International Nurses Day: A Return to Practice

A Return to Practice: “I soon remembered why I had loved nursing and was very thankful to be back”

By Christina Mackay, Staff Nurse, Medical 2, who completed a Return to Practice in 2023

I trained as a nurse shortly after leaving school, in 1992. My mum and two of her sisters had been nurses and I’d always felt drawn to it.  At that time the training was three years, half of which was done in Stornoway, in the Lewis hospital, and half in Raigmore. The emphasis then was very much on the caring aspect of nursing rather than the academic.

Having qualified, I spent a year in a Romanian orphanage doing voluntary work. It was a worthwhile experience and, although challenging, a lot of fun. I then worked in palliative care for a few years before latterly spending seven years in Theatre.

I loved nursing but decided to take a break from it to have a family.  I was blessed with three children and when the youngest went to school, nursing wasn’t very compatible with family life, so I worked in a local school providing support for learning. I worked mainly with children with various spectrum disorders, helping them access education. Although not employed as a nurse, I felt I was tapping into my nursing skills, I loved the work and found it to be so interesting and rewarding.

When my oldest daughter began her nursing training in 2021, I began to hanker after nursing again. My registration had been lapsed for over 10 years, I didn’t even know where to start! However, out of the blue, Return to Practice jobs were advertised. The course was funded and a one-year part time or full time contract was attached. My husband and children encouraged me to ‘Go for it!’, as did my friends. But I was scared! I felt I would be very ‘rusty’ having been away from nursing for so long, and nursing had changed so much in that time.

Nevertheless, I applied, I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. After being interviewed I was accepted onto the course along with over 20 others who were mainly in the central belt. The course comprised of five weeks theory and 14 weeks ward placement. The theory was all online and very interactive. It was really interesting to connect with other nurses from a variety of backgrounds who were returning to the profession. It was daunting but exciting. My kids were a huge help with ‘tech support’: online learning was an unknown to me but second nature to them!

My ward placement was in Medical 2 Western Isles Hospital, and having never been early for anything in my whole life, I somehow turned up a whole day early for my first shift! But I got the loveliest of welcomes, everyone from the outset was so supportive, encouraging and accommodating. I soon remembered why I had loved nursing and was very thankful to be back. I found that the role of the nurse had evolved and expanded in the intervening years, but the basics were still the same. The team in Medical 2 helped me learn new skills and brush up on old skills, they were all so kind and helpful. Having completed and passed the course, I was delighted to be offered a permanent contract. I’m still learning every day but consider it such a privilege to have been given the opportunity to return to nursing in such a supportive and accommodating environment.

Katherine Stewart, Medical Ward 2 Senior Charge Nurse, said: “The RTP process went exceptionally smoothly. Christina had a busy placement which allowed her an intensive and supported opportunity to refresh and consolidate her theory and practice.  We have now gained an integrated and valued staff nurse to our team, who brings her wealth of previous nursing experience with her.”

Anna Morrison, Practice Educator/Return to Practice Lead, commented: “NHS Western Isles has successfully supported several nurses through RTP over the last few years.  These nurses have gained permanent employment and are valued members of our nursing teams, bringing with them a wealth of experience and knowledge.  

“The RTP Programme offers a flexible study approach, with part-time or full-time routes available. The course is made up of local placements and virtual study, meaning there is no need to attend university classes off island.  RTP Students are employed by NHS Western Isles during the period of study. Students are well supported on placements by their Senior Charge Nurse, the nursing team, their Preceptor and the Practice Development team.”

For further information on Return to Practice contact Anna Morrison Practice Educator/RTP Lead NHS Western Isles anna.morrison4@nhs.scot