Kate Howie reflects on the changes facing practice nurses and how they can take up the resulting opportunities

THE CHALLENGES of working in general practice are increasing and opportunities for development are growing. However, many practice nurses find this time of year quiet after the frenetic activity and stresses of the end of the year Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targeting has been completed. It is a good time to recharge the batteries, take stock and look forward to the summer, even though the Department of Health is preparing for a heatwave along with a flu pandemic.