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Original poster

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

172 replies

Kellamity · 25/06/2012 16:40

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 Shock.

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?

OP posts:
CaliforniaLeaving · 02/07/2012 00:20

I've been wondering about the return to practice course. I've been working but not in UK, contacted NMC and they said I could do it if I wanted to get back to work. I became a nurse in the 80's didn't work in UK long but up until 7 years ago I was working as a Home visit nurse her in California. I've got my CA license and all my education hours are up to date. My huge concern is it's a Uni course isn't it?
I did my nursing the old fashioned way trained at the local hospital in their school. Not sure if I'm Uni material, or if I could keep with 12 hour shifts even if I did get through the classes.

callow · 02/07/2012 10:59

I did a RTP course in 2009, probably at the same university as you as I am in the southwest.

This is good website www.studentnurse.org.uk/

Lots of current information on nursing practice on the forum and example essays.

I enjoyed the course and made some good friends. Nearly everyone was able to get a job. I initially did bank work until a suitable job (one without night duty as I am a single parent) came along. I am very happy that I have been able to get back into nursing.

CarnivorousPanda · 02/07/2012 13:24

Well, I got an email last week saying I'm on the waiting list for February.

I've just phoned to check and they are interviewing next week for September intake. So current plan is to forward my application and I suppose -see whether I get an interview for September.

They sound nice and will hopefully find me a placement if I'm successful.

So issue is that and also logistics of getting there.

Has anyone else had to travel some distance for this course, as I'd like to know how easy they found it.

lateSeptember1964 · 02/07/2012 15:00

Hooray! I have only gone and secured two placement offers. They are both in Nottingham so involve a bit of driving but I don't care. I have gone from feeling down and defeated on Friday to this unbelievable position. Feeling very chuffed

Original poster
Kellamity · 02/07/2012 15:18

Fantastic news late, really well done! What are your placements? Hospital or community?

OP posts:
lateSeptember1964 · 03/07/2012 20:01

The first placement is a large private hospital. Although they are private they take student nurses. The second is a NHS hospital. The lady at the NHS hospital offered me a place, asked me the type of ward I would like and within the hour came back with a specific placement on a trauma ward. She has been brilliant and has already sorted out induction days, honorary contract and invited me over to meet the ward manager. I think I will take the NHS placement purely because of the amount of effort they have put into me within such a short space of time.

Original poster
Kellamity · 03/07/2012 20:15

That's brilliant late! I was hoping to heater something today but nothing Sad, hey ho maybe tomorrow!

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Original poster
Kellamity · 03/07/2012 20:15

heater? Confused hear!!

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ggirl · 03/07/2012 20:23

I did the RTP course at bournemouth uni 4yrs ago. It's not hard but more time consuming.
I now have a job in the community and love it.

kateclarke · 04/07/2012 11:41

LateSeptember I have sent you a pm.

lateSeptember1964 · 04/07/2012 12:03

many thanks Kate have sent a pm back. Hope you have heard something by now Kellamity.

Original poster
Kellamity · 04/07/2012 18:07

nothing again today!

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lateSeptember1964 · 05/07/2012 11:50

Hope today is your day and that you hear good news. Maybe you should ring them late afternoon if you hear nothing. I have decided you have to really fight your corner. Good luck

Original poster
Kellamity · 05/07/2012 18:35

Yay! Received a pack in the post offering me a funded place in September. Thought I would have to go for a interview first but doesn't seem to be required! Orientation day 2 weeks tomorrow. Time to celebrate and fill in yet more forms Grin

OP posts:
ggirl · 05/07/2012 21:38

Brilliant..does that mean you're paying for the course or not?

Original poster
Kellamity · 05/07/2012 21:47

I applied to fund myself but they are funding it for me. They said they had very limited funded places but for some reason I was given one. I am guessing that as they let me apply after the closing date they haven't had many applications for this particular course.

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Woofsaidtheladybird · 05/07/2012 21:51

Lots of luck ladies. Am still in practice but on mat leave. It's a battlefield out there! Smile

lateSeptember1964 · 06/07/2012 00:39

Thats brilliant news Kellamity. How exciting only two weeks until orientation and then a September start. Well done

CarnivorousPanda · 09/07/2012 17:53

Just heard they have offered me an interview on Wednesday for September!!!

Excited, but not exactly prepared. Any advice on literacy/numeracy tests?
Feeling a bit daunted as its been a long time..............

Original poster
Kellamity · 09/07/2012 20:46

Good luck Panda let us know how you get on! I'm intrigued to know what they expect you/want you to know prior to the course. I would have thought they will be interested in your reasons for returning, why now and what you have to offer nursing now. Smile

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CarnivorousPanda · 09/07/2012 21:50

Oh thanks Kellamity, I may need it with the numeracy test...........still, there's always the February intake.

Email says to set aside the whole afternoon for the process. Think I prefer your letterof acceptance.

Original poster
Kellamity · 14/07/2012 10:10

How did you get on?

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CarnivorousPanda · 15/07/2012 21:09

Well, I am down to start in October!

Think I can work around my current job initially as its part time.

Kellamity, what have you been reading to help catch up?

Original poster
Kellamity · 16/07/2012 08:14

Well done! You must be pretty chuffed with yourself. What was the interview like?

I have bought myself a couple of pocket nursing guides, handy reference kind of thing to keep in my bag for sneaky peaks while I'm working. I've bought a Marsden Manual (£36 from Waterstones). I wanted to subscribe to one of the journals but I'm so out of touch I'm not are which one to go for. Any suggestions/recommendations? I see the Nursing Times does online study modules for subscribers but I seem to remember it not being a great journal.

How about you? Have you got some bedtime reading lined up?

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CarnivorousPanda · 17/07/2012 08:56

The process consisted of one hour maths paper and short essay, then one hour actual interview and uniform measuring.

I haven't started any reading yet, but I do always look at health articles in the Guardian/telegraph/Independent. Think I need some pocket guides as well, maybe I'll buy some this weekend.

Am trying to stay in my current job, with less hours for a few months. At interview, they warned me that i may not get a job at the end of the course, what's your view, are there plenty of jobs where you are?

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