A TOTAL of 26 former nurses are ready to re-join to the health service after completing the 'Return to Nursing Practice' programme at Bournemouth University.

The programme is run by the university every year so that nurses who left the profession can renew their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and refresh their skills and knowledge.

The course is available to nurses specialising in adult, child and mental health care.

Emma Böckle, senior lecturer in nursing at Bournemouth University (BU), said: “Supporting nurses back onto the register is a most rewarding role as all returnees come with a richness of not only previous nursing experience but also experiences from having undertaken other careers.

“BU values supporting returnees back to the register to support our local health systems, bringing stability and their much-valued knowledge and skills to care for our local population.”

Over the six -month programme, students attend eight study days, including practical sessions in BU's simulation wards, as well as carrying out independent study for the assessments. They also complete a work placement in a healthcare setting.

Jo Pasker, one of this year’s cohort, said: “Former nurses bring a wealth of experience and skills on return to practice - contributing to improved patient care and confidence in the system and helping support newer staff.

“With the current shortage of nurses and less people wanting to study nursing, Return to Practice nurses can only help ease this staffing crisis.”