The GPN career framework
Knowledge and skills required for the General Practice Nursing career framework
Level 9
National career framework
More senior staff - Level 9
Staff with the ultimate responsibility for clinical caseload decision making and full on-call accountability
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
Nurse Partner
Clinical activity highly variable, but involves investment in practice, income generation, and shared decision making relating to the practice. Full on-call accountability. Ensures appropriate nursing policies and protocols are in place.
Level 8
National career framework
Consultant Practitioners - Level 8
Staff working at a very high level of clinical expertise and/or have responsibility for planning of services.
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Experienced nurse who, acting within their professional boundaries, provides care from initial history taking to full clinical assessment, treatment and evaluation. Can refer directly to specialists. Advises on protocol content.
Level 7
National career framework
Advanced Practitioners - Level 7
Experienced clinical professionals who have developed their skills and theoretical knowledge to a very high standard. They are empowered to make high-level clinical decisions and will often have their own caseload. Non-clinical staff at Level 7 will typically be managing a number of service areas.
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
Lead General Practice Nurse
Involves delivery and planning of safe and effective nursing care to the whole practice population. Leads and manages a nursing team working closely with the practice manager and GPs to deliver practice priorities. Creates protocols with team work.
Level 6
National career framework
Senior Practitioners/Specialist Practitioners - Level 6
Staff who would have a higher degree of autonomy and responsibility than 'Practitioners' in the clinical environment, or who would be managing one or more service areas in the non-clinical environment.
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
Senior General Practice Nurse
Responsible for delivery of general practice nursing services to the whole practice population and contributes to protocol creation and care.
Level 5
National career framework
Practitioners - Level 5
Most frequently registered practitioners in their first and second post-registrations/professional qualification jobs.
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
General Practice Nurse
Provides general nursing services to defined groups within the practice population. Engages in protocol based activities.
Level 4
National career framework
Assistant Practitioners/Associate Practitioners - Level 4
Probably studying for foundation degree, BTEC higher or HND. Some of their remit will involved them in delivering protocol-based clinical care that had previously been in the remit of registered professionals, under the direction and supervision of a state registered practitioner.
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
Assistant Practitioner
Works with proximal supervision supported by protocols carrying out tasks delegated by a registered practitioner.
Level 3
National career framework
Senior Healthcare Assistants/Technicians - Level 3
Have a higher level of responsibility than support worker, probably studying for, or have attained NVQ level 3, or Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
Senior Health Care Assistant
Works within defined protocols undertaking tasks delegated by and under the supervision of a registered practitioner.
Level 2
National career framework
Support Workers - Level 2
Frequently with the job title of 'Healthcare Assistant' or 'Healthcare Technician' - probably studying for or has attained NVQ Level 2.
General Practice Nursing Career Pathway
Health Care Assistant
Works within defined protocols undertaking basic tasks delegated by and under the supervision of a registered practitioner.
Level 1
National career framework
Initial Entry Level Jobs - Level 1
Such as 'Domestics' or 'Cadets' requiring very little formal education or previous knowledge, skills or experience in delivering, or supporting the delivery of healthcare.