The role of the district nurse in Northern Ireland

A district nurse is an expert generalist practitioner who uses advanced clinical skills and knowledge to fulfil an ever-evolving role. The district nurse is accountable for the care planning, coordination and management of people with multi-faceted and intricate health care needs. In addition, an interprofessional approach to health and social care is required to enable the district nurse to co-ordinate care and enable patients to be cared for and remain within their homes. As the demand on primary and community services increases, care is further enriched by working in partnership with families, carers and voluntary service providers. The nurse patient relationship is the founding component for person-centred, holistic care. Through holistic assessment and shared decision making, co-produced care planning permits people to fundamentally take ownership of their health and enhances formal care provision. This case study reflects the role of the district nurse in Northern Ireland, through comprehensive assessment in clinical practice and highlights how a therapeutic relationship, being centred on the patient and shared decision-making impact positively on the care process.