Return to Practice

This is a stand-alone module which leads to NMC registration for nurses who have previously held registration with the NMC or who have not satisfied the requirements for readmission or revalidation practice hours in order to maintain registration.

The module aims to prepare nurses to re-enter clinical practice with the skills, knowledge and proficiency required in contemporary practice within their chosen field of nursing (adult, child, mental health or learning disability) in order to maintain safe and effective standards of care.

The Return to Practice module will be delivered on a full and part-time basis. The academic component for both modes of delivery will be undertaken on a part-time basis where students are in college for 5 hours a day (maximum of 15 hours per week); while practice based learning may be completed either on a full-time basis (maximum of 40 hours a week) or a part-time basis (maximum of 24 hours a week).

The full-time route will be delivered over 18 weeks and the part-time route over 28 weeks; both routes comprise 150 taught theoretical hours and 360 hours of practice based learning.

Students are required to undertake 150 taught hours to complete the module and a maximum of 360 hours of practice based learning. This is clearly articulated in the planners. The number of practice hours to be completed by each individual student will depend on whether they have had an approved application for recognition of prior learning and will be confirmed at the start of the module.

The next Return to Practice intake is September 2024.

Please note that the dates proposed are subject to change, any reference to this document is to be used as a rough guide to how this course is structured.

• Standard university days for a return to practice course run from 09:30-15:30.
• Clinical practice days can vary depending on the practice area. Please review our practice learning outcome document for more information.
• Bank Holidays: Any bank holiday is counted within clinical hours, students on clinical practice when a bank holiday occurs will receive 7.5 hours of study time and must NOT work the bank holiday in question.

GCSE English language or Welsh first language at grade C (4) or above, or essential skills level 2 in communication passed after September 2015. Equivalent qualifications will be reviewed on an individual basis. We consider applicants overall qualifications, including for example their previous registration as a nurse, any formal continuing professional development (CPD), and their application form to determine their capability in literacy.

If applicable, applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet NMC English language requirements which can be found at English language requirements (nmc.org.uk). There are three types of acceptable evidence:

• Applicants will have completed an approved English Language Test: please note that Swansea University accept IELTS score of 7 overall with a score of no less than 7 in reading, listening and speaking, and no less than 6.5 in writing.

• Applicants will have trained as outlined at Trained in English (nmc.org.uk)

• Applicants will have been registered and practised in English for at least one year within the last two years.

In order to meet the entry requirements, applicants must demonstrate previous or current registration with the NMC. Any applicant that is subject to NMC conditions of practice must supply this information to demonstrate their eligibility

Candidates are required to complete a RTP Application using a Microsoft word document and e-mail this to the School of Health and Social Care Commissioned Programmes Recruitment and Selection team by the stipulated closing date.

A limited number of places are available on this programme.

All successful applicants to the Return to Practice course have their course fees are paid by the Welsh Government. All students also receive a non means-tested bursary of £3,000. Additional payments may be made to those who care for children or other dependents.

The Return to Practice course enables qualified nurses to renew their professional registration and to work as a qualified nurse in the NHS or other sector. Whilst on the Return to Practice course students will receive advice and guidance on preparing a CV and portfolio of evidence; applying for jobs; and preparing for interviews.

• 3,000 word essay (worth 90% of total mark) - Critically reflect on an aspect of their clinical practice experience linked to the return to practice assessment documentation (RPAD). The student will demonstrate application of the NMC (2018) Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (The Code) within the discussion of their clinical practice.  
• Safemedicate exam – 1 hour (worth 10% of total mark) - Students must achieve 100% in this exam (20 questions)
• Return to Practice Assessment Document (RPAD) (pass/fail) - Students will demonstrate a minimum of 360 hours in clinical practice and achievement of their clinical competencies.

• Enhanced DBS check (currently £40 – payable by applicants).
• GP costs (payable by applicants) to process occupational health check form (health check is funded by the College of Human and Health Sciences).
• Travel to and from campus.
• Printing, photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks).
• Purchase of books or texts, printing.