title: Are English novice nurses prepared to work in primary care setting?
abstract: This study explored the role of nurses in primary care and nurses' level of preparedness to work in the primary care sector in United Kingdom. The study was conducted in three primary care trusts (PCTs) in the north of England and participants were selected using a modified snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through telephone interviews. Fourteen nurses working at various levels in PCTs were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants believed that nurses work in a variety of roles in primary care including care provider, autonomous practitioner, health educator and patient's advocate. With regard to preparedness to work in primary care, a mixed response was identified. Some nurses believed that the pre-registration nursing curriculum generally prepares nurses well for the role; others believed it did not prepare them at all. A common perception was that the pre-registration nursing curriculum is generally acute care focused and does not educate nurses about the structure of the primary care setting. Participants recommended more emphasis on primary care, longer placements in community and primary care, increased involvement of the nurses working in primary care in the pre-registration nursing curriculum and preceptorship and mentorship programmes for novice nurses in primary care.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK. p.a.ali@sheffield.ac.uk
authors.forename: Parveen Azam
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Albutt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research