A marketing campaign aimed at encouraging former registered nurses not currently practising back into the profession has been launched today by Health Education England (HEE).
The campaign hopes to inspire nurses to return by highlighting the fantastic opportunities and support that is available. This includes access to assessors and supervisors who will be on hand to boost confidence, and financial support of £500 to help with travel, childcare and book costs.
This latest phase of ‘We are the NHS’ workforce campaign includes a partnership with Mumsnet to help find the qualified nurses in their communities who are not currently practising. A Mumsnet microsite will promote the campaign and showcase inspirational video stories from nurses who have returned to the profession.
Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, chief nurse, Health Education England, said: “There has never been a better time for registered nurses to get back to doing what they love. There are around 40 fully-funded RTP courses available across England offering flexible and varied learning experiences.
“I always say once you’re a nurse, you’re always a nurse and I’d encourage anyone currently on a break from their nursing career to explore the wide range of information and support available to help them return to a great career.”
Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, chief executive and registrar at the NMC, said: “I welcome this campaign as the future of health and care depends on all of us doing everything we can to recruit, nurture and retain fantastic nurses who make such a difference in our communities and in our lives.
“At the NMC we’re playing our part, having recently introduced more flexible ways for professionals to re-join the register following a career break. This includes people from 2020 being able to choose a test of competence to demonstrate their much valued skills and knowledge, rather than undertake a course.
“I hope this campaign helps encourage even more nurses to return to what is a wonderful and rewarding career.”
Royal College of Nursing chief executive and general secretary, Dame Donna Kinnair, said: “Our profession is advancing like never before and the career possibilities open to nurses is growing by the day. Those who have done it before, know nursing is a tough job but that it is rewarding like no other.”
The length of return to practice courses depends on how long applicants have been out of practice, but it should take no longer than 12 months.
There are many reasons why nurses leave the profession, including to start a family or retire. Health Education England aims to find those who are keen to come back but don’t know that they can or how to get started.
Nurses interested in returning can sign-up to an email guide with information and tips on returning at https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/nursing-registration
