Is the primary care network the answer to increase student nurse capacity in general practice?

Abstract

Primary care networks have the potential to increase student nurse placements in general practice. Shaun Heath explores how effective learning environments can be created and the concept of the ‘community of practice’This article explores how the emerging primary care networks (PCNs) could be used to increase student nurse placements in primary care, and how they could facilitate nurses in breaking free from isolative working. Known as a ‘community of practice’, working with our peers and colleagues from neighbouring practices alongside students could facilitate the growth of the network itself, share the educational load with the nurses in the PCN, and create nursing leadership with shared educational advancements. Could PCNs be what general practice nurses need to find their voices and develop their ambitions of becoming leaders?