A new general practice nurse (GPN) network has been launched to help ‘raise the profile and voice’ of the profession.
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) officially announced its new network earlier this month – with more than 600 GPNs across England, Wales and Northern Ireland already signed up.
Its aim is to provide GPNs a space to network and share best practice, as well as to discuss innovations and the value of the workforce.
GPNs should also use the network as an opportunity for learning and for time to consider how to ‘raise the profile and voice’ of general practice nursing, the QNI said.
The free network will see regular webinars and e-newsletters for the profession and will be led by the QNI’s assistant director of nursing programmes for primary care and Queen’s Nurse, Angie Hack.
Ms Hack, who has a background in district nursing and GPN education, said she was ‘delighted that we are able to launch a network for all GPNs to be able to share knowledge and experience through the QNI’.
‘The QNI has been working for some years to support GPNs, raising their profile as a crucial part of the primary care workforce,’ she added.
‘I look forward to extending our new network to many more nurses in general practice and making new connections with people at all stages of their careers.’
The new GPN network has been funded by the National Garden Scheme and those interested can join online here.
The QNI recently launched its key priorities for the new government, with the hope of addressing the demand for more community-based care.
Speaking at an exclusive Nursing in Practice conference in London earlier this year, QNI chief executive Dr Crystal Oldman warned GPNS were being ‘put to one side’ and that professionals employed under the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) were doing the work they used to do.
