Evaluation of Return to Practice: the views of nurse returnees from three NHS Hospital Trusts

Exploration of the views and experiences of returnees on a Return to Practice programme based in three NHS Hospital Trusts.

In the light of nursing shortages in Britain, there is an ongoing need to encourage nurses to re-enter the profession through Return to Practice programmes. In order to maximize returnees' participation in the nursing workforce; however, evaluation of the effectiveness of Return to Practice programmes is necessary.

17 returnees were recruited to the study completing self-report questionnaires at programme commencement and participating in focus group discussions on programme completion.

Three key issues emerged from the data: the varied personal circumstances and professional histories of returnees; the challenge of providing adequate support in practice that reflected returnees' individual needs and aspirations and the importance of flexible employment opportunities to meet returnees' expectations of an appropriate work life balance.

It is important that any schemes to attract nurses back to the profession are targeted at their specific needs.