General Practice Nursing (GPN) Preceptorship Programme
Supporting Newly Qualified Nurses to Thrive in General Practice
The General Practice Nursing (GPN) Preceptorship Programme is a structured, supportive programme designed to help newly qualified nurses and nursing associates transition confidently into general practice.
Moving into primary care can feel daunting. The preceptorship programme provides protected learning time, clinical support and professional development to ensure preceptees feel safe, competent and valued in their role.
This programme recognises that excellent practice nurses are developed, not rushed, and supports both individuals and practices to build a sustainable workforce for the future.
Why the Preceptorship Programme Matters
For newly qualified nursing staff, general practice offers autonomy, variety and continuity of care but also unique challenges. The GPN Preceptorship Programme helps bridge the gap between qualification and confident independent practice by:
- Building clinical competence and confidence
- Supporting professional identity in primary care
- Reducing feelings of isolation in small teams
- Encouraging reflective, safe and evidence-based practice
- Improving retention of newly qualified staff
What the Programme Includes
The GPN Preceptorship Programme typically includes:
- Structured learning sessions aligned to general practice nursing
- Clinical skills development relevant to primary care
- Protected learning time
- Peer support with other newly qualified staff
- Guided reflection and professional development planning
- Pastoral support from an experienced preceptorship lead
- Signposting to further training and career pathways
The programme is flexible and responsive, recognising that each preceptee enters practice with different strengths, needs and experiences.
Benefits for Practices
Practices that support staff through the GPN Preceptorship Programme benefit from:
- More confident, competent nursing staff
- Improved staff retention and morale
- Reduced risk through supported clinical development
- A clearer framework for supervising newly qualified nurses
- Investment in the long-term sustainability of the practice nursing workforce
- Enhanced reputation as a supportive learning environment
Preceptorship helps practices move from “getting someone through their first year” to growing a skilled, loyal and resilient practitioner.
What Preceptees Say
“The preceptorship programme gave me the confidence to grow into my role without feeling overwhelmed. Knowing I had structured support made such a difference.”
“I didn’t feel like I was expected to ‘just get on with it’. I felt supported, listened to and valued as a new nurse in general practice.”
What Practices Say
“Having our newly qualified nurse on the preceptorship programme has been invaluable.”
“It’s reassuring to know our staff are being supported safely and professionally as they develop.”
What Lead Nurses Say
“It’s a great support mechanism for new-to-practice nurses”
“Helps surgery with taking on newly qualified nurses”
Expression of Interest for Practices
If your practice does not currently employ a newly qualified nurse but may do so in the future, you can register your interest in the GPN Preceptorship Programme.
This allows us to:
- Plan future cohorts
- Support workforce development
- Contact you when suitable opportunities arise
Expression of Interest Form
Practice Expression of Interest (EOI) Form – Fill in form
Contact Us
For further information about the GPN Preceptorship Programme, or to discuss suitability for your practice or staff member, please contact:
Mashel Banks /GPN Preceptorship Programme Lead
Email address: mashel.banks@nhs.net