Administering medications in general practice: what do non-prescribers need to know?

Keeping an eye on the general practice nurse (GPN) forums on social media has highlighted the uncertainty regarding what medications GPNs can and cannot give, and the legal and professional landscape around what GPNs can or cannot do remains unresolved for many. This is not just an issue for newly qualified nurses (NQNs) entering the profession but also for experienced and well-established GPNs negotiating the ever-changing landscape of practice. Students also tell me this is a problem. Both pre- and post-registration students report a lack of clarity regarding what needs to be in place to be able to safely administer medications in general practice. Every cohort mentions this, along with an array of stories regarding different practices they have observed. Just when I think I have heard it all, I hear another example where GPNs have, with the best intentions, exposed themselves to the risk of professional scrutiny and even prosecution in some cases. Professional guidance and the legislation exists, but there is difficulty in synthesising this and interpreting some of the ambiguous or difficult language. This article hopes to bring some clarity and help GPNs navigate this topic.