Summary
- Duration
- Variable: 6-36 weeks (see Course Content below)
Overview
Return to Practice course for Nursing, Midwifery, Health Visiting and Operating Department Practitioner
Download the course information as a PDF
Entry Requirements
- Lapsed UK registration as a nurse, midwife, health visitor or operating department practitioner.
- Evidence of your literacy and numeracy.
- Satisfactory occupational health and CRB checks.
- You will need a confirmed placement.
- You will need to attend for interview
Course Overview
Return to practice offers a flexible approach to regaining your professional registration. You will share core learning with others who are returning to healthcare practice after a break, so you’ll have the support of other returners to develop your confidence in practice.
The programme will be tailored to your individual needs depending on how long you have been out of practice, your previous knowledge and experience, and relevant experience undertaken while you have been out of practice.
Identifying your own placement with a local health care provider before you start the return to practice programme will ensure you have a placement which can fit in with your personal circumstances. The return to practice programme will help you plan your future learning to develop your career.
Funding is available if your course is commissioned by NHS West Midlands (eg Return to Practice Health Visiting): if your course is funded the University will arrange your placement. Further information is available on the NHS West Midlands Health Visiting website.
Assessment
You will be assessed by assignment to demonstrate you have updated your knowledge and understanding, and be assessed through a professional practice profile at your placement by a registered practitioner. Your assessor will meet the professional body’s standards for assessors.
Course Content
The length of your programme will be determined by how much time you need to spend in practice to meet your individual professional requirements for returning to the register. The course consists of 15-credit modules at level 5 or 6 depending on your profession. You will have someone to help you plan the academic learning and practice you will need to renew your registration. This person will be able to direct you to learning opportunities with students on other programmes.
Practice based learning will ensure you are updated in mandatory training such as patient handling, resuscitation, infection control and safeguarding, ensuring you cover the areas relevant to your field of practice. Before starting the return to practice programme you will need to identify your placement provider, in a practice area which can provide mentorship and supervision which meets educational audit requirements. The University can advise about detailed requirements for your placement and help you by providing contacts to find your placement. If your course is commissioned by NHS West Midlands (eg Return to Practice Health Visiting) the University will arrange your placement. Placement providers will expect you to commit to regular attendance. Many placements will expect you to attend at least two days per week.
University based learning will update you in the context of contemporary health and social care, professional codes, standards and guidance, evidence to underpin practice, advocacy and dealing with difficult situations as well as specific practice in nursing, midwifery, health visiting or operating department practice. There are well developed support facilities in the university to help you develop your study skills, academic writing, professional practice skills and use of technology.
Employability
The return to practice programme will give you the evidence you need to renew your professional registration. Careers support is available in preparing for job applications and interviews so that you will be able to make the most of your past and new experience in selling yourself to employers.
For more information please contact:
Programme Director: Tim Badger T: 0121 331 7159 E: tim.badger@bcu.ac.uk
Lead Midwife for Education: Ann Kingscott T: 0121 331 7153 E: ann.kingscott@bcu.ac.uk
Application enquiries: Health Admissions T: 0121 331 5500 E: health.admissions@bcu.ac.uk
NHS West Midlands Health Visiting Programme