UHDB backs national campaign to help former nurses and midwives return to profession
UHDB continues to offer support to nurses and midwives who have decided to pursue a career away from the NHS with a route back into healthcare through our Return to Practice (RtP) programme.
The RtP programme supports the commitments made in the NHS Long Term Plan to recruit more people into the workforce and ensure staff have rewarding jobs and work in a positive culture. The initiative aims to encourage nurses, midwives, allied health professionals (AHPs) and healthcare scientists (HSCs) all to return to practice after leaving the NHS to pursue a different career path.
Tracey Kneller-Phipp, a Registered Nurse in Endoscopy, took time away from work to care for her father, but during that time realised how much she wanted to get back into nursing. With help and support from the Trust, Tracey was able to do just that.
She said: “I was really nervous to return and thought at 46 I was too old to learn new things but I have surprised myself.
“The RTP scheme has meant so much more to me than I realised, so I would tell anyone who is considering applying to do so, you won’t regret it.”
You can read Tracey’s full story about how she returned to nursing on our website >
The focus on nurses and midwives who may be interested in returning to the NHS forms the latest part of the ‘We are the NHS’ national recruitment campaign and aims to remind these former colleagues that the fundamental qualities required for these roles remain the same and are as valuable as ever. The programme also supports them on their journey back with useful information on the routes back in, the support available and tips on applications and interviews.
There are three routes back into nursing/midwifery currently available:
- Complete one of the Return to Practice (RTP) courses on offer - where each course is fully funded, with the returner receiving £1,000 to cover costs such as books, travel and childcare. If employed by a NHS organisation, the returner will receive either a salary or £1,000
- The NMC Test of Competence which is also fully funded
- Readmission for nurses who meet the NMC requirements
Return the career you love. You can find out more about UHDB’s RtP programme here >