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Are you a nurse with over five years of absence from practice, wondering how to return to nursing? Look no further than the HSE's Return to Nursing Programme. We've done the research so you can get back to what you love — nursing!
Currently, there is no legal obligation to complete a return to nursing course, but the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) strongly recommends registered nurses returning after a five year hiatus or more to undertake an NMBI-approved Return to Nursing Practice programme before resuming nursing practice or seeking employment as a registered nurse. This recommendation also applies to nurses switching to practise in one discipline of nursing, after having practised for five or more years in another discipline of nursing or in midwifery.
Once the NMBI approves Return to Nursing Practice programmes, you can find detailed information on their availability in the Nursing Careers section of the NMBI website. The number of programme participants is determined by the number of nurses/midwives that can be adequately supported and supervised in the clinical area. This is decided by the Education Body and the Associated Health Care Providers (AHCPs).
Applicants can select the practice area most relevant to their return within their nursing division, such as general nursing, psychiatric nursing, and more. Facilities will be considered within the acute, community, and elderly care settings, including residential, intellectual disability, and mental health care services. The selected facility should align with participants' intended practice area, and prior experience in accommodating student learning and preceptorship is preferred.
Be prepared to return to work with the HSE's programme
To apply for the Return to Nursing/Midwifery Program, you must meet the following criteria:
Applications for the Return to Practice Programme can be submitted from nurses/midwives registered across various disciplines, including:
Return to nursing programs vary in structure and assessment methods, but for general nursing, the program typically includes:
For nurses and midwives who have been away from the profession for more than five years, this programme offers an excellent opportunity to refresh your clinical skills and regain confidence before returning to clinical practice.
*Please note that the application period for the 2023 campaign is now closed, but the 2024 campaign will open for applications in January 2024. For programme inquiries or to apply, please see here.
To avoid the need for a return programme, consider keeping your skills sharp by taking on agency shifts. Ad hoc agency shifts help you stay current in clinical skills, maintain compliance, and keep your NMBI registration active — all without the commitment of a full-time permanent role. Clarity Locums, our nursing agency, offers ad hoc and ongoing shifts across the country. Sign up at the link below.
If you have a query about any of the information discussed above, nursing opportunities, or general career advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our expert recruiters.
