Return to Nursing Practice Postgraduate Taught

This blended learning course starts in March 2023 and is a single module programme which has two elements: theory and clinical placement.

Module code: NHS-3501

The purpose of this programme is to prepare former UK nursing registrants for re-admission onto the NMC register following a lapse in registration, or failure to meet NMC revalidation requirements for their field of practice (adult, child, learning disability or mental health).

The overall aims are to ensure that former registrants are prepared for a return to contemporary nursing practice by updating existing clinical knowledge and skills. Key aims are linked to the FNS Standards to equip students with the clinical knowledge and skills as outlined across Annexes A & B, alongside the NMC Return to Practice Standards (2019) relevant to their field of practice. The programme is designed to take a bespoke, blended approach to teaching and learning, building on students’ previous clinical knowledge and skills through the recognition of previous learning (RPL) where this can be demonstrated. Students will attend a 10-day theory block during which they will refresh their knowledge around key areas of care coordination and delivery, focusing on the NMC Code to develop proficiency as safe, effective, compassionate, evidence-informed practitioners. This is followed by a 150-450 hour part-time clinical placement within which students’ proficiencies are assessed in practice.

The programme takes a collaborative approach to learning and will provide reflective activities to critically engage students to update their knowledge and prepare them for a return to clinical practice. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon the inter-professional nature of care coordination and delivery, highlighting the role of working in partnership with service-users, their families, and carers, alongside members of the multi-disciplinary team. The programme will be delivered through lead lectures followed up by reading and directed study. This will be consolidated with an opportunity for learning via workshops, seminars, and tutorials. The programme follows a blended approach to teaching and learning and uses a variety of strategies to accommodate different individual’s needs and learning styles in order to provide flexible part-time route.

Programme content will also be delivered and enhanced through online directed study to further increase flexibility, enabling students to study at their own pace. Students will be encouraged to develop independent learning and study skills, through use of online resources and access of relevant evidence from library and health and social care resources, including health policy, standards, and guidelines from professional bodies. Tailored tutorial support will be provided throughout so that students are provided with bespoke one-to-one academic and pastoral support.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?  

• Bangor University provides the only Return to Practice course in North Wales that encompasses all four fields of nursing: Child, Learning Disability, Mental Health, and Adult.
• Our students benefit from field-specific support and supervision throughout.
• This is a part-time and bespoke programme with the option to apply relevant evidence of prior experience to roll-back clinical hours.
• Highly-rated by our students.
• 100% employment rate post completion.

What will you study on this course?

This is a single module programme which has two elements: theory and clinical placement. 

By the end of the programme students will understand: 

• Accountability and professionalism – being a safe, effective, compassionate, and evidence-based practitioner within their field of practice (adult, child, learning disability or mental health). 
• Delivering needs-led person-centred care – facilitating autonomy and enabling choice; Language and cultural awareness. 
• Digital literacy skills: teaching, learning and communication within the academic and clinical domain.
• Medications management and demonstration – evidence-based policy and practice; professional accountability.
• Promoting health, preventing ill health: long term conditions and self-management; recognising health inequalities across lifespan and populations.
• Clinical Decision making – care coordination in inter-professional teams.
• Evidence-informed practice and quality improvement, applying theory into practice. • Leading and managing care and working in interdisciplinary teams. Continuous learning through reflective practice.

This is a HEIW funded programme which includes all fees plus non-means tested £3000 bursary.

• Evidence of previous NMC registration.
• Ability to study at level 6 (degree level).
• Evidence of previous learning (RPL) considered during admission process.
• DBS clearance.

After completing the programme, you may choose to:

• Return to your chosen field of clinical practice. We have a 100% employment rate post-completion.
• Apply for advanced clinical courses such as Health Visiting, as appropriate to level of award.
• Apply for other continuous professional development or postgraduate courses, as appropriate to level of award.