School Nursing - Return to Practice

The delivery dates for 2013/4 are to be announced. Why study with us?

This programme is available for returning school nurses, health visitors and occupational health nurses.

Please note that if you have completed 750 hours in Nursing practice over the past five years you do not need to complete this course, and you should contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to find out about returning to the register.

Many health professionals have a break in their career for a period of time, for a range of reasons such as parental leave, extended travel, through illness or taking on caring responsibilities. This programme supports nurses who wish to return to professional practice after such a break.

The Foundations in Professional Practice: Return to Practice (RTP) Programme is studied at level 6. It offers you the opportunity to develop academically and in practice so that you are in a position to seek re-entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

You will complete a minimum of 150 hours in practice. An assessment of proficiency will occur after 150 hours of practice.

There is a compulsory pre-course workshop morning. At this workshop you will be given an introduction to the course, and we will be checking your documents etc. for your clearances.

Typically, there are 4 workshop dates for this course; the first two dates comprise a two-day study block.

What can this course lead to?

Once you have successfully completed the RTP programme, the University will notify the NMC. You will need to complete the necessary documentation in order to enable reactivation of your NMC registration.

We have a range of opportunities to continue your studies at Diploma, Degree or Masters level. Please talk to your tutor prior to completion of this module.

Resources and facilities

We are amongst the UK’s leading health and social care faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students. We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff.

If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent. Recently, our NHS related provision underwent a major review by the Quality Assurance Agency and we achieved the highest possible rating.

Entry requirements

Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.

More information about levels and credits.

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 20 credits Selection criteria

You will need to provide proof of previous registration with NMC. You will be interviewed for selection for this programme by a member of the programme team and possibly a senior representative from practice; this may be conducted by telephone.

You will also need to provide two professional or academic references, and a 750-word piece outlining the reasons why you wish to return to nursing practice at this time.

Medical Clearance and Criminal Records Disclosures are required to be in place on commencement of the Return to Practice course. These will be completed through the University of Cumbria, and you may be required to attend a pre-course workshop.

If you are planning to do your placement in Scotland, please note you will need to arrange a Criminal Records Bureau check through your placement as the Scottish and English CRB clearances are different.

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.

You require a nominated Mentor/Practice Teacher or Supervisor, and a clinical placement with a NHS Trust or other relevant employer, which has been subject to an educational annual audit of the learning environment. For students supported by NHS North West, placements will be arranged by the Strategic Health Authority; Medical and Criminal Records Disclosures will be arranged by the University.

Students residing outside the North West should contact the University for advice regarding placements and clearances.

Modules

• NMLB6088 Foundations in Professional Practice: Return to Practice (20 credits at level 6)
• NMLB9003 Qualificatory Practice Unit

Course summary

The Foundations in Professional Practice: Return to Practice Programme offers you the opportunity to develop academically and in practice so that you are in a position to seek re-entry to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

The North West Strategic Health Authority (SHA) are currently funding students residing in the North West for this course.