Student experiences of a return to practice programme: a qualitative study

Nurses, midwives and other health professionals who return to practice come from a range of backgrounds and return for a variety of reasons. Much of the research on return to practice concerns programme provision rather than returnee experience.

This qualitative study focused on the experiences of nursing, midwifery and allied health students undertaking a return to practice programme at a higher education institute. It interpreted the perceptions of the student experience of returning to clinical practice following a lapse in professional registration.

Data collection methods were qualitative and involved focus groups. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis.

Several themes and subthemes emerged from the data, including 'the importance of returnee identity' and 'challenges and barriers'. Findings demonstrated different approaches to and influences on returnees' learning journeys.

Previous knowledge, skills and experience were often hidden from view and hard to explain although crucial to returnee success.