Strengthening the voice of GP nurses

At the RCN we are working to strengthen the voice of general practice nurses (GPNs). We want to support you to build positive relationships that open up communication and improve understanding of multidisciplinary working and collaboration to improve health outcomes for the people in your communities. 

The RCN is there for you. You can raise concerns through the RCN and feel supported in negotiating what is important to you. The RCN’s GPN forum is a great way to get involved, expand your network and learn more about how the RCN can support you. 

We have been engaging in a Scottish government review of general practice nursing to understand what the role looks like now and shape it for the future. We believe this - the government’s Transforming Nursing Roles programme - is an opportunity to change not only how external stakeholders appreciate the role of GPNs, but also to ensure GPNs know that they are valued, are properly rewarded and have a real opportunity to grow and develop in their career.    

But the Transforming Nursing Roles progamme will not on its own give general practice nurses the recognition you and the role deserve. 

We know the difference GPN leads have made in ensuring the role is appropriately developed to support changing service delivery. Funding for these lead roles must continue so that GPNs have access to the same opportunities as nurses working with the NHS and we will continue to call for this. 

We will also continue to work for equality for learning and development for you, with protected time for study, for planned personal development discussions with your manager and for clinical supervision to take place. 

Enabling student placements with the right levels of supervision and support is also key to attracting newly qualified nurses and developing a ‘grow your own’ approach. 

We have consistently made clear our position to Scottish government that negotiations around the GP contract must deliver fair pay and conditions. The result for 2024-25 at least is that the new contract includes funding for a 5.5% increase for staff directly employed by practices, in line with the increase for NHS staff. You can find out more on our website. The journey to fair pay does not end here though and we will continue to press the case to promote the recruitment and retention of general practice nurses. 

You are part of a highly skilled workforce and have a unique position and opportunity in public health nursing to manage long term conditions, to promote and support self-management, to reduce inequalities and to demonstrate impact through active involvement in audit and research.  

Our General Practice Nursing Forum is a route for you to work with us to demonstrate the difference you make to the health outcomes of your local population.   

Find out more about the work of our General Practice Nursing Forum.