Return to Practice Programme
NELFT Return to Practice programme is to support nurses, who have previously left the profession, to regain their Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration and to return to practice (RtP).
NELFT Nursing Return to Practice Process
- Returner completes initial application with education provider.
- Education provider refers application to the Trust.
- Returner is invited to a joint NHS values-based interview with the education provider and NELFT.
- Once the returner has secured a place on NELFT RtP programme with one of our university partners and following a successful joint interview, they will be offered a 6-month fixed contract of employment.
- The individual will then be on the programme by the education provider and employed as a returner by the trust, paid at a Band 3.
- In line with Trust polices there is a 6-month probationary period.
- The gold standard for placement will be followed by NELFT including protected study time for students, to maximise learning opportunities and provide the best chance of successfully completing the programme.
“When I finally made the decision to return to nursing (after a twenty-year gap!), I had no idea where to start. From initial telephone contact through the application process, joint interview with university and starting clinical practice, NELFT were very supportive, and the communication was excellent.
If you are considering returning to nursing, NELFT is a very good choice. I can honestly say I am enjoying every bit of being a nurse again and being part of the NELFT family.”
Alison Richards, Adult Nurse
What happens after Completion of the Return to Practice Programme?
- Once the returner has successfully completed their RtP programme and whilst waiting for their NMC registration, they can seek suitable employment at Band 5 within their speciality in NELFT.
- A preceptorship programme will be provided on employment as a registered nurse.
- The returner will not be required to undertake the full interview process but will meet with the service manager for a vacancy review, to assess suitability of taking up that post.
Education Providers
NELFT works in partnership with the following HEIs. To initiate the return to practice application process please contact one of the universities below:
Anglia Ruskin University (Adult/Mental Health nursing)
The contact person Debra Quartermaine and her email is: debra.quartermaine@aru.ac.uk
Click here to visit their return to practice page for more information.
The contact person is Kate Devis and her email is: kate.devis@canterbury.ac.uk
Click here to visit their return to practice page for more information.
The contact email is: returntopractice@herts.ac.uk
This is an online course only. Click here to visit their return to practice page for more information.
Brighton University – Adult/Mental Health, Health Visiting and School nursing – Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN)
The contact person is Maggie Stewart. Her email address is: M.A.Stewart@brighton.ac.uk
This is an online course only. Click here to visit their return to practice page for more information.
NELFT Contacts
For further information please contact:
Paul Burcombe – Practice Experience Facilitator / Return to Practice Lead: paul.burcombe@nelft.nhs.uk
Isabella Jones – Practice Experience Facilitation Manager: Isabella.Jones@nelft.nhs.uk
Return to Practice / Placements Team Mailbox: pefs@nelft.nhs.uk