According to the NHS, successful General Practice Nurses excel in:

    •    Strong communication and active listening

    •    Problem-solving and critical thinking

    •    Sound clinical judgement

    •    A caring and compassionate approach

    •    The ability to work under pressure and multitask

    •    Confidence in decision-making

Being a GPN requires a blend of clinical expertise and interpersonal skills. While technical skills can be learned through training, having the right mindset and attitude is essential from the start.

Reflect on Your Strengths

Think about times when you’ve demonstrated these skills, whether in work, study, or daily life. These examples will be invaluable when applying for courses or jobs.

Educational Requirements

To start your journey, you’ll need:

    •    GCSEs in English, maths, and science (usually human biology or biology)

    •    A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications (at least two, often three)

University entry requirements vary, so always check with your chosen institution. Some nursing courses may prefer specific A-level subjects, such as biology, so it’s worth researching your options in advance.

No A-levels? No Problem!

If you don’t meet the entry criteria, some universities offer foundation courses that allow you to develop the necessary skills and knowledge before progressing to a full nursing degree.

For those who have been out of education for a while, an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) is another pathway into the profession.

Gain Hands-On Experience First

If you want to experience the role before committing to university, consider working as a:

    •    Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

    •    Assistant Practitioner

    •    Support worker in a healthcare setting

This experience will:

    •    Provide valuable insight into the healthcare profession

    •    Strengthen your university application

    •    Develop essential patient care skills

    •    Build confidence in clinical settings

    •    Help you network with professionals who can support your future career

Spending time in a real healthcare environment allows you to understand the realities of nursing and decide if it’s the right path for you before committing to a degree.

What the NHS Looks for in Candidates

The NHS expects all staff to uphold six core values:

    1.    Working together for patients

    2.    Respect and dignity

    3.    Commitment to quality of care

    4.    Compassion

    5.    Improving lives

    6.    Everyone counts

When applying for nursing courses or jobs, you’ll need to provide real-life examples of how you demonstrate these values.

Consider how your previous experiences—whether through work, volunteering, or personal life—align with these principles. Employers and universities will assess your commitment to these values through your personal statement, interviews, and job applications.

How to Strengthen Your Application

    •    Volunteer in healthcare settings to show your dedication to patient care

    •    Reflect on any experiences where you have helped others and link them to NHS values

    •    Develop your understanding of patient-centred care and why it is important

Choosing the Right Course

Ready to take the next step? Apply for a full-time nursing degree via UCAS or contact universities directly for part-time courses.

You’ll need to specialise in one of these fields:

    •    Adult nursing

    •    Children’s nursing

    •    Learning disability nursing

    •    Mental health nursing

Research each specialism carefully and consider which aligns best with your skills and interests.

Balancing Study and Practical Training

    •    A standard nursing degree takes three years to complete (or two years for fast-track courses).

    •    Your time will be split 50/50 between academic study and practical, supervised experience in healthcare settings.

Placements will expose you to a range of clinical environments, allowing you to apply your learning in real-world scenarios.

During your training, you’ll develop key competencies in:

    •    Administering medication safely

    •    Assessing and managing patient needs

    •    Working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team

    •    Educating patients on managing their conditions

You’re now a Qualified Nurse—What’s Next?

Once you’ve completed your nursing degree, you must:

    •    Register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC)

    •    Gain relevant postgraduate training to specialise in primary care

Many GP surgeries prefer candidates with prior experience, so working in A&E, community nursing, or district nursing can be a great way to build the necessary skills.

Building Your Experience

GP surgeries look for nurses with skills in:

    •    Chronic disease management (COPD, diabetes, heart failure, asthma)

    •    Wound care and leg ulcer management

    •    Health screening

    •    Immunisations and vaccinations

Gaining experience in these areas will strengthen your application and make you a more competitive candidate.

Step Into Your New Career

Once you’ve qualified, start applying for GP surgery roles. As you gain confidence, consider expanding into other healthcare settings.

Looking for More Flexibility?

After a year of experience as a General Practice Nurse, our nursing recruitment division is ready to help you find the perfect locum or permanent primary care nursing role that fits your career goals.