Level 6 - Sample competences foe a senior 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
Core5/3	Initiates and participates in clinical audit resetting standards as appropriate (core4/2). Is aware of and, if appropriate, Is involved in, current research into patient care and incorporates this in practice.	GEN23 NOS	Audit your own clinical practice This competence is about carrying out a clinical audit of your own practice. It involves monitoring and evaluating the quality of your work activities and outcomes and taking appropriate actions to support continuous improvement. Monitoring and audit may be required for national, regional or local purposes. You need to show that you can apply relevant quality standards and procedures to your working practice and identify any deviations from these. You need to use a range of sources of information to support your monitoring activity including feedback from service users and work colleagues. You will report cases of non-compliance with quality standards and identify and use opportunities for quality improvement. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
HWB6/3	Women's health Provides support, advice, and if appropriate, manages or is involved with the care of patients presenting with: vaginal discharge abnormalities of menstruation, including pre-menstrual syndrome the effects of the menopause, management of symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis urinary incontinence the effects of hysterectomy infertility and pre-conceptual issues Teaches and encourages patients to be 'breast aware'	CHS41 NOS	Develop and agree treatment plans for individuals This workforce competence covers developing and agreeing treatment plans with individuals diagnosed with health conditions. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
HWB4/3	Travel health Assesses travel health needs of patients and holistic approach to travel health, including comprehensive advice for patients prior to travel which includes: vaccinations and medications malarial prophylaxis and bite avoidance safe sex/sexual health food hygiene sun protection first aid and emergency medication risk of travel/need for health insurance appropriate written information self care measures	CHS124 NOS	Manage and support the progress of individuals through patient pathways This workforce competence covers the effective management and support of individuals through pathways within any health or social care setting or context. The care pathway represents every aspect of the individual's care, from their initial presentation through to the successful resolution of their health care needs, their discharge or their death. Patient pathways are determined by the specific needs of the individual, whether they are a child, young person or an adult. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
HWB7/3	Wound management Is able to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the healing process undertake initial assessment of patients presenting with minor injuries assess and care for complex wounds, referring when appropriate assess pain and recommend or prescribe analgesia investigate and carry out appropriate blood tests demonstrate awareness of and use the current guidelines on tetanus prophylaxis educate the patient in wound self care and monitor as appropriate undertake Doppler assessment and compression bandaging for leg ulcer management fulfil infection control principles and practice	CHS116 NWC	Manage individuals with leg ulcers This workforce competence is about the management of individuals, both adults and children, who suffer with leg ulceration and associated conditions. This treatment may to take place within primary or secondary care settings. Performance of this competence will include continuous assessment of the status of ulceration and taking relevant action to help the individual to manage the condition, or referral for other specialist support. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.
G1/2	Acts as a mentor/coach for more junior staff (eg pre-registration nurses or HCAs) assessing competency against set standards as requested if appropriately qualified. Disseminates learning and information gained to other team members in order to share good practice and inform others about current and future developments (eg courses and conferences). Undertakes specific training exercises such as observed clinical practice as requested and facilitates shadowing of role. Communicates effectively with their team and other professionals to enhance patient care and the efficiency of the practice.	LLUK_L11 NOS	Enable learning through demonstrations and instruction This workforce competence covers demonstrating skills and methods to learners and instructing learners in procedures and processes. For the purpose of this workforce competence, in the health care context, learners may be patients/clients or carers. This involves: demonstrating how equipment is used showing an individual how to do something giving learners instructions on what to do or how to carry out a particular activity deciding when you should use demonstration or instruction to encourage learning reviewing the potential use of technology based learning checking on the progress of learners giving feedback to learners. Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.