News Focus

The results of a study exploring the relationship between cultural and structural workforce issues and retention of nurses in general practice in England and Wales have been published in the journal BMC Primary Care.

Conducted between October 2023 and June 2024, the research involved 41 participants, including general practice nurses, advanced nurse practitioners, healthcare assistants, nursing associates, apprentice practitioners and nurse leaders. Data were collected through qualitative interviews and analysed using framework analysis. The study identified several key themes affecting the retention of nurses, including concerns over reduction of tasks to those meeting targets, leading to a sense of devaluation and diminished professional identity; and limited access to training and career advancement opportunities with participants reporting lack of professional growth and job satisfaction.

General practice nurses appreciated the wide scope of practice, and building long-term relationships with patients was seen as a core part of the role. Some nurses said they sought employment outside the NHS due to better pay and conditions.