Returning to education after mat leave - NHS

[NurseBryan]

Hi all, I've only just started my maternity leave and am currently 36 weeks pregnant. Already I'm looking at my options upon the dreaded return to work next year! I'm a nurse in the NHS and hate my job. I'm very passionate however my ward is in very bad shape and the hospital I work in is in special measures so it's incredibly stressful. Add to that a manager that insists on giving us all double our contracted hours most of the time due to staff shortages and then bullies us when we dare to speak out about how unacceptable this is and I'm sure you can understand why I'm already considering my options when having to go back.

I know I don't have to go back to this ward or even this trust at all, as long as I return for 14 weeks; however I'm looking at options for further study once I'm due back, hopefully starting the midwifery short-course. Does anyone know if this is an option as it would be an NHS course?

Thanks in advance :)

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

Hi. What do you mean by an option? If you're in England you'll qualify for student finance because the govt lifted ELQ rules. If in Wales you won't and you can only study in Wales to access the bursary.

[NurseBryan]

Hey sorry I don't think I've been totally clear with what I'm asking. I'm wondering if I can return to training immediately after maternity leave or whether I am obliged to work the 14 weeks to avoid paying the mat pay back.

I know I'll get the maternity course funded as I qualify but just wondering if I can do the course straight from maternity leave.

Thanks in advance :)

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

Not with enhanced maternity pay but you could if you only took SMP.

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

Ah. Sorry for duff info.

[CountryLovingGirl]

"Add to that a manager that insists on giving us all double our contracted hours most of the time due to staff shortages and then bullies us when we dare to speak out about how unacceptable this is"

This is happening to me too. I only went FT last year and expected to work no more than 37.5 hrs a week (more than enough, I didn't even want that many) but I am regularly put down to work well over 37.5 hrs (over 50 and 60). Like you, short staffing! But, they are using people and I am already on the hunt for a job outside of the NHS (after 20 years service). The union have said that we can refuse to work over 37.5hrs a week as that is what our contract states.
I'm not a nurse but I understand what you are saying.
Have you considered a move into lecturing?

[NurseBryan]

Thanks everyone and sorry to hear you're gong through the same CountryLovingGirl. At one point during the first few weeks of my pregnancy I was given over 60 hours in one week including a mix of days and nights, all 12.5hr shifts and it completely exhausted me and left me ill. Make sure you are in a union, they will fight on your behalf for your shifts to reflect your contractual hours. Without a union rep you can object to the shifts but your manager won't necessarily take you seriously.

Thanks everyone else, I can't speak to my HR department as my manager is very close friends with the hr woman assigned to my department but I will speak to payroll and see if they know or failing that speak to my union. Fingers and toes crossed I can go straight into education within the NHS.

🌞

[CountryLovingGirl]

The union have said that we have to refuse to work more than 37.5 hrs a week but everyone else is too scared to complain. I don't want to put myself in a position of being a whinger and forced out.
It is funny that you said your manager is close friends with the HR woman - so is ours! Hence why he gets away with murder!

[felinewonderful]

I think it's 12 weeks you have to work in return not 14 and accrued annual leave can be used as part of the 12 weeks too.
As far as I am aware working over your hours is purely optional and can be refused. Have you sought union advice?

Wirh regards to being a student, I'm not sure if it would count or not, I'm guessing it wouldn't but I would seek advice from HR regarding it

[felinewonderful]

Sorry just properly read the thread! I guess my post not very helpful, it sound awful having to work over your hours and not being able to speak Up