THINKING OF RETURNING TO NURSING?
Go for it!
Return to Nurse Practice Programme participant Michaela Kinnear reflects on her journey back to nursing
A
fter many years of to-ing and fro-ing I decided to do the Return to Nurse Practice (RTNP) course based in Connolly hospital. I had asked myself all the questions: Am I too old? Have I been out of nursing too long? What about my IT skills? Excuses,excuses. Then came the day of my interview. I was well prepared for the interview and, despite my accompanying nerves, was delighted when I heard I had been successful. I was on my way back to nursing after 12 years out. What struck me the most about my interview was how much my experience was valued, experience is something ALL RTNP nurses have. What advice would I give to anyone thinking of doing the Return to Nurse Practice (RTNP)? Go for it! Your experience is so valued, you have so much to give. Be open to new experiences, you’ll meet some lovely new people and remember to always have a laugh! The first two weeks were online and as I’m not the most tech savvy, this was a huge issue for me. I needn’t have worried as there was great support from the nurse tutors and the course IT/administrator as and when I ran into an issue. Once a nurse always a nurse!
“I was welcomed with open arms and felt really valued and respected”
Anne Brennan, Director, Nursing & Midwifery Planning & Development Unit, HSE Dublin North; Michaela Kinnear, Return to Nurse Practice Programme participant; and Vivienne Browne, Director, Regional Centre of Nurse & Midwifery Education, HSE Dublin North.
As we covered the topics, some old some new, the flicker of recognition was lit. It was interesting to learn about the changes in nursing since I’d left, especifically the EWS, new paperwork, policies and procedures. I particularly felt that learning about working within my Scope of Practice really gave me the confidence to say no or to ask to be trained up in a task. Armed with theory, practicals, tutor support and a new uniform off I went to my ward. The initial arrival on the ward was nerve-wracking but there was no need to worry. It was like coming home! All of the staff without exception were fantastic, from the CNM 2 down. I was welcomed
with open arms and felt really valued and respected throughout my six-week placement on Laurel ward. I was part of the nursing team and felt very quickly that I’d been there forever. I tried to learn three things a day, so by the end of my six weeks I had 54 new or updated skills. As part of my assessment I had two assignments - one written, one Powerpoint. Both were research-based so again my knowledge was constantly being updated. I’m now working two days a week as a staff nurse, I’d never have thought at the begining of 2021 I’d be back working as a nurse, but as I said before ‘once a nurse, always a nurse’.
20 | HEALTH MATTERS SPRING 2022
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