New to Practice Nurse Fellowship Programme
Somerset Training Hub offers new to practice GP Nurses and newly qualified Nursing Associates access to our Fellowship Scheme; focusing on education and mentoring to support them at the start of their career. The programme offers support with PCN portfolio working and learning and development post-registration, supporting nurses to take up substantive roles, understand the context they are working in and become embedded in the PCN, as well as increase and maintain high levels of participation in the primary care workforce. Participants will receive funded mentorship (6 x 1-hour sessions with a Legacy Nurse) and monthly 1-hour virtual meetings covering topics relevant to transitioning into general practice. For more information please see Flyer, FAQ on mentoring and application form or to express interest please contact somersetlmc.sth.office@nhs.net
Nursing Careers in Primary Care
Nursing roles in general practice offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities, from entry-level support roles through to advanced clinical practice and leadership. Whether you are starting your healthcare career, developing specialist skills, or progressing into advanced practice, primary care provides a range of pathways to help you grow while making a real difference to patients and communities.
Nursing Apprenticeships
The nursing degree apprenticeship will enable people to train to become a graduate registered nurse through an apprentice route.
Apprentices will be released by their employer to study part-time in a higher education institution and will train in a range of practice placement settings. They will learn at Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved education providers and will be expected to achieve the same standards as other student nurses.
Health Care Assistants (HCA)
General Practice Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) are an important part of the primary care team, supporting the delivery of safe, effective patient care within GP practices. Working under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals, HCAs help patients manage their health and wellbeing through a range of clinical and preventative care activities.
Typical responsibilities may include NHS health checks, blood pressure monitoring, venepuncture, vaccinations, wound care, lifestyle advice, and supporting long-term condition management. HCAs play a key role in improving patient access to care while helping practices meet the needs of their local communities.
The role offers an excellent opportunity to develop clinical skills, gain experience in primary care, and progress into a range of healthcare careers, including Nursing Associate and General Practice Nursing roles.
Nursing Associate (NA)
A career as a Nursing Associate offers the opportunity to develop clinical expertise while making a real difference to patient care in general practice. Registered with the NMC, Nursing Associates work across a wide range of services, supporting patients, delivering clinical care, and promoting health and wellbeing.
As an integral member of the practice nursing team, Nursing Associates help expand workforce capacity, improve access to care, and support the growing role of General Practice Nursing. The role also provides a clear progression route for those wishing to develop their career further and train as a Registered Nurse.
Registered General Practice Nurse (RGPN)
A career in General Practice Nursing (GPN) offers variety, autonomy and the opportunity to make a real difference in your local community. Working within GP practices and health centres, GPNs provide expert care across all stages of life, from health promotion and prevention to managing complex long-term conditions.
Whether you’re newly qualified or transitioning from another healthcare setting, there are clear opportunities to develop new skills and progress from treatment room nursing to advanced practice and leadership roles.
View the GPN Career Pathway to see where your career could take you.
General Practice Assistant (GPA)
A General Practice Assistant (GPA) supports the day-to-day delivery of care within GP practices, combining clinical and administrative responsibilities to help practices run efficiently.
From undertaking basic clinical procedures and preparing patients for appointments to supporting follow-up care and administration, GPAs are a valued part of the primary care team. By taking on appropriate tasks, they help free up GP and nursing time, improve patient access, and enhance the overall patient experience.
Enhanced Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
Enhanced Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) are experienced registered nurses who provide expert assessment, diagnosis and management of a wide range of health conditions within general practice. Working autonomously within their scope of practice, ENPs support patients with both acute and long-term health needs, helping to improve access to timely care.
ENPs play a key role within multidisciplinary teams, using advanced clinical skills to assess patients, formulate management plans, request and interpret investigations, and provide evidence-based treatment and advice. Their expertise helps practices meet increasing patient demand while delivering safe, high-quality care closer to home.
The role offers an exciting opportunity for experienced nurses to further develop their clinical knowledge, decision-making and leadership skills, with progression routes into Advanced Clinical Practice and other senior clinical roles.
Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
A career in Advanced Practice offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of patient care, combining expert clinical skills with leadership, education and research. Advanced Practitioners work autonomously, assess and manage complex presentations, and play a key role in shaping and improving healthcare services.
Open to experienced registered health and care professionals from a range of backgrounds, Advanced Practice provides a structured pathway for career development and professional recognition. Accredited training programmes, governance frameworks and funding opportunities are available to support practitioners and employers on their Advanced Practice journey.
ARRS: Nursing
The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) is NHS funding provided to Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to recruit additional healthcare professionals and expand the primary care workforce. ARRS helps practices increase capacity, improve patient access, and deliver care closer to home.
For nursing, ARRS funding can support a range of roles, including General Practice Nurses (GPNs), Enhanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Practitioners, Nursing Associates, Student Nursing Associates, and General Practice Assistants (GPAs), depending on local workforce needs and national eligibility criteria.
ARRS funded staff are usually employed by a Primary Care Network on behalf of a small group of practices and can work across one or more of the sites. These roles work alongside GPs and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality patient care, strengthen practice teams, and support the health and wellbeing of local communities.