25 May 2022

Thinking of returning to nursing? Your skills and experience are needed more than ever before, and there has never been a better time to return to nursing. Plus - it's easier than you might think. 

Return to Practice Programme 

The Return to Practice Programme prepares you for re-entry into the professional register and it is an essential requirement for returning to nursing and regaining registration. The programme will refresh your skills, leaving you ready to return to nursing with confidence. It involves a combination of classroom and placement-based learning, so you can get stuck in right from the start. 

We Are Returning Nurses - watch Bridget's Story here

Who is the programme suitable for?

The programme offers nurses with a lapsed registration an opportunity to become active again on the NMC register with a view that this will lead to employment as a registered nurse. 

Programmes available in London: How do I apply?

Led by supportive tutors, assessors and supervisors, there are University programmes available across London and England, all created to refresh your nursing skills so that you’re ready to return to practice. Please click on the links below to be taken to the University websites to find out more about the programmes and how to apply:

If you are looking to return to a specific field of Nursing, such as Mental Health Nursing, Child Nursing, or Learning Disability Nursing, please contact the University to ensure they offer the programme you require. 

We Are Returning Nurses - watch Raych, Mark and Bridget tell us about their journeys back to nursing here

Financial support for your studies

You won’t just be emotionally supported, you’ll be financially supported too. NHS Health Education England (HEE) will provide funding towards your course fees. You’ll also either be given a bursary to help cover any childcare, travel and book costs, or you will be paid a salary, depending on the route you take to return. 

Key contacts

If you would like to find out more information about returning to practice, please email: Cnwl.placementhub@nhs.net or returntopractice.london@hee.nhs.uk. 

FInd more information on this website. 

CNWL Return to Therapy Practice 

Are you thinking about coming back to the therapy profession you love so much? We've had return to practice successes within the occuaptional therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy professions. 

Click here to see some feedback from an occupational therapist returnee who successfully returned to practice at CNWL after a 10-year career break.

If you’re interested in returning to therapy practice, you can be assured of maximal support through your journey by liaising with CNWL’s Return to Practice Lead at: cnwl.ahp-education@nhs.net.