Generally Practicing

Generally Practicing
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Specifically for nurses working in General Practice or Primary care in the United Kingdom. Discussing upcoming changes or challenges and picking through the unique world of GP Nursing. Disclaimer - this is for information purposes only and may reflect personal opinions. Nothing within this podcast constitutes medical advice and should not be taken as such. Always seek advice from a health care professional regarding any medical conditions or queries. 

Episodes

  1. NOV 13

    RCN Congress - How We Can All Lead

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) Leadership rarely arrives with a shiny title. It starts with a question, a nudge, and the courage to make a small change that helps a colleague or a patient. We share how emerging leadership in general practice nursing grows through everyday influence, builds through learning and mentorship, and finds its voice on national stages like RCN Congress. From the first steps on a leadership course to presenting to a room of hundreds, this conversation follows the real arc from nerves to impact. We dig into how structured development expands confidence and strategy: programmes like Nurses in Bloom and specialist practitioner qualifications give GPNs shared language, practical tools, and peer networks. That foundation makes service improvement less daunting and more deliberate. You’ll hear a case study on phenotesting moving from a part-time project to wider rollout aligned with national guidance—proof that evidence, partnership, and persistence can shift primary care pathways and reduce health inequalities. Congress takes centre stage as a crucible for nurse-led policy, where motions shape the agenda and lived experience guides decisions. We talk through funding support that removes barriers to attendance and why stepping up to the microphone can flip a mental switch. The takeaway is simple and actionable: influence beats authority, and leadership is contagious. If you’re a GPN, your voice matters—join a course, connect with your forum, and consider applying for one of the funded places at Congress in Liverpool, 18–21 May 2026, with applications due 7 December. If this conversation sparks something in you, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review telling us the first change you’ll lead this month. Your next step could inspire someone else’s first. RCN General Practice Forum - General Practice Nursing Forum | Royal College of Nursing RCN General Practice Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/RCNGeneralPracticeForum/  Attending Congress - Congress | Royal College of Nursing Application - Apply to becoming a voting member | Congress | Royal College of Nursing Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    12 min

  2. OCT 3

    Contracts, Negotiation, and the Hidden Side of Being a GPN

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) When I became a General Practice Nurse, I was focused on balance — weekends with my kids, a steadier rhythm. What I didn’t think about was maternity pay, bereavement leave, or what would happen as my role evolved. Fast-forward six years: I’ve had a third child, lost my mother, and realised just how important it is to understand, question, and even negotiate what’s written into our contracts. In this episode, I share my personal journey and invite every GPN — current or future — to look closely at their own terms of employment. Because contracts aren’t just paperwork. They shape our lives. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why contracts matter more than you think when working as a GPN. • Common things nurses overlook: maternity, bereavement, regulator fees, mileage. • Why many GP surgery contracts are outdated — and what you can do about it. • How life events can shift what you need from your contract. • The importance of negotiation as a professional skill in healthcare. Key Takeaway You have more negotiating power than you think. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, revisit your contract, and make sure it evolves alongside your role and your life. General practice nursing staff: Negotiating terms and conditions | Royal College of Nursing General practice nurses: the lowdown on pay and pensions | RCNi Non-NHS nursing: how your pay compares and how to ask for a rise Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    14 min

  3. SEP 6

    Asthma Week 38: The September Spike

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) Week 38 or "September Asthma Peak" causes a dangerous spike in childhood asthma hospital admissions as children return to school and encounter new triggers after potentially reducing medication over summer. • Four key steps to prevent asthma attacks during the September peak • Getting a written asthma action plan reduces hospital admissions by four times • Proper inhaler technique ensures medication effectiveness • Regular asthma reviews help keep treatment on track • Identifying and managing air quality triggers, both indoor and outdoor • Parents should ensure schools have copies of action plans and accessible medications • Teachers need to know which students have asthma and how to help during an attack • Healthcare professionals should promote the #AskAboutAsthma campaign • Asthma affects children year-round but September represents a particularly high-risk period Please like and share our socials, and if you can give us a star rating wherever you listen, that helps with the algorithms. Don't forget to ask about asthma this September. Here are some resources; Asthma + Lung UK Parents Resources - Support for parents + carers | Asthma + Lung UK Asthma + Lung UK Videos for all types of inhaler device - Search use the link to navigate through their demo archive Inhalers and Medicines Support - Your child's inhalers and medicines | Asthma + Lung UK Asthma Action Plan's - Your child’s asthma action plan | Asthma + Lung UK Asthma Attach Advice - What to do if your child has an asthma attack | Asthma + Lung UK and Asthma - NHS Managing Asthma - Managing your child's asthma | Asthma + Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    10 min

  4. AUG 4 · BONUS

    "Take 2" - Navigating the 2025 UK Immunisation Schedule Changes

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) I had the amazing opportunity to record a short education session for Dovetail Medical Events covering the changes to the UK Schedule Immunisation Programme and they have agreed that I can use the audio from this as a more in detail break down of how we navigate the changes to the Childhood Immunisation Schedule - check out the video with slides HERE. UK healthcare professionals face significant changes to the immunisation schedule, with new timings for MenB, PCV, and introduction of an 18-month appointment designed to provide better protection against disease. • MenB now offered at 8 and 12 weeks instead of 8 and 16 weeks, with PCV moving to 16 weeks • Change implemented from 1st July 2025 due to earlier presentation of meningitis B cases (now peaking at 1-3 months) • Primary immunisations schedule change applies to all babies regardless of birth date • One-year immunisations depend on birth date - those born on/after 1st July 2024 follow new schedule without Menitrix • Children born before 1st July 2024 continue old schedule with Menitrix (or 6-in-1 if stocks depleted) • New 18-month appointment starting January 2026 includes additional 6-in-1 and brings forward second MMR • Specific protocols for babies born to hepatitis B positive mothers • Healthcare professionals should check previous immunisations carefully at each appointment • Incomplete immunisation algorithm requires reading the entire age column before making decisions • Resources including calculators and visual guides available to support implementation Access the UK HSA resources for detailed information and practical tools to help implement these changes confidently. Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    37 min

  5. JUL 26

    When We Stand Together: Discovering the Power of Nursing Activism

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) Nursing activism isn't just about protests and picket signs; it's about everyday actions that create positive change in healthcare. General practice nurses already participate in activism through advocating for evidence-based practice, fighting for CPD time, and supporting colleagues through challenges. • Activism means taking action together to bring positive change for nursing and communities • Even small, quiet actions count as activism when they challenge inadequate practices • The RCN Nursing Workforce Standards provide support for advocating better conditions • Understaffing by 80% is a red flag according to professional standards • Leadership in nursing includes mentoring colleagues and sharing knowledge • Building power comes from the ground up, not from the top down • Starting with small steps like conversations can create meaningful change • Support networks exist through RCN and Facebook groups for general practice nurses • Reflecting on what needs to change and taking first steps toward that change • Nurses don't need permission to improve working conditions or patient care Take care of yourself and take care of each other - we are all important in creating positive change in nursing. Useful links -  RCN Activism Academy - Ways you can get involved | Royal College of Nursing RCN General Practice Forum - RCN General Practice Nursing Forum (members working in general practice) | Facebook Action for Happiness - Jump Back Up July | Action for Happiness Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    14 min

  6. JUL 14

    Unravelling Rabies: A Critical Guide for Travellers and Healthcare Providers

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) Rabies remains a deadly disease that can be overlooked, but with pretty much 100% fatality once symptoms develop and nearly 100% prevention with vaccines, it deserves our attention. Our guest Alys, a Travel Health Nurse Specialist and Immunisation Trainer, explains why every traveller should be aware of rabies risks regardless of destination. • Rabies can be transmitted through minor contact with animal saliva – even a small scratch can be fatal • The virus hides from the immune system while travelling to the brain, making it undetectable until it's often too late for treatment • Pre-exposure vaccination requires three doses but simplifies treatment if bitten and eliminates the need for hard-to-source immunoglobulins • All mammals can carry rabies – not just dogs but cats, monkeys, bats, pigs and even seals • Children, long-stay travellers, and those visiting rural areas are at highest risk • Immediate wound washing and prompt medical attention is crucial if bitten or scratched by an animal • Post-exposure treatment in the UK is an NHS service that should be provided free of charge • There is no time limit on when post-exposure treatment can begin – even exposures from years ago should be reported If you're traveling abroad, especially with children or to rural areas, consider rabies pre-exposure vaccination and always avoid contact with animals, however cute and friendly they may seem. Here are some helpful links Alys’ Website - Alys's Classroom: Education Resources | Alys's classroom The Green Book - Rabies green book chapter 27 Rabies Post Exposure Treatment Guidelines - Rabies post-exposure treatment: management guidelines - GOV.UK Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS) - Rabies and Immunoglobulin Service (RIgS) - GOV.UK Rabies Information for Travellers - Rabies – Information for travellers Rabies Risk By Country - Rabies risks in terrestrial animals by country - GOV.UK Robert Steffen’s ‘Steffenogram’ Research - https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/30/7/taad085/7204327  Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    34 min

  7. JUN 16

    Imposter Syndrome Hits Home

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) I share my personal experience with imposter syndrome after launching this podcast and how it led me to temporarily delete the show despite positive reception. My anxiety flared when I saw people downloading the podcast worldwide, making me question and worry about being judged. Check the episode description for links to resources about imposter syndrome that I've found helpful in my journey. Imposter syndrome: Seven steps to overcome it | RCN Magazine | Royal College of Nursing Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    7 min

  8. JUN 11

    Unpacking Health Headlines: Contraception, Brain Tumours, and GLP-1 Medications and Smear Test Changes

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) Recent social media claims about contraception and health risks require careful examination, as medical headlines often lack crucial context that healthcare professionals need to provide to patients. • The claim that "contraceptive injections increase brain tumour risk" refers specifically to benign intracranial meningiomas, with risk increasing from 0.01% to 0.04% • Average age of women in the depo-contraceptive/meningioma study was 57.6 years, when guidelines already recommend switching from depo around age 50 • GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro) require reliable contraception during use and for two months after discontinuation • Mounjaro specifically decreases oral contraceptive effectiveness, requiring either non-oral contraception or barrier methods during titration periods • UK cervical screening now moves to 5-yearly for HPV-negative results due to HPV vaccination success reducing cervical cancer by 90% • Scotland reports zero cervical cancer cases in women vaccinated since the 2008 HPV vaccination programme began • Any concerning symptoms warrant immediate investigation rather than waiting for routine screening appointments • Self-testing options for cervical screening are being piloted to improve the current 64-65% uptake rate I'll link all resources mentioned in the description. Feedback and suggestions are welcome through the anonymous message function above the description. BMJ Study Depo - Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study | The BMJ FSRH Statement Depo - FSRH CEU Statement: Response to new study by Roland et al (2024) | FSRH Pfizer Statement Depo - Medroxyprogesterone_acetate_-_Risk_of_meningioma_and_measures_to_minimise_this_risk_-_to_publish.pdf FSRH Statement GLP-1 and oral contraception - CEU-statement-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf FSRH Patient info leaflet GLP-1 - Patient-information-GLP-1-agonists-and-contraception.pdf UK Gov info GLP-1 - GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know - GOV.UK BMJ Extention to Cervical Screening - Extension of cervical screening intervals with primary human pap Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    16 min

  9. JUN 9

    Jabs from July: Making Sense of the New Vaccine Timeline

    Send us a text (don’t worry it’s not a real text and we don’t get your number) UPDATE - this was recorded before the UKHSA announced that if Menitorix stocks depleted and a child born on or before 30/6/24 presents for one year immunisations we should offer an additional dose of 6:1 therefore that isn't covered in this podcase but is in the UKHSA slides and is what we should do for those who present late and no further Menitorix is available. The UK child immunisation schedule is undergoing major changes starting 1st July 2025, with Meningitis B vaccinations moving from 16 weeks to 12 weeks and additional modifications to the one-year immunisations. These changes respond to shifts in disease patterns, with Men B infections now peaking earlier in infancy and the discontinuation of Menitorix requiring programme restructuring. • Changes to 12-week immunisations: Men B moved forward from 16 weeks to 12 weeks from 1st July 2025 • Changes apply based on appointment date, not birth date • Careful checking needed for 16-week appointments to determine correct schedule • One-year immunisations: No more Menitorix for babies born after 1st July 2024 • Children who turned one before 1st July 2025 should still receive Menitorix while stocks last • New 18-month immunisation appointments coming January 2026 • Red books will not reflect these changes for some time • Health Publications' immunisation calculator can help determine correct schedules • Patient communication is key - explain schedule changes clearly to parents I'd love to hear suggestions for future episode topics, including women's health, contraception, and long-term conditions. Please use the link in the description to send in your ideas. Link to letter outlining changes - Changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule from 1 July 2025 and 1 January 2026 letter - GOV.UK UKHSA Slide Set detailing changes - Changes to the routine childhood immunisation programme in 2025 and 2026 Childhood Immunisations Calculator (you will need an Excel compatible device) - Childhood immunisation eligibilty calculator - Health Publications Updated with a really helpful visual guide - Immunisation-appointment-aide-memoire-NHSE-London.pdf Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram We really appreciate any likes, comments or shares. Please also feel free to suggest any topics you would like to see us cover.

    14 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Specifically for nurses working in General Practice or Primary care in the United Kingdom. Discussing upcoming changes or challenges and picking through the unique world of GP Nursing. Disclaimer - this is for information purposes only and may reflect personal opinions. Nothing within this podcast constitutes medical advice and should not be taken as such. Always seek advice from a health care professional regarding any medical conditions or queries. 

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  • Creator
    Generally Practicing
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  • Episodes
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    © 2025 Generally Practicing
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