Return to practice
Are you an experienced nurse who has been on a career break? If you have let your registration lapse but you want to get back to nursing, we can help.
East Kent Hospitals welcomes all nurses who are thinking about returning to the profession through the Return to Practice Programme.
We work alongside Canterbury Christ Church University to aid the delivery of an accredited programme.
If you have made the decision to return to nursing and join the programme, contact us and we'll arrange an interview. The interview will discuss your past experiences, future plans, requirements for return to practice, and your areas of specialist interest. Once we have agreed the way forward, your information will be shared with Matrons and Ward Managers, so that the Trust can offer a placement that reflects your area of specialist interest.
Part of our local recruitment initiative is to support and develop strong relationships with our return to practice nurses, creating exciting employment opportunities at East Kent Hospitals on completion of the course.
Get in touch
For further information, or if you have any other questions that are not answered below, please contact Ester Thomas or Emily Carroll:
Frequently asked questions
Are there any placement areas that will not accept return to practice students?
No, all areas can accept return to practice students. There are times when some specialist areas find it more challenging to achieve the basic skill requirements for re-entry to the register. When this happens the placement may be changed and there may be opportunities to visit other specialist areas that can be arranged during the practice hours.
How many hours do I need to do to return to the NMC register?
The number of hours required to complete the return to practice programme depends on the number of years away from practice. It will be from 150 – 300 hours depending on the length of your career break. This will need to discussed with CCCU.
How is the course funded?
Returning nurses who are accepted onto the course do not have to pay fees. Please see Canterbury Christ Church University website for more information.
How will the placement support return to practice students?
All staff in the placement area are able to share information and knowledge to return to practice students. Each student will be allocated a practice assessor and practice supervisor who will support and assess the student’s against the standards required for re-entry to the NMC register.
What are the shift patterns?
Shifts consist of Early, Late, Nights and Long Days. Return to practice students can work any combination of shifts as long as there is time spent with their practice supervisors. Some students may be expected to work night shifts. All duty planning is completed by the placement managers and start times vary for each placement.
What uniform will be worn during placement hours?
Return to practice nurses are students from Canterbury Christ Church University. When completing placement hours nurses will wear the Canterbury Christ Church University issued student uniform.
What happens once the course is completed?
Once return to practice students have completed the course, the students will be informed of their results. Those that have been successful will be able to re-register with the NMC. Re-registering with the NMC this is completed through the university not by East Kent Hospitals. It is at this time return to practice nurses can apply for registered nurse jobs.
How much support will I receive in my new job?
At East Kent Hospitals we will support you through a preceptorship programme to help with the transition back to the registered nurse role. Within this period, Trust based training will be provided.
Any other questions?
There are bound to be more questions about the return to practice training and your needs. Take time to think about them, write them down and ask questions at your individual interview.
For further information, please contact Ester Thomas or Emily Carroll:
We look forward to hearing from you.