Any nurses out there? Can I have a quick word?

[Kellamity]

I am about to do my return to practice course (Sept 2012) and between now and then I would like to get a bit of reading in as I have been out of practice for 9 year .

Can you recommend me a good all round journal? It always used to be either the Nursing Times or the Professional nurse and maybe a good text book for a bit of bedtime reading? I still have my Watsons!!! Any good pocket books that might come in handy for when I start work?

Or maybe the British Journal of Nursing?

Hi - what area are you working in? Journal of Advanced Nursing is good for current research bits and bobs.... NT is ok to keep up to date with current nursing ishoos... Go on to the RCN and NMC websites - they are laden with current publications, guidelines and consultations. Then you'll have your library where you're doing your course. I always find, though, that the RCN library in London is best for tons of info. Good luck!

Thanks I'm just applying for a course starting in Sept, adult nursing. My previous role was as Senior Military Infection Control nurse so not too sure where they are going to want to place me as I can't go back into the role I was doing. I would like to tick the community box instead of hospital as I don't really want to work in a hospital setting once I have my PIN back. I know there is plenty of bank community nursing around here to be done which would suit me initially.

I'm just applying for a September course as well, but I've been out nearly 20years.......getting cold feet TBH and thinking I'm too old.

Whereabouts in the UK are you studying Carnivorous? We could be virtual study buddies I need all the help I can get!!!!

Not studying yet (!) but I'm applying to UEA.
What about you?

I'm applying to Oxford Brookes

I've only just posted the forms off, been stalling I suppose.

Issue is that the course is a fair way from where I live and I'm not sure about the logistics of getting there, placement etc.

Anyway, we shall see!

What are you doing at the moment workwise?

Not working at all, I am a parent governor at the DCs school but nothing else. Are you working?

Have you got an option of doing a local placement? I am trying to negotiate a placement in community team nearby.

Doing my personal statement this pm and then sending it all off tomorrow!!!

I'm working for a charity.

No option of local placement as trust has stopped doing them.

I think I'll just wait and see what happens.

How confident are you of getting a place on the course?

I am on the RTP course Nottingham University for this November. I am on a pre-course day tomorrow. My last post was as a Senior Sister (surgery) in a London Hospital. Currently working as a Homecarer in the community. I have applied before and secured a place but struggled to get a placement. Still haven't secured one for November but feel a bit more confident and hopeful this time round.

I'm not sure. I wrote to the senior lecturer after the Sept deadline enquiring about the Jan 2013 course but she wrote back saying if I faxed my application form through I could be considered for Sept - I was a bit surprised to hear that! I have been speaking to various community managers about the possibility of a placement but the university told me today they will sort out the placement which sounds like I have a funded placement if successful at interview.

How long have you been out of nursing lateSeptember

Since early 2002. Hope you get a funded place as RTP will set me back £1200. I read a thread recently on here where it was said that the adaptation course for overseas nurses is free but we have to pay for RTP.

There are only a few funded places so I applied for self funded. If you're self funded you also have to sort out your own placement but if funded they sort it for you. It's £975 here. Not cheap eh? Good luck, maybe you would keep in touch for a bit of moral support?

I was an RAF nursing officer when I left, seems such a long time ago!

I am currently working in a school as a health care assistant. Have thought about going back to nursing but have been out of it for 17 years. Please could you tell me about the course, how long it is and how you apply etc. thank you for your help.

I did the RTP course in 2003. I had been out for 7 years, I did the course with people who had been out for up to 25 years. We all passed and all went back to nursing. Best thing I ever did, I really love my job and progressed rapidly to matron level.

I just googled return to practice courses in the south west and found my nearest uni. Then went to their site and downloaded the application form and sent a quick email. It all went from there! The course is a semester so from September to December for me. I find out a lot more information on a orientation day at the end of July if I get a place on the course.

ooh that's encouraging!

Thank you for your help. I'm also in the south west so will have a google

I have applied to Oxford Brookes and will be using their Swindon campus if that helps you. I know Bournemouth do one with placements in the Bath area and UWE in Bristol also run a course.

Thank you again

I have to attend 9 days between early November and early December. There is also a placement for 150 hours and an assignment. If successful I will get my pin number back by June 2013. I do remember the tutor saying that you are not allowed to cram the 150 hours so that you get them out of the way. You have to build them up steadily so that you can demonstrate progression. Really looking forward to it and so glad to hear therugratref of your experience and the fact that you made such quick progression once back

Have been on the pre-prep day for the course and feeling a little down. We have to find our own placement through "contacts". Not easy for me as I did not train or work in the area. Apparently our Health Authority does not support RTP nurses. Initially felt like giving up on the whole idea, but 48 hours on I am determined not to be beaten. Will start making phone calls tomorrow.

Aw late sorry you've been left feeling a bit down . Make those phone calls though, I bet you'll find something. Let us know how you get on. I can't believe your HA don't support RTP nurses.