Nurses leave the profession for a number of reasons. Many want to return, but don’t know where to start. At Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we offer a return to practice (RTP) programme if you’ve previously been a registered nurse.
Hazera Islam recently completed the RTP programme and now works as a Paediatric Staff Nurse at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.
Speaking about the programme, she said: “The main reason why I wanted to return to nursing and do the RTP programme was to work in a job that I loved in the past.
“I wanted to learn how to use my skills gained from my nursing course and become confident at work through a programme-based return. This would also allow me to regain my PIN for returning back to work as a qualified staff nurse.”
Hazera would recommend the RTP programme to anyone looking to return to nursing.
She continued: “The RTP experience was a good one. This course allowed me the opportunity to gradually gain experience in the clinical setting, whilst studying alongside, to gain up-to-date information in Paediatric Nursing.
“The staff on the wards were amazing and very supportive. The course lecturers were very helpful too in guiding and directing you how to complete the course.
“If you are thinking about returning to nursing, do it. The course enabled me to gain confidence and practice in a professional manner once again.”
For more information on the RTP programme for nurses, visit http://bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/return-to-practice-nurse-rtp/
