University and Northampton General Hospital launch training programme for former nurses who want to return to practice

The University of Northampton and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust have launched a collaborative approach for an intensive support and training programme for former nurses who want to return to practice.

Carolyn Fox, director of nursing, midwifery and patient experience at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, said: “If you’re a nurse with lapsed registration and you’re keen to update your skills and training, we have a joint programme in place with the University that will support and mentor you through the process.

“We’ll give you a personalised placement package, we’ll give you the time and space you need to update your skills and knowledge and at the end of the programme, we’ll give you the chance to join our fantastic nursing team.”

The return-to-practice course offers:

• Fully paid university course fees
• Additional £500 towards study and travel costs
• Hospital-based clinical skills training
• Named sign-of mentor in the placement area of your choice
• Guaranteed job on successful completion of the course on your first choice ward, subject to NMC registration and usual employment checks
• Clinical skills training
• Preceptorship programme for newly-appointed nurses
• Support with academic development to Degree or Masters level

Sharon Gray is an A&E sister who took part in a return-to-nursing programme at Northampton General Hospital after a three-year career break. Sharon said: “It was a bit daunting at first to be honest. The biggest changes I noticed after being away for a few years were the systems and processes but it really didn’t take long to get back into it – and everyone was very welcoming. I had so much support from the nursing staff and the university. From start to finish, my training was really good.”

The return to practice programme is a combination of classroom and placement based learning, with study periods and a minimum of 100 hours of clinical practice taking place over approximately four months.

Throughout the programme students will develop a portfolio demonstrating their skills and competencies which will be sent to the Nursing and Midwifery Council to record the completion of the return to practice programme and re-registration.

Applying for a place

Applications for the course are open until Monday 14 March.

To apply for a place on the course, contact Ros Wray at the University of Northampton. For more information, contact Gill Ashworth in the hospital’s clinical placement team on 01604 544658.