This new blended programme which aims to provide support to primary care nurses in providing appropriate care and support to the 2 million people (about 200 people in a 6,000-patient practice) in the UK, currently living with and beyond cancer.

In response to some of the challenges in accessing continuous professional development often reported by practice nurses working in general practice, Macmillan Cancer Support have developed this new blended programme which aims to provide support to primary care nurses in providing appropriate care and support to the 2 million people (about 200 people in a 6,000-patient practice) in the UK, currently living with and beyond cancer.

We feel we can build on the success that practice nurses have already shown in managing other long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD and IHD. However, we recognise that some skills may need to be reframed and new ones gained, to give nurses the competence and confidence to take on an increasingly important role in the long-term care of people who have or have had cancer.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking experienced and motivated practice nurses who are interested in learning more about cancer and cancer care. The nurses we are looking for must also be willing to become more involved in the care of people affected by cancer in their practice both during and following the completion of the course. We are aiming to recruit a small group of no more than 20 practice nurses to participate in this course, so it is important to apply early.

What are the expectations?

  1. You must attend 4 virtual classrooms (1 x 1 hour short introduction and 3 x 3.5 hour workshops) and undertake some cancer related practice development within your place of work. You will also be expected to discuss and share your individual work-related developments in small groups during the virtual classrooms. Three Macmillan Professional & Development Knowledge leads will facilitate this course
  2. You will be expected to complete self-directed learning activities before each virtual classroom. This will include a service improvement activity based on the changes that have taken place or are planned in your place of work that will have a positive impact on the person affected by cancer
  3. For additional information about the course content and learning outcomes please refer to this video
  4. We ask that you commit to supporting Macmillan in evaluating this programme, so that it can continue to be developed to ensure that it meets the needs of Practice Nurses

We will also require you to have in-practice support from a named GP colleague and the backing of the practice team to ensure all course work is integrated into the Practice.