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Practice nurses and general practitioners: perspectives on the role and future development of practice nursing in Ireland

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  • Geraldine McCarthy
  • Nicola Cornally
  • Joe Moran
  • Marie Courtney

Abstract

Aims and objectives. To explore the role dimensions, competence and professional development needs of practice nurses in Ireland from both the general practitioner’s and practice nurse’s perspective and highlight any agreement/disagreement between the professions. Background. Economic pressure on healthcare delivery is promoting a re‐evaluation of professional roles and boundaries. This coupled with a primary care sector that is evolving prompted an investigation into the role dimensions and competence of the practice nurse. There is a lack of empirical data comparing the general practitioner’s and practice nurse’s perspective on the current role of the nurse, clinical competence (existing and required), strategic direction for the role and continuing professional development. Design. A descriptive cross‐sectional survey design was used. Methods. A random sample of general practitioners (n = 414) and a purposeful sample of practice nurses (n = 451) participated. Data from each profession were analysed and comparisons drawn. Results. General practitioners and practice nurses agree (±5%) that the nursing role is centred on immunisation, direct clinical care and elements of chronic disease management. However, in some areas such as preconceptual advice, family planning, advice on menopause, continence promotion and research, there was a 30% difference between the general practitioners perceptions of the nurse’s involvement and the practice nurse’s actual involvement in the role. Perceived competency differed in a number of areas with nurses more likely to indicate competency in health promotion activities. Both disciplines acknowledged that only a minority of practice nurses were competent in audit, research and dealing with ‘problems with living’ (relationship breakdown, addiction and parenting). Conclusion. There is some congruence of opinion among practice nurses and general practitioners in Ireland regarding the current role of the practice nurse. Divergent opinions on the nurses’ involvement in a particular aspect of the role may be due to the general practitioners underestimating the nurse’s involvement in the role. Training is required in the areas of audit, research and ‘problems with living’. Relevance to clinical practice. This research provides data for role clarity and evidence‐based role development for practice nurses within the context of evolving primary care services. It also indicates how general practitioners perceive the nursing role.

Suggested Citation

  • Geraldine McCarthy & Nicola Cornally & Joe Moran & Marie Courtney, 2012. "Practice nurses and general practitioners: perspectives on the role and future development of practice nursing in Ireland," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(15‐16), pages 2286-2295, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:21:y:2012:i:15-16:p:2286-2295
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04148.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Mulka‐Gierek & Bartosz Foroncewicz & Michał Florczak & Leszek Pączek & Marek Krawczyk & Krzysztof Mucha, 2016. "The use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and analgesics by liver transplant recipients," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(7-8), pages 1001-1005, April.
    2. Gerard M Fealy & Daniela Rohde & Mary Casey & Anne‐Marie Brady & Josephine Hegarty & Catriona Kennedy & Martin McNamara & Pauline O'Reilly & Geraldine Prizeman, 2015. "Facilitators and barriers in expanding scope of practice: findings from a national survey of Irish nurses and midwives," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(23-24), pages 3615-3626, December.
    3. Virpi Maijala & Kerttu Tossavainen & Hannele Turunen, 2015. "Identifying nurse practitioners' required case management competencies in health promotion practice in municipal public primary health care. A two‐stage modified Delphi study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(17-18), pages 2554-2561, September.
    4. Susan McInnes & Kath Peters & Andrew Bonney & Elizabeth Halcomb, 2017. "A qualitative study of collaboration in general practice: understanding the general practice nurse's role," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(13-14), pages 1960-1968, July.
    5. Elizabeth Halcomb & Moira Stephens & Julianne Bryce & Elizabeth Foley & Christine Ashley, 2016. "Nursing competency standards in primary health care: an integrative review," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(9-10), pages 1193-1205, May.
    6. Christine Ashley & Elizabeth Halcomb & Angela Brown & Kath Peters, 2018. "Experiences of registered nurses transitioning from employment in acute care to primary health care—quantitative findings from a mixed‐methods study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1-2), pages 355-362, January.

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