Return to practice short course for nursing professionals
Robert Gordon University (RGU) and NHS Grampian have launched a unique short course for nurses whose registration has lapsed to help them return to practice.
Successful completion of the 15-week Return to Practice Nursing course will lead to permanent employment in a substantive post within NHS Grampian.
The funded course will start in late May at the university’s Faculty of Health and Social Care building and cover all aspects of the nursing profession.
Kate Goodhand, Learning Enhancement Coordinator at RGU’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, has worked with colleagues at the university and NHS Grampian to develop the course.
She said: “We have designed the course in order to prepare nurses to re-join part one of the Nursing and Midwifery register so they can return to their field of practice in a safe and confident manner.”
June Brown, Associate Director of Nursing at NHS Grampian, added: “This is a unique opportunity for nurses whose UK/NMC registration has lapsed as they will be fully funded to complete the return to practice programme.
“They will be employed by NHS Grampian and paid a Band 2 salary during their clinical placement hours. They can also join the nurse bank as a Health Care Support Worker (nursing assistant) until they complete the course. This will financially support students while they complete the programme.”
The short course will be delivered by six mandatory face-to-face study days. These will allow those who register for the course to prepare for university life and the necessary academic skills need plus act as a reminder of the clinical skills required to practice safely.
Practice theory will mostly be provided in an online format and clinical placements will also be arranged in relevant areas of practice.
The course can be completed via a full-time or part-time route and hours will be negotiated depending on length of lapse of registration.
Normally for a lapse of registration of up to 12 years there is a requirement to undertake 300 practice hours over an eight week period.
A lapse of registration over 12 years will require 450 hours of practice. The course will normally run over 15 weeks, if studied full-time and support will be offered in university and practice areas.
There will be a joint application process with NHS Grampian and RGU. Acceptance to all nursing and midwifery courses at RGU and employment with NHS Grampian is subject to a health and immunisation screening and satisfactory PVG clearance, previously an enhanced disclosure.
For more information about the course and to apply, please contact Kate Goodhand at RGU via [email protected] or Sheila Irvine at NHS Grampian via [email protected]
