Level 8 - Sample competences for an advanced nurse practitioner

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
Core 4/4 Interprets national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice. Gen53 NOS Support the development of strategies to meet local needs for health care services Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.  
HWB6/4 Assessment and treatment planning

When working at this level, the advanced nurse practitioner in general practice is required to: 'assess physiological and/or psychological functioning when there are complex and/or undifferentiated abnormalities, diseases and disorders, and develop, monitor and review related treatment plans.'

Analyses and interprets history, presenting symptoms, physical findings and diagnostic information to develop the appropriate differential diagnoses.		 CHS40 NOS Establish a diagnosis of an individual's health condition

This workforce competence is about determining a diagnosis following initial assessment and investigations of an individual's suspected health condition. It involves reviewing the results of the initial assessment and initiating any further tests to confirm the diagnosis and the possible underlying causes.

Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies		  
HWB7/3 The advanced nurse practitioner in general practice is required to: 'plan, deliver and evaluate interventions and/or treatments when there are complex issues and/or serious illness.'

Prioritises health problems and intervenes appropriately to assist the patient in complex, urgent or emergency situations, including initiation of effective emergency care.		 CHD_HB1 NWC Recognise indications of heart conditions and take appropriate action

This workforce competence is about recognising the indications of acute cardiac syndromes and taking appropriate action. This workforce competence has been developed for practitioners who may be working in settings outside the Coronary Heart Disease area e.g. primary care setting, general wards.		  
G8/3 The advanced nurse practitioner in general practice is required to: 'assist with public relations and marketing activity.'

Markets how the role of advanced nurse practitioner enhances the services offered by general practice to the public, other health care professionals and wider stakeholders and policy makers.

Discusses, highlights and works with the team to create opportunities to promote the team, the practice and its services in the local community		 GEN48 NOS Promote your organisation and its services to stakeholders

This workforce competence is about promoting your organisation and the services it provides to a range of stakeholders.

This involves developing plans to promote your organisation and its services, communicating key messages to stakeholders, and evaluating the effectiveness of promotional activities.		  
HWB7/4 Prescribing Following successful completion of a national training programme, undertakes the professional role of independent/supplementary nurse prescriber. CM_A7 NWC Prescribe medication for individuals with a long term condition

This competence is about prescribing medication to reduce the impact of a long term condition on individuals' health and wellbeing. It covers relating the prescription to the individual's condition and treatment plan and, where appropriate, making arrangements for repeat prescriptions.

This competence is relevant to those who may be responsible for prescribing medication. In order to prescribe, you are legally bound to have successfully completed the Extended Formulary/Supplementary Prescribing course.

This competence is relevant to those who provide proactive and co-ordinated Case Management. Here, Case Management means identifying and risk stratifying vulnerable, high-risk people with complex multiple long term conditions. Case Management should take place within the philosophy of enabling and promoting self care, self management and independence.

Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.