prompted by TOWIE's experience

[dotty.]

I hve phoned my GP's sugery for the result ofthe tft i had on 5th octob as i have not had any letter about it. the receptionist told me at first that if i hadn't had a letter then everything must have been ok. i told her that i mustn'y have the condition the nurse said i had then, and so she checked my file and there is note on the result letter saying repeat in 3 weeks, good job I queried her answer, she then said i should see the nurse practitioner, i asked to see the doctor but she said i should see the nurse practioner about the results. why? I've never heard of a nurse practioner and so i am googling it,

[daffy654]

I can't believe you've never heard of a nurse practitioner, they've been around for years now.

[dotty.]

not in my previous 2 doctors going back 32 years they haven't it's new to me

[Ann]

Practice nurses do lots of clinics in our local surgery, a healthy heart clinic nurse, a blood pressure clinic nurse, a diabetes nurse etc etc. It takes the workload off the GPs and often you get more time to chat to them about any concerns or questions.

[dotty.]

oh there's always been a practise nurse, they take the blood test or do dressings and smear tests.

[Ann]

I think that's what they meant, dotty. Often they give results out unless things are very serious - in that case you will be referred back to the GP.

[LoftyLottie]

Nurse practioners are usually specialists in a particular field and, in my opinion, they are often more experienced that the GP in their own field and easier to talk to.

I must admit I would rather see one of our Nurse Practioners that some of the GP's at our practice. My own GP would be my first choice because he is excellent, but the nurse practioners would be my second.

[LoftyLottie]

Practice nurses are not necessarily nurse practioners. They are more general nurses who do the blood tests, etc.

[dotty.]

the nurse i see doesn't wear a nurse's uniform which maybe is the distinguishing obvious feature, but i had no idea she was as qualified or specialised as the google onfo says.