Practice Nurses
- Aisha Ahmed
Healthcare assistants
- Ruby Butt
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is a practice nurse?
A practice nurse is a qualified general nurse with additional specialist training in primary care. They are able to carry out the full range of nurse duties and also help patients with long-term conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic lung disease) to manage their illnesses better.
What is a practice nurse in training?
A trainee practice nurse is a qualified general nurse who is undertaking additional specialist training to become a practice nurse. They work under supervision to ensure that they always provide good, safe care.
What is a practice treatment room nurse?
A treatment room nurse is a qualified general nurse. They are able to carry out the full range of nurse duties such as dressings, immunisations, pill checks, weight management, smears, swabs, help to give up smoking and travel advice.
What is a minor illness nurse?
A minor illness nurse is a qualified general nurse with additional specialist training in primary care and in the diagnosis and treatment of minor illness. Some minor illness nurses are also qualified to prescribe medications in their own right; if not they will ask a doctor to issue a prescription, if you need any medication.
What is a healthcare assistant?
A healthcare assistant provides support to qualified nurses by carrying out specific procedures and giving advice. They are specially trained and usually have or are working towards a qualification. They can take blood, perform ECGs, give advice on a healthy lifestyle, test urine, measure blood pressure, height and weight and carry out health checks.