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.