Providing care for various people throughout childhood and adulthood is the job of a Practice Nurse. They provide medical assessment, treat various illnesses and work in clinics, health centres, hospitals or nursing homes to educate the general public.
They assist different medical professionals like Pharmacists, Dieticians, Doctors and Surgeons. All these different professionals means that Practical Nurses are required to perform a wide array of duties including managing clinics, and conducting examinations.. A Nurses work hours will vary, but they must be flexible as they might be required to work overtime and on weekends.
A Practice Nurse usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Taking patient vitals
• Advising on family planning
• Setting up and operating clinics
• Dressing patient wounds
• Monitoring patient weight, blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Immunising infants and children

• Being discrete and professional
• Being focused and motivated
• Being responsible and observant
• Communication and listening
• Flexible and adaptable
• Handling stress and long work hours
• Implementing infection control procedures
• Organisation and planning
• Technical and creative
• Understanding of child protection and public health issues
• Working as part of a team

As a Practice Nurse, one must possess prior experience up to two years and be a Registered Nurse. Training is required in Nursing and Midwifery either from the NMC or from a medical or nursing school. Other areas of study may include taking blood, immunisation, dressing wounds and chronic disease management. Pursuing a Bachelors, Masters or Post Graduate qualification will open more opportunities and even the possibility of changing your career route. Courses may last anywhere from one year to three years.