Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Return to Practice Programme is a 6-month program designed for nurses and midwives who wish to return to professional practice after a career break or who do not meet NMC revalidation requirements. It provides a structured learning environment to refresh skills and knowledge, enabling participants to meet NMC requirements for re-registration and prepare for a successful return to practice. The program includes both theory and practice elements, with theory sessions delivered online and clinical skills taught in a practical setting.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Return to Practice (RTP) Programme is designed for nurses and midwives who wish to return to professional practice after a break in their career or those who do not meet the NMC requirements for revalidation. It is studied at level 6 and offers the opportunity to develop academically and in practice to seek re-entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Objectives:
The RTP Programme aims to:
- Provide a structured and supportive learning environment to help nurses and midwives refresh their skills and knowledge.
- Enable participants to meet the NMC's requirements for re-registration.
- Develop participants' academic and professional practice skills.
- Prepare participants for a successful return to professional practice.
Outline:
Content:
- The programme includes both theory and practice elements.
- The theory sessions are delivered online by programme tutors.
- The clinical skills element involves one day at the Clinical Skills labs at Fusehill Street Campus, Carlisle.
- The taught elements of the programme run concurrently with the practice element.
Structure:
- This is a 6-month programme with compulsory theory and practice elements.
- Participants are expected to undertake a minimum of 2 whole shifts per week when they start practice.
- Nursing students are required to undertake a minimum of 150 practice hours up to a maximum of 450 hours.
- Midwifery students are expected to undertake a minimum of 250 hours in practice.
Course Schedule:
- Theory days cover topics such as study skills, reflection, evidence-based practice, promoting health, safeguarding, medicine administration, pharmacology, and optimisation.
- Midwifery students have specific sessions in Examination of the Newborn and Newborn and Infant physical examination (NIPE).
- Participants are required to undertake the NHS E-learning for health module prior to placement.
- They are also required to undertake Trust specific Induction prior to placement.
Modules:
- The RTP Programme is a single module programme.
- There are ten theory days, covering various topics related to nursing and midwifery practice.
- The programme includes a clinical skills element, delivered at the Clinical Skills labs at Fusehill Street Campus, Carlisle.
- Participants must achieve the Return to Practice Standards (2019), Standards of proficiency for midwives (NMC 2019) or Future Nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses (2018) in practice.
Assessment:
Methods:
- The programme's main assessment is a 3500 word reflective essay based on the participant's practice experiences.
Criteria:
- Participants must demonstrate their understanding of the theory and practice elements of the programme.
- They must demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to practice.
- They must reflect on their learning and development throughout the programme.
Teaching:
Methods:
- The programme uses a blended learning approach.
- Theory sessions are delivered online.
- Clinical skills are delivered in a practical setting.
- Participants are supported by a practice assessor and a practice supervisor.
Faculty:
- The programme is led by Kim Hanson.
- Participants are taught by experienced and qualified nursing and midwifery professionals.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Upon successful completion of the RTP Programme, participants are eligible to re-register with the NMC.
- This enables them to return to nursing or midwifery practice.
- They can then pursue a range of career opportunities within the NHS or other healthcare settings.
Opportunities:
- The programme provides participants with the skills and knowledge they need to return to practice confidently.
- It opens up opportunities for career advancement and development.
Outcomes:
- The RTP Programme is designed to support nurses and midwives in their return to practice.
- It aims to ensure that participants are prepared to meet the demands of a challenging and rewarding career in nursing or midwifery.
Other:
- Health Education England (HEE) is currently funding students residing in England for this course.
- Those students not being funded by HEE will need to self-fund or be sponsored to take the programme.
- Students residing outside of England are welcome to apply and should contact Postgraduate Admissions or the Programme Lead by email for further details.
- The European Working Time Directive (2003) stipulates a maximum of 48 hours of work in one week. this course is not suitable to those who work full-time hours due to the requirement of placement hours and expected academic study.
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.
Entry Requirements:
- Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.
- Proof of previous registration with NMC.
- Two character, professional or academic references.
- Supporting statement outlining reasons for returning to midwifery or nursing practice.
- Completion of a Diagnostic Assessment Form (includes a short numeracy paper).
- Successful interview and numeracy test.
- Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (DBS formerly CRB).
- Medical fitness to practice.
- Proof of qualifications.
- Students returning to practice for whom English is a second language may be required to provide evidence of passing an International Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of 7.0.
- Nominated Practice Assessor, Practice Supervisor, and a clinical placement with an NHS Trust or other relevant employer, which has been subject to an educational annual audit of the learning environment. For students supported by Health Education England, placements will be arranged in partnership with the University; Medical and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks will be arranged by the University.
- Students residing outside the North West should contact the University for advice regarding placements and clearances and their Local Education and Training Board (LETB) for advice regarding funding.
- The European Working Time Directive (2003) stipulates a maximum of 48 hours of work in one week. this course is not suitable to those who work full time hours due to the requirement of placement hours and expected academic study.
- Students residing outside of England are welcome to apply and should contact Postgraduate Admissions or the Programme Lead by email for further details.
- Medical Clearance and vaccination requirements. For information requirements (including Covid-19 Vaccines) click here.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Students returning to practice for whom English is a second language may be required to provide evidence of passing an International Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of 7.0.