‘Inspirational’ First Cohort Complete General Practice Nursing Qualification

Last week Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) bid a fond farewell to the first cohort of students undertaking the PG Cert in General Practice Nursing.

After nine months of blended learning in the classroom, in practice and using the Virtual Learning Environment, students are now able to work in General Practice with the range of skills a Nurse in this area is expected to have.

Content covered over the course of the qualification included cervical smear taking, Immunisation and vaccines (including Travel Health), management of long-term conditions such as diabetes and asthma, Intermediate life support as well as mental health and support for carers.

Speaking at an event to celebrate the students Nicki Walsh, Senior lecturer (and Programme Lead for Health and Social Care) at BGU, praised them for their commitment and example to future students:

“The finishing students have been 100% committed to the programme and have not only developed in confidence but are a true inspiration for those who might consider General Practice Nursing as their preferred Career pathway.

Students have had excellent support from their clinical environments throughout with clinical and academic supervisor supporting them in and around practice.

Whilst sad to see these students finish at BGU, there are opportunities for further study on the MSc Primary and Community Care, as offering support future PGCert students. Further funding has been allocated to BGU by Health Education England for 10 places in March and the team at BGU look forward to welcoming next cohort of aspiring GPNs.”

The PG Cert in General Practice Nursing is a specialised Master’s level programme which provides registered Healthcare Professionals, who are currently working in a Primary Care (General Practice) setting, with a learner-centred and practice focused programme of study, meeting their personal, professional and practice development needs all focused on local service demands.

It produces high-calibre post graduates who are autonomous, reflexive, possessing of inquiring and analytical minds as part of their continued professional development required by their relevant Professional Regulatory body.

The new PG Cert In General Practice Nursing joins the developing portfolio of courses at BGU which reflect current and future needs of the health and social care sector. Other current courses include Master's in Health & Social Care Leadership and Primary & Community Care. To find out how these courses can help develop your healthcare skills visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team.