Returning to a career in nursing has never been easier! There are courses and training to enable you to rebuild your knowledge and skills and transition back into a rewarding role within the NHS.
If you no longer have your Nursing and Midwifery Council PIN, there are three ways in which you can return.
- Readmission – It is possible that you may be able to re-register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) without the need to undertake a course or take a test. To be eligible for this route you would need:
- 450 registered practice hours over the last 3 years or 750 hours over the last 5 years including any practice hours gained on the COVID-19 temporary register.
- 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) in the last three years.
- To provide three character references.
If you meet all these criteria, you are able to directly apply via the NMC website or if you would like to include COVID-19 hours worked on the temporary register, you will need to email the NMC using [email protected] to request a paper copy of the application pack.
- A Return to Practice course – Depending on the time you have been away from your professionally registered role, a return to practice course can take between 3 and 12 months to achieve. At the end of the programme, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to be able to return to the workplace with confidence. For more information on return to practice courses, visit the Health Careers website.
- The NMC Test of Competence (ToC) – Taking an NMC Test of Competence is a quick way to return to practice compared to other routes. There are two parts to the Test of Competence:
- A multiple-choice computer-based test.
- A practical test known as the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) which tests a broad range of clinical skills and other skills such as communication. The test takes place via a series of activity stations which usually last 5 to 10 minutes. There is a different examiner at each station and actors can be used in place of real patients.
Individuals are able to arrange the test themselves and are required to pay a fee which can be claimed back from Health Education England once the applicant returns to the professional register and is in NHS employment. The NMC website has resources to support preparation for the test and further information for revision activities.
Find out more
For further details about the Return to Practice for nursing, visit the Health Careers website – Returning to nursing | Health Careers