Written by Rachel Green on 11/05/2026
Finding my way in nursing
When I look back, my career doesn’t feel planned or linear. It feels like a series of steps, shaped by experience, opportunity, and a growing sense that nursing can be more than one role.
From acute care to general practice
I started in A&E, then moved into general practice, where I found real meaning in continuity of care and long term relationships with patients. Over time, I progressed through Practice Nurse and Nurse Practitioner roles, building confidence clinically while naturally starting to support others around me.
Growing into leadership
Leadership came gradually. Through Lead Nurse and Nurse Team Manager roles, I learned that leadership isn’t about stepping away from nursing — it’s about protecting standards, supporting teams, and creating the conditions for good care to happen.
Seeing the bigger picture
Working in quality, safety and clinical delivery at NEMS helped me see the bigger picture. I began to understand how systems, pathways and culture shape care — and how nurses can influence all of that while staying clinically grounded.
Leading and supporting the wider nursing workforce
Just before my current role, I became GPN PCN Lead for Nottingham City. That role was pivotal. It moved my focus from leading teams to supporting an entire nursing workforce across PCNs — setting standards, sharing good practice, supporting development, and making sure general practice nurses had a strong, visible voice at system level.
Bringing it all together
My current role as Head of Nursing for NCGPA brings all of this together. It’s built on clinical practice, leadership, quality, and a deep commitment to supporting nurses to thrive in general practice.
A closing thought
Nurses can grow, lead, influence and shape the future of care — often without realising they’re doing it at the time. You don’t need to see the whole path ahead. You just need the confidence to take the next step.
International Nurses Day is about celebrating not only what nurses do — but what they can become.
Rachel Green
This case study is just one example of the impactful and inspiring work being led by General Practice Nurses across our region.
If you’re looking to develop your skills, explore new areas of practice, or connect with peers across primary care, there are a range of resources and development opportunities available to support your journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress further in your career, support is available to help you grow and thrive in General Practice Nursing.
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