Level 5 - Sample competences for a general practice nurse

The following competences are an example of competences associated with this role as outlined on the general practice nursing (GPN) career pathway. They are based on the sample job descriptions, developed as part of the GPN career pathway. They have also been aligned to the knowledge and skills framework.

NHS KSF	WIPP Competence/Level	Skills for Health competence suite and competence status	Skills for Health National Occupational Standards/National Workforce Competences	Notes
HWB7/3 and HWB8/1	Health screening Performs (after undertaking appropriate training and updates) cervical cytology sampling taking according to NHSCSP (NHS cervical screening programme) standards including audit Understands the national and local call-and-recall system	CHS37	Obtain cervical cytology samples from individuals This workforce competence covers taking cervical cytology samples for screening. The aim of cervical screening is to identify conditions that might otherwise develop into invasive cancer so that preventative treatment can be provided. The sample taker should take care to explain the aim, procedure and possible outcomes of the screening programme and acknowledge and address women's concerns and anxieties. Women and their families should have confidence in the screening programme. The nature, urgency and efficacy of any follow-up actions are dependent upon the reliability of the screening results. It is important therefore that the sample taking procedure results in high quality samples which can be screened effectively. This competence is for qualified practitioners who have completed a recognised training programme for taking samples for cervical screening. This competence does not cover the taking of vault samples. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
HWB4/3	Health promotion Assesses patient's readiness to change; provides support and management or refers as appropriate in cases of: smoking exercise diet sexual health women's and men's health healthy living for older people Is familiar with sources of reliable information, for example, NHS Direct and the National Electronic Library.	GEN14 NOS	Provide advice & information to individuals on how to manage their own condition This workforce competence covers establishing individual's requirements for information and providing advice and information to enable them to manage their condition, adopting a suitable lifestyle to optimise their health and wellbeing. The term 'individual' in this workforce competence is taken to mean anyone with whom you come into contact whether they are service users, their family or significant others, colleagues, or other professionals. You need to relate to each person as someone with their own particular needs for information and advice and develop a full understanding of their requirements and how these can best be met. This workforce competence depends on your being able to communicate information effectively, and being responsive to any queries. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
HWB6/3	Health screening Undertakes new patient checks recognising health promotion opportunities	CHS46 NOS	Undertake a risk assessment in relation to a defined health need This competence is about working with individuals to agree courses of action following assessment of their health and well-being. It covers the discussion of assessment outcomes and agreeing what actions to take in relation to promoting the health and well-being of the individual. It does not include the development of a care plan based on the assessment outcomes which is covered by other competences.
HWB1/3	Management of long-term conditions knows the high-risk indicators for patients with undiagnosed long term conditions and either undertakes routine diagnostic tests with the patient's consent or refers as appropriate	CHS42 NWC	Identify individuals with or at risk of developing long term conditions or related ill health This workforce competence is about identifying individuals with long term conditions or at risk of developing long term conditions or related ill health. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
Core 6 /3	Understands and adopts the latest guidelines issued by professional bodies with patients, patients' relatives and colleagues. This includes: confidentiality consent personal preferences and beliefs (the patient's and your own) the patient's right to make their own decisions other ethical issues	HSC35 NOS	Promote choice, well-being and the protection of all individuals This competence covers the protection of individuals whilst respecting their diversity, difference, preferences and choice. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.