Abstract:
This study makes visible and gives value to the day-to-day experience of practice nurses who work in New Zealand general practices. Nursing leaders internationally and locally have highlighted the importance of the Primary Health Care nurse to improving health outcomes, addressing inequalities and implementing new models of care. As one of the largest groups of Primary
Health Care nurses, practice nurses have a significant part to play. There is however, no consensus and limited research related to the day-to-day experience of practice nurses. Therefore, the nature, extent, and contribution of nursing in general practice may be overlooked or misunderstood. Furthermore as an autonomous self-regulating profession, nursing has a
responsibility to the public to provide understanding of nursing in the present and in the future, particularly when this relates to the care of families and the structure of health systems.
Located within the qualitative research paradigm and utilising a narrative inquiry methodology, this study applies a 'supportive voice' to highlight the
experience of five practice nurses, and in the process makes visible the dimensions of nursing work in New Zealand general practices. The five
constructed narratives particularly draw attention to the complex nature of nursing work that practice nurses engage in daily, the importance of nurse-patient relationships and continuity of care and the significance of autonomous and specialty aspects of nursing practice. Ultimately, the value
of the practice nurse in the day-to-day operation of general practice is brought to the fore.
