Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Nurse Practitioners have completed additional training and academic qualifications to be able to examine, assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe and make referrals for patients.
About Advanced Nurse Practitioners
Advanced Nurse Practitioners work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary general practice team to meet the needs of patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures. The role combines advanced nursing’s skill and practice with clinical diagnostic and treatment skills, providing an alternative and complementary source of primary health care alongside services provided by GPs.
Advanced Nurse Practitioners provide patients with the opportunity to receive timely care and can prevent delays in receiving treatment, especially at a time when practices are facing increased demand. They can prescribe any medicine for any condition within their competence, see patients with undiagnosed medical conditions and make treatment decisions, refer patients to secondary case and undertake appropriate home visits.
Profile
Name: Vicky Cooney
Role: Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Location: St Helen’s Medical Practice
“I really enjoy my role as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and the autonomy it provides. I find it very rewarding to be part of a patient’s journey, getting to know them and providing help and support along the way.
“As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner you have to be confident in your abilities, especially as the role involves creating treatment plans and prescribing and reviewing medications. It is equally important to recognise your limitations and know when a patient needs to be seen by a GP.
“I think patients value my personal approach to their care, and the stability I provide as I am committed to staying with the practice as it is such a wonderful and supportive place to work.
“As well as treating patients with minor illnesses, I also specialise in women’s health and diabetes. I am very interested in these areas of health and enjoy using my knowledge, training and experience in these areas to make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
“To be an Advanced Nurse Practitioner you will need a degree in nursing, it is also important to have good listening and communication skills, be observant and empathetic – and a good sense of humour also helps!”
