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


BACKGROUND
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.


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


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important that any schemes to attract nurses back to the profession are targeted at their specific needs.
Barriball
K Louise
KL
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King's College London, London, UK. louise.barriball@kcl.ac.uk
Coopamah
Vinoda
V
Roberts
Julia
J
Watts
Suzanne
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007586:Job Application; D009042:Motivation; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom