Return to Nursing Practice

The course can be completed over 6 to 12 months. This is dependent on individual applicants.

• At the beginning of the course 12 days of study will be delivered in blocks over a 12 week period.
• Venue - Walsall Campus (Sister Dora Building, Gorway Road, Walsall).
• The timetable detailing the content of sessions will be provided at the beginning of the course (forthcoming course dates are detailed below).
• Self-Directed study is included within the timetable / study days relating to mandatory updates / training. A number of mandatory updates take the form of on line tests for which you will require some IT skills.
• Following your 12 study days at university, you will commence a practice placement in an appropriate area of practice. Placements - will be discussed with you at interview. All placement areas must have had an educational audit undertaken and have a 'sign off' mentor to support you. The University will acquire this evidence prior to commencing the placement. Please be advised that placement requests will be considered, but cannot be guaranteed; you will be offered a suitable clinical placement to allow you to achieve the learning outcomes of the course.

FAQ’s

What can Return to Practice Students do/not do?

Return to Practice Students may undertake a full range of activities under the supervision of their mentor like a 3rd year student nurse. The mentor takes professional responsibility for them in the same way as they do for other student nurses. The important thing is that the Return to Practice student is achieving their proficiencies and that supernumerary status is respected.

Can Return to Nursing Practice Students administer drugs and injections or put I.V.I.s?

Return to Practice Nursing Students should not be expected to take responsibility for administration of medicines. However they may administer medicines under supervision. Return to Practice nursing students cannot undertake expanded roles.

What study days, hours and shifts do Return to Practice Students Work?

Initially you will spend 12 days over the first 12 weeks in the classroom/ skills labs at the University of Wolverhampton Walsall Campus. Then you will commence an appropriate clinical placement. The number of clinical hours you are required to complete will depend on how long you have been out of practice. If you are not achieving the required proficiencies you will by negotiation, spend further time in practice. You will be expected to work a minimum of 2 shifts per week and adopt the shift patterns undertaken within the clinical placement area. Some placement areas work 12 hour shifts (long days) some work 7.5 hour shifts incorporating Early and Late shifts. You are required to be there for handover. You are not required to work night shifts.

Who can the Return to Practice Student work with?

Ideally as a Return to Practice student you will work as many hours as possible with the designated sign off Mentor (at least 40%). If for any reason this is not possible, an associate mentor should be identified to supervise you. Completion of the document is the responsibility of the designated sign off mentor in liaison with the associate mentor.

Who do I contact if I need advice about the Return to Nursing Practice Course?

The course leader Caroline Lowe, can be contacted for further information or you can choose to drop in to one of our Open Days.