Practice nurse workforce numbers: are we heading towards a problem?

Abstract

Practice nurse numbers are a concern. Sarah Butler looks at the barriers to getting more nurses into general practice The number of practice nurses in the UK is significantly lower than those working as nurses on a ward. Despite many experienced nurses opting to work a practice nurses, the number of newly qualified nurses choosing practice nursing as their first post is low. Newly qualified nurses, instead, prefer to gain experience in secondary care first, with many not realising practice nurses do not need to have worked in secondary care. Pressures such as increasing workload and an ageing workforce will only deplete the number of practice nurses in post already, therefore increasing practice nurse numbers is essential.