The value of primary care nursing has never been recognised or valued more than it has over the last year. Recognition, credit and appreciation from the public is at an all-time high. Applications to study nursing are up by 30% (Department of Health and Social Care, 2021). Our general practice nurses (GPNs) are working on the front-line and living through what will one day be written in the history books.
The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) was commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement to undertake a survey of nurses working in general practice during the first wave of the pandemic in the spring of 2020. This has now been published (QNI, 2021). In total, 3177 GPNs shared their insights and aspirations for general practice.
This has given a platform to hear the voices and views of our GPNs – thank you, QNI. There were many positive responses and these are acknowledged. However, some GPNs will identify with the concerns expressed by respondents and captured in the survey, which are given below:
- Lack of sick leave when they needed to self-isolate
- Pay and conditions – a lack of consistency when compared to Agenda for Change scales used in the NHS
- Lack of recognition and feeling undervalued in relation to their significant knowledge and skills.
GPNs are held in high regard by the public and we continue to expand our scope of practice, and embrace new technology. We are proactive, innovative and fundamental in the delivery of the largest vaccination programme in our history. So, why are some GPNs not feeling valued by their employers?
This is clearly an area which needs a ‘deep dive’ in partnership with our GP colleagues. It reflects areas of the GPN 10 Point Plan, which require further work in the coming months and years. When we have addressed and resolved these issues, maybe then we will see an increase in the number of GPN primary care network (PCN) clinical directors?
Please do read page 121, where Dr Nikki Kanani, Medical Director of Primary Care, NHS England and NHS Improvement, shares her thoughts on the GPN's role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As always, we want to hear from you, Do you want to take on a lead role? What is stopping you becoming a lead nurse or a clinical director in your PCN? Are you already in a leadership role? We are looking forward to hearing your stories. Get your voice heard.
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