ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the various career opportunities that are open to nurses and health care assistants working in general practice, and emphasises the importance of structuring a career path with a defined direction. This will ensure that any continuing professional development that is undertaken can help to facilitate future progression. Career planning is vital at all stages of working life. Conducting a self-assessment of strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats relating to career development will provide a clear picture of skills and strengths and will thus help to identify realistic goals. Appraisal is a way of helping both the practice and the individual to grow by helping to consolidate and improve on good performance and identify areas where further development may be necessary. Mentorship will ensure that there is time to stop and focus on current direction, development needs and whether objectives have been identified.
