A primary care nurse is responsible for administering medical care to their patients. They may provide vaccinations, offer advice on family planning and monitor patients with long-term medical conditions.
To work as a primary care nurse, candidates must have gained a degree in nursing. Entry to such a degree is usually with two A levels, including biology, and GCSEs in English, maths and science. A pass in an Access to Nursing course may be accepted as an alternative to A levels. Work experience in a healthcare environment is usually essential for all nursing degree course applicants.
In addition to formal qualifications, nurses require good interpersonal skills, a commitment to providing a high standard of care, sensitivity and respect, a keen interest in developing their scientific knowledge, and an ability to work as part of a larger team of healthcare professionals. Nurses must also understand the importance of confidentiality and should be able to cope with working under stress.
Primary care nurses are generally employed by medical practices run by NHS trusts, with many nurses turning to recruitment agencies and nursing banks for work. Employment openings usually involve working long hours, although weekend work is not essential for those working in doctors surgeries.
Newly qualified nurses can expect to receive approximately £19,000 a year. Following gaining experience of working as a nurse, staff can expect their earnings to increase by around £5,000 a year. Nurses who progress to senior nursing consultant positions can expect to earn salaries of approximately £40,000 a year.
