Training and education in practice nursing: the perspectives of the practice nurse, employing general practitioner and family health service authority

Abstract

Continuing training and education,although fundamental to the development of practice nursing, is subject to considerable debate. This paper, by drawing on material from a national qualitative study funded by the Department of Health and Welsh Office, explores the role of continuing training and education from the perspectives of practice nurses, general practitioners, representatives from Family Health Service Authorities (FHSAs), commissioners of community nursing services and managers of community nursing provider units. The paper demonstrates how practice nurses make use of a variety of education and training opportunities and do not seem particularly disadvantaged in their training pathways. Problems, however, have began to emerge. The informal arrangements covering training and education have been felt by many practice nurses, to leave them in a potentially vulnerable situation in which their future needs might not be so easily accommodated. MOre generally, the paper concludes that debates about training and education cannot take place without referring to the type of work it is appropriate for a practice nurse to perform. The role expected of general medical services and the general development of primary health care provision, therefore, will influence practice nurses' training and educational needs.