Time to shine a light on primary healthcare nursing

No longer the poor relation of acute care nursing, the role of the general practice nurse is still plagued by stereotypes.
Primary healthcare nursing is the cornerstone of any healthcare service and encompasses nurses from various backgrounds with a multitude of skills, including community nurses, health visitors, general practice nurses and those working in educational roles and school settings. As those of us working in the field know, nurses in primary care settings have roles that require advanced skills and clinical practice. Recently, I was reminded of the dynamic and diverse role of nurses working in primary healthcare at a national forum. I was in awe of the knowledge, experience and dedication of the nurses there. As I reflected on the scope of practice and autonomy in primary healthcare roles, I thought about the common attitude of other nurses and nursing students that primary healthcare nursing is the poor relation of acute care nursing.