Expressions of interest open today for registered nurses wanting to become nurse practitioners

The Government is supporting up to 120 a year to make the switch, and work in primary care.

Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat complex conditions, prescribe medicines and manage ongoing care.

In rural communities they often serve as the lead primary care provider for patients.

There are almost 900 registered across the country - with just over a third working in primary care.

Applications are also open for primary care employers to recruit and support up to 400 graduate nurses a year.