General Practice Nurse
Our continued close working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders throughout Hertfordshire and West Essex as well as the East of England, means we are able to support you, wherever you are in your general practice nurse career. The Training Hub will be able to provide mentors to help with your transition into primary care or coaching to support your ongoing career; access to information on funding, development and training offers to help enhance and embed core fundamentals and progress your career pathway.
Join the Macmillan Cancer Support Learning Hub to access useful education and training courses, toolkits and resources to help you in your role.
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To find out more about support for student nurses click here.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION – the why, what, how and benefits!
Introduction
The concept of clinical supervision for nurses is supported by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in Enabling Professionalism in Nursing and Midwifery Practice(*1).
The NMC states that practice learning and development is enabled through ‘regular supervision and a focus on reflective practice’(*2).
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) views clinical supervision as good practice that helps to underpin regulations ‘17: Good governance’ and ‘19: Fit and proper persons employed’(*3).
It is also recognised as being an invaluable tool to support development and staff retention.
Nurses in primary care often work in isolation or within a small team that may have been static for several years, although we are now seeing a shift that can be more unsettling where staff are frequently moving around.
Clinical supervision offers a protected space for a small group of nurses to meet and learn from each other, gain support and advice about their role, and share the highs and lows of a career in general practice.
It is ‘a formal process of professional support and learning, which enables individual practitioners to develop knowledge and competence, assume responsibility for their own practice and enhance consumer protection and safety of care in complex clinical situations’(*4).
The Royal College of Nursing groups clinical supervision models into educative, supportive and managerial frameworks but suggests that models can be adapted to support the working environment as appropriate(*4).
All models focus on the concept of reflective practice, where participants are urged to make sense of events, situations and actions in the workplace. The introduction of Clinical Supervision in General Practice across the system is recommended by NHS England in its published 10 Point Action Plan(*5).
Currently there are 4 Clinical Supervision Groups running across Hertfordshire and West Essex, each group has spaces for 8 participants. Primary Care Nurse tutors are supervisors of the groups; in this role they will facilitate the clinical supervision (CS) sessions. Every 6 to 8 weeks session usually run for one hour. The model being delivering is closed groups, consisting of nurse supervisees from different general practices. This model has been found to be the most effective as it gives group members confidence and freedom, not having Clinical Supervision with colleagues they directly work with, unless they choose to do so.
One practice nurse said: "Clinical supervision has been very useful to me and has made a significant impact in my everyday practice*. I see it as something I can rely on for both clinical and emotional support" (*6).
General feedback from nurses and HCAs, suggests that the nursing and HCA workforce feels more supported and less isolated(*6).
Although the meetings are relaxed, they still follow a framework where the supervisor acts as facilitator: keeping time, ensuring active participation from all members, following up from the previous meeting and summing up at the end. Brief notes are kept by the facilitator along broad themes – e.g. clinical, professional, employment – and the members are encouraged to maintain a record both for professional development and to use as reflective practice accounts for revalidation.
There is a contract that details an agreement between supervisor and supervisee around timing, format of sessions, and members’ expectations of each other and of the facilitator. There is a specific confidentiality clause that outlines the requirement for the supervisor to disclose any breach of the NMC code of conduct should this come to their attention(*2).
Finally for clinical supervision to be effective nurses need to be given the time to attend regularly, therefore it is important to get buy-in and agreement from your employer.
How can I join a Clinical Supervision Group?
If there are spaces in a group and you would like to join, as the groups are closed groups, meaning the same members attend each CS session, out of courteously, the existing group is always asked if they are happy for a new member to join.
There are currently spaces in Clinical Supervision Groups
Clinical Supervision Groups with spaces | Time of Meetings | Location |
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday | 12.30 to 13.30 | Virtually via MS Teams |
Please note that it is important that you have access to a camera for Clinical Supervision.
To join a group or for general enquiry contact:
Clinical Supervision Resources
The General Practice Nurse Education Network
This is an excellent training and development resource for GPNs. Developed by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) and funded by NHS England.
*1. Nursing and Midwifery Council. Enabling Professionalism in Nursing and Midwifery Practice. London; NMC:2017
*2. Nursing and Midwifery Council. The Code: Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses and Midwives. London;NMC:2015
*3. Care Quality Commission. Regulations for Service Providers and Managers. London;CQC:2017
*4. Royal College of Nursing. Clinical Supervision in the Workplace. London;RCN:2002
*5. NHS England. General Practice – Developing Confidence, Capability and Capacity – a Ten Point Action Plan for General Practice Nursing. London; NHS England:2017
*6. How to become a Clinical Supervision Lead: Nursing in Practice: 2016
Although the NMC do not stipulate that a specific course or training programme must be undertaken to become an assessor (like they used to previously with the mentor role), it is expected that nurses meet the NMC standards for student supervision and assessment.
Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor
The role of “sign off assessor”, mentor role and triennial review is no longer required. In its place are two main roles in practice: Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor.
All nurses, midwives and nursing associates in any practice learning environment should be able to undertake a practice supervisor role, as set out in the NMC Code. They need to have been prepared and supported to take up their role and have up-to-date knowledge and experience relevant to the student they are supervising.
What do practice supervisors do? - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)
As previously stated the NMC do not stipulate any specific training, but they do set-out standards that need to be met.
To meet the NMC required standards, the Inspire Project has been developed by Anglian Ruskin University (ARU). It is free to access, and the presentation and accompanying materials should enable any registered professional, who has not had any previous educator training or experience, to act as a practice supervisor. The short training has been designed to fit in with the busy life of nurses working in general practice, whilst at the same time providing adequate training to enable them to feel confident as educators.
Training can be accessed from the Training Hub Web site HERE
If you feel you require more in-depth training, you can consider the free online training provided by ARU:
· Online Practice Supervisor/Practice Assessor course - Nursing - ARU
Update training should be undertaken. There is no specific recommendation, but every 3 years is a useful guide. The Inspire training is also suitable as update training.
Practice assessors assess and confirm the student’s achievement of practice learning for a placement or a series of placements, they can also act in this capacity for registered nurses working in general practice undertaking specific training e.g. Cervical Cytology and Child immunisations, providing they have the required knowledge and skills.
What do practice assessors do? - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (nmc.org.uk)
As previously stated the NMC do not stipulate any specific training, but they do set-out standards that need to be met.
The short training provided by the Inspire Project, is probably not adequate to enable a nurse with no previous educator experience or qualifications to act in the assessor role. Therefore, the recommendation would be to undertake the full training which can be accessed here:
Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor Course on the ARU website. This training is free and virtual.
If you are an experienced practice assessor and can document that you understand and meet the NMC standards, but need an update, you can complete sections of the Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor Course on the ARU website, that are relevant to your continuous professional development needs.
To summarise:
Undertake the short INSPIRE course or the longer Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor Course on the ARU website (or any other equivalent training).
If you have no previous educator experience, undertake the Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor Course on the ARU website (or any other equivalent training).
If you have previous educator experience and training and are confident that you meet the NMC standards but need an update, you can complete sections of the Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor Course on the ARU website, that are relevant to your continuous professional development needs.
Certificates are issued on completion of training
Training and Development Opportunities:
The 10 Tools for Wellness Webinar has been developed for Healthcare in response to the Wellness QOF.
Read moreThis training is suitable for practice staff involved in summarising medical records or entering data.
Read moreAdvanced Practitioners Forum - All welcome! This Forum is open to anyone who is interested in the topic, you do not need to be an advanced practitioner to attend.
Read moreAs a common long-term respiratory condition, effective healthcare management and self-management of asthma, is fundamental in supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.
Read moreHaving an awareness of the disease and knowing how to support and care for patients is an essential skill for any health care provider and this half-day training course offers an introduction to Dementia to support the learning.
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Read moreNew series of upcoming funded training, which is available to Healthcare Professionals across the UK.
Read moreThese monthly online asthma refreshers are designed for health and care professionals who manage people with asthma, wish to refresh their skills and implement quality improvement initiatives.
Read moreLicense for CDEP Courses - CDEP has five levels (as per the UK Diabetics Competency Framework.
Read moreLondon Cardio Renal Metabolic Conference with a focus on Heart failure and CKD.
Read moreSupport session for sample takers and open exeter users.
Read moreAs NHS Digital continue to prepare to launch the new cervical screening management system (CSMS), they have launched the first of two training modules on the Learning Hub.
Read moreFor all professionals who come into contact with children and young people with asthma.
Read moreThis is a course in mindfulness and emotional intelligence based on a Stanford University Master's Degree Course and delivered by Dr Lia Jacob.
Read moreCompassionate appraisals are an independent, facilitated self-review to discuss, review and plan for professional development.
Read moreA popular study day for Practice Nurses that provides a general update on Family Planning and Sexual Health matters. Facilitated by Valerie McMunn.
Read moreThis CPD accredited theoretical update for cytology has been developed for practitioners who are trained to take cervical samples.
Read moreThis training is a 2-hour session about understanding dementia aimed at all staff and volunteers wanting to know more about dementia.
Read moreThis training is a 2-hour session about understanding dementia aimed at all staff and volunteers wanting to know more about dementia.
Read moreThe Dementia Interpreter course will allow you to begin to learn the language of dementia, and truly understand how communication can change for people living with dementia.
Read moreUpdate your diabetes skills and share best practice with this CPD accredited course
Read moreThis Diabetes Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Level 7 module contributes to the development of knowledge and understanding of diabetes.
Read moreThis short learning is part of one module from the current Travel Health Update course offered by Jane Chiodini.
Read moreThis year’s theme for Dying Matters Awareness Week is “The way we talk about Dying Matters” and focuses on the language that we use, and conversations we have, around death and dying. Because the way we talk about Dying Matters.
Read moreDevelop safe practice in diagnostic and examination skills for ear care in an area that attracts a high level of litigation. Includes an hands on workshop in ear irrigation (syringing).
Read moreA review of the theory and practice of ear irrigation using the Propulse irrigator for those currently undertaking ear irrigation in their workplace.
Read moreThe East of England Palliative and End of Life care Strategic Clinical Network invites you to our free regional conference. This will be on Wednesday 8th May at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.
Read moreFollowing attendance candidates will be able to record an ECG correctly and start to develop interpretation skills. The course includes supervised practice in recording a 12 lead ECG.
Read moreThis training has been developed as part of the NHS England Respiratory Long Term Plan Breathlessness Management workstream, to support colleagues with easily accessible education around non-pharmacological self-management support for people living with chronic breathlessness.
Read moreThis course is aimed at any health care professional who wants to develop a leading role in the delivery and management of services for people with asthma and their families.
Read moreThis multi-professional course focuses upon the assessment and management of the individual with, or at risk of developing, diabetes and its precursor, metabolic syndrome.
Read moreThe training will cover all aspects of immunisation practice in line with PHEs Immunisation Training Standards for Healthcare Practitioners tailored to the context of General Practice.
Read moreFundamentals of Dermatology in Primary Care - 2 Day Introduction to Dermatology
Read moreThe UK Health Security Agency and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health are running a Fundamentals of Immunisation course. This two-day intense theoretical course is designed for those new to a role in immunisation and is most suited to those who give or advise on a range of different vaccines.
Read moreWe encourage all nurses working in General Practice to join us as an opportunity to share best practice and for your voice to be heard by the national team
Read moreHertfordshire Mind Network has extensive experience within the field of mental health training and is recognised as a leading provider of mental health-related training in Hertfordshire.
Read moreHertsOne are inviting you to attend a study session on Leg Ulcer Early Intervention Pathway (Immediate & Necessary Care), delivered by HertsOne Clinical lead Karen Layflurie and Leg ulcer specialist nurses.
Read moreThis CPD course is suitable for frontline workers supporting those impacted by suicide working in Hertfordshire and West Essex.
Read moreDr Fabienne Smith - Named GP for Safeguarding Children in Hertfordshire and Roisin Gavin Designated Professional for Adults will be presenting safeguarding children and adult sessions.
Read moreThe webinars will contribute to level 3 participatory safeguarding children ICD requirements. All clinical staff are welcome to attend but Practice Safeguarding Children Leads are particularly encouraged.
Read moreThis two day foundation course follows the guidelines of the National Minimum Standards for Registered Healthcare Practitioners (2018) for immunisation training.
Read moreIf you only deliver Flu vaccines, Occupational health or adult vaccines, these bespoke update courses may be more appropriate for you. Please note New immunsiers' (2-day) Foundation (one-off) course must have been completed previously.
Read moreImmunisation training for Practice Nurses and HCAs who vaccinate in Hertfordshire.
Read moreThe International Practitioner Health Summit 2024 will focus on a new hope for workforce wellbeing and solutions for the future.
Read moreThis half-day workshop delivered online for Practice Nurses, Nursing Associates and AHP’s working in primary care.
Read moreWelcome to our focused half-day course on 'Intrauterine Contraception Counselling and Removal,' a comprehensive training designed for clinicians seeking to deepen their understanding and skills in the safe management of IUC (Intrauterine Contraception).
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Read moreTo help raise awareness of developments in and up to date information about the menopause and perimenopause.
Read moreIt aims to provide training on many topics, including covid-19 and travel, risk assessment, travel vaccines, non-vaccine preventable illnesses, malaria, professional issues, and the latest developments in travel health.
Read moreJoin us via Zoom for this informative and interactive course designed for nurses, healthcare professionals, and healthcare assistants who are new to wound management in the primary care setting
Read moreDelivered in partnership by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) and Health Education England (HEE) elearning for healthcare (elfh), e-IRMER is a free training resource.
Read moreThe day will be delivered by consultants and senior staff working within the mental health and palliative healthcare field.
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Read moreRegister to access all education and training on the Macmillan Cancer Support Learning Hub for free! Education and training for health and social care professionals.. Sign up today!
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Read moreInteractive online learning ‘ECHO’ networks for health and social care professionals who deliver end of life care to share knowledge on relevant topics, bringing together communities of practice with a shared goal. From Marie Curie.
Read moreThis day is most suited to Nurse Associates, Practice Nurses, NP’s, ENP’s, Paramedics and Pharmacists. Dr Tamara Cunningham is an experienced GP Trainer and will be teaching these interactive, online days.
Read moreThis online Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace package covers 8 modules to improve employee wellbeing and reduce risks of employee burnout, highlighting the need for resilience, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness at work.
Read moreBBO Training Ltd are excited to extend an invitation to you for our 'Men's Health Update Day' on 9th May, featuring the popular lecturer Dr. Tamara Cunningham.
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Read moreAfter the seminar week, you may wish to study for the Nmic Minor Illness Diploma at an additional cost of £720.
Read moreThe NHS England Leadership Academy has ongoing events and opportunities available. Please click on the links below for more information
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Read moreOur Interprofessional Programme designed to develop the skills, knowledge and attributes required for safe, appropriate, and cost-effective prescribing practice within the context of their specialist professional roles and the legislative and professional frameworks that govern their specific role.
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Read moreThe new Oliver McGowan training on Learning Disability and Autism is being rolled out across health and social care in Hertfordshire and west Essex.
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Read moreThe NMC Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (2018) require that registrants who facilitate learning and assess students must be prepared for these roles.
Read moreOptimisation of Goal Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) in Heart Failure. A novel service approach for heart failure patients in primary care.
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Read moreMonthly IPC and COVID guidance update webinars
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Read moreThis 15-minute course aims to provide education and raise awareness of vulval cancer.
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Read moreThis Spirometry Interactive Blended Online Learning Package including ARTP assessment access course is designed for healthcare professionals.
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Read moreSTOMP/STAMP is a national programme to help prevent the over use of psychotropic medication in patients with LD, autism or both.
Read moreSupervising Student Nurses: Standards for Student Supervision & Assessment (SSSA) SSSA training update
Read moreThis essential masterclass provides delegates with an essential overview of your role and responsibilities in relation to staff mental health and wellbeing.
Read moreThe Tackling the Complexity of Managing Heart Failure Short Course allows the acquisition of both practical skills and clinical knowledge necessary to manage the complex needs of patients and carers from the early diagnostic phase through to end of life
Read moreThe conference aims to bring current and aspiring Caldicott Guardians together to understand current issues and the national context.
Read moreThis course will enable students to develop as leaders in the delivery of person centred care and the progression of research, skills and knowledge in relation to the care and management of the person with dementia and their family.
Read moreThe Introduction to Travel Health Course comprises a minimum of two days learning and follows the curriculum described in the 'Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service' document.
Read moreTravel health is a fast moving field of practice and although services were severely impacted with the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers are seeking advice once more and practitioners are very busy again.
Read moreEssex EQUIP is pleased to announce that Jane Chiodini, MBE, will return to deliver this Travel Health Update in September 2024.
Read moreA two day introduction into Contraception Course for Practice Nurses.
Read moreThe intended outcomes of these sessions are to provide further training to our clinicians around the diagnosis of asthma.
Read moreThis well established and respected two day course allows the candidate a chance to fully understand routine haematology and biochemistry results.
Read moreHEE have partnered with three of our regional Higher Education Institutes, linked to our medical schools, to develop and provide face-to-face teaching on the academic basis of educational supervision that supports the trainer in the areas of supervision they expected to provide.
Read moreThis half day session aims to provide healthcare workers with the theoretical/practical skills and knowledge required to safely fit and change pessaries.
Read moreZSA's FREE online training courses teach you the skills and confidence to have a potentially life-saving conversation with someone you’re worried about.
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