Returning to nursing

If you're thinking of returning to nursing there has never been a better time. Your skills and experience are needed more than ever before.

Return to practice programme

The return to practice programme prepares you for re-entry into the professional register (NMC register). It is an essential requirement for returning to nursing and regaining registration.

The programme is for nurses whose registration has lapsed. It gives you the opportunity to become active again on the NMC register and gain employment as a registered nurse.

The programme will refresh your skills, giving you the confidence to return to nursing.

It involves a combination of classroom and placement-based learning. 

Visit the NHS health careers website for more information about returning to nursing.

How to apply

There are 4 university programmes available across London. 

Find out more about the programmes and how to apply:

• Greenwich University 
• Kingston and St George's
• City University
• University of Hertfordshire

You may want to return to a specific field of nursing, such as:

• mental health nursing
• child nursing
• learning disability nursing

Please contact the university to make sure they offer the programme you want.

Financial support

You'll be emotionally and financially supported as you return back to nursing.

NHS England provides funding towards your course fees. You'll also get either:

• a bursary to help cover any childcare, travel and book costs, or
• a salary

This depends on the route you take to return. 

Hear from returning nurses

Watch videos from NHS Health Careers on YouTube to hear from returning nurses and their journeys back to nursing.