Applications are being invited for a free six month on-Island study programme for nurses who have had a break in their career.

The scheme, which it is hoped will encourage former nurses to return to practice, is part of a concerted effort to boost the number of practicing nurses on the Island and reduce the Department of Health and Social Care’s dependence on bank and agency staff.

Other measures to boost nursing numbers include an increase in nursing posts at Noble’s Hospital announced in August 2014 and a rise in the number of places for on-Island nursing degrees announced in March 2015.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said: “It is vital that we continue our efforts to recruit more nurses and so I welcome this Return to Practice programme. The care, dedication and professionalism of nurses and other healthcare workers is integral to delivering a modern, high quality health service.

“There remains intense competition across the British Isles and further afield to recruit nurses. Where we have vacancies we provide cover through bank or agency staff, but this is costly. As well, temporary staff are no substitute for full time employees who are committed to the people they work with, our health service and our Island.

“I hope the availability of this programme will encourage nurses who have had a career break – for whatever reason – to reflect on the rewarding experience of nursing, and inspire them to consider a return to practice.”

There will be two intakes for the programme. The first will run from September 2016 and the second from March 2017.

Chief Nurse for the Isle of Man, Linda Radcliffe, explained how the programme works: “As with any profession some nurses take a break from their career, whether to pursue other opportunities or for family reasons. This six month programme aims to make returning to nursing as easy as possible by covering changes to modern nursing practice and offering a supportive learning environment.

“There is a wealth of nursing experience and talent on our Island and we are keen to give those individuals who have stepped away from nursing the opportunity to put their skills to use and once again experience the rewards of providing first class care to our community.”

Additional information including a fact sheet with common questions and a personal return to nursing practice story by Community Nurse Sue Kennish are available online.

More information is available from the Return to Practice Programme Leader Bernadette Devlin on 642927 or bernadette.devlin@gov.im and an application pack can be requested from the Return to Practice Programme Administrator Anne Dancox on 651422 or anne.dancox@gov.im. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 22 April 2016.

Photo - Chief Nurse Linda Radcliffe and Return to Practice Programme Leader Bernadette Devlin with nursing staff.