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

Key responsibilities for ongoing GPN development

With consideration to the above, we know that the GPN role is evolving constantly and will continue to do so. As such, the associated knowledge and skills in relation to levels of practice have been developed with this in mind. Some of the key responsibilities of the GPN that should be considered in the review and refresh of Transforming Roles Paper 6:

• supervision – of other GPNs and Healthcare Support Workers, where applicable, in general practice. This is both in a peer supervision and support capacity, as well as the supervision of GPNs who are newer to working in practice. GPNs, as with all registrants, also have supervisory duties of undergraduate student nurses on placement in general practice settings. This is critical to ensuring that undergraduate nursing students are encouraged to work in general practice post-registration. Robust supervision is critical going forward to ensure ongoing assurance for safe and effective practice. This includes consideration for supervision of non-medical prescribing within primary care.
• complexity – the challenges of practicing autonomously while dealing with increasing complexity, particularly in practices with a smaller team.
• population health needs – GPNs are able to holistically see and treat their practice populations according to their unique needs.
• building connections and networks – GPNs can use their GPN Professional Lead to network and build connections with their fellow GPNs, as well as joining their practice clusters.
• training, learning and development – GPNs should know where to get training, learning and development support throughout their career.
• workforce planning – GPNs providing expertise to their practice employers, Health and Social Care Partnerships as well as Scottish Government, to assist with workforce planning to ensure future sustainability of the profession.