The general practitioner (GP) is the first point of contact for patients to access healthcare services.
Practice nurses work in the general practice to provide:
- nursing care for the practice population
- management of long-term conditions caseloads
- screening services
- immunisation services
- health promotion
- delivery of Department of Health initiatives, for example under 6 assessments, diabetes cycle of care
Practice nurses may also work at an advanced nursing level. For example, nurse prescribing or advanced nurse practitioners.
Advanced Practice (Nursing) Standards and Requirements (PDF, 315KB, 48 pages)
Practice nurses accept referrals from the GP and healthcare practitioners in the community and acute hospitals. They offer appointments directly to patients.
Related topics
Practice nursing in Ireland
Practice nurse career pathway
