Students begin their journey to keep General Practice Nursing ‘Fit for Purpose’

Students begin their journey to keep General Practice Nursing ‘Fit for Purpose’

The first cohort of students on the new PG Cert In General Practice Nursing at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) began their academic adventure last week.

The PG Cert In General Practice Nursing is a specialised Master’s level programme which provides Registered Healthcare Professionals, who are currently working in the Primary Care (General Practice) setting, with a learner-centred and practice focused programme of study, meeting their personal, professional and practice development needs. Its primary to goal is to ensure that Primary Care is kept fit for purpose and it is supported by NHS England and Health Education England.

Speaking at the induction event Nicki Walsh, Senior lecturer (and Programme Lead for Health and Social Care) in the School of Social Science at BGU, expressed her pride at being able to welcome the students to the University:

“The PG Cert marks a new approach in the recruitment, training and retention of General Practice nurses. Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work but I am really excited to see our new students grow and develop through what promises to be a stimulating and unique course.”

Nicki’s words were echoed by the students including Abbie and Jess, both currently staff nurses at Lincoln University Hospital, who are looking forward to exploring the new career options the course will open up:

“The opportunities and progression offered by the course were too good to miss. By the time we’ve finished we’ll be confident, autonomous practitioners ready to take on a new professional challenge”

Terry Vine, Deputy Chief Nurse and Project Lead for NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, has been involved in the development of the new qualification and spoke at the induction session:

"This course is a fantastic opportunity to not only up skill health care professionals but also to change perceptions surrounding careers in General Practice Nursing. There is a great group of engaged and enthusiastic students starting today and I look forward to encouraging more to join them."

The new PG Cert In General Practice Nursing joins the developing portfolio within the School of Social Science at BGU which reflects 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.