Come Back to Nursing at Northampton General Hospital

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

Applications are now open for places on the course which guarantees a band 5 nursing job at Northampton General Hospital on successful completion, meaning students could be back in registered nursing jobs before the end of the year.

Carolyn Fox, director of nursing, midwifery and patient experience, 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
• 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 you will develop a portfolio demonstrating your skills and competencies which will be sent to the Nursing and Midwifery Council to record the completion of your return to practice programme and your re-registration.

Applying for a place

Applications for the course are open until Monday 14th March.

For more information, contact Gill Ashworth in the hospital’s clinical placement team on 01604 544658 or gillian.ashworth@ngh.nhs.uk

To apply for a place on the course, contact Ros Wray at the University of Northampton ros.wray@northampton.ac.uk