Summarising the future role

GPNs are:

• highly adaptable clinical leaders, change agents and champions of quality improvement
• experienced in proactive health engagement, health promotion and health management
• providers of comprehensive and personalised care to individuals across their lifespan
• experienced in long-term condition management and women’s health.

All these qualities combined with their pivotal role within the wider multi-disciplinary practice team contribute significantly to improving health outcomes and mitigating health inequalities.

Over recent years, there have been changes to the GPN workforce profile. The headcount and whole-time equivalent (WTE) has decreased, whilst patient demand has increased^[5]. From the latest available data, it is likely that a significant proportion of the current workforce will retire within the next 5-10 years. The data shows that the majority (53%) of the workforce is over the age of 50^[6]. Furthermore, there are issues concerning the decline in both applications and accepted places for pre-registration nursing in Scotland^[7], which coupled with a lack of undergraduate placements in general practice, may impact the future pipeline of GPNs leading to implications for population health and health inequalities.

There are a number of influences on the GPN role that should be considered when reviewing and refreshing the knowledge and skills required of GPNs across each level of practice. Core learning and additional ongoing education through continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential element to ensure a workforce is dynamic and able to meet the needs of their practice population. This must have a consistency of approach aligned with the wider Transforming Roles programme and the NES Integrated Community Nursing vision.