Name: Tracey O’Rourke
Job Title: Staff Nurse
Place of Work: A&E
What made you want to be a nurse & when did you originally qualify?
I originally qualified in 1992 and it was something I always wanted to do.
What did you enjoy about the role when you first became a nurse?
Helping people, feeling useful and making a difference.
What made you leave / take a break from nursing?
Family life.
Why did you decide to return to nursing?
I missed it!
How did you find the Return To Practice process?
I was made to feel relaxed by tutors and felt so welcome. I also enjoyed sharing experience with the others on the course.
What motivated you to complete the Return To Practice process?
At times I found is hard and felt like giving up, but the students, tutors and my own determination made me carry on.
What did you like about the placement?
I felt accepted – people were so interested in what I was doing!
I also felt really supported by Lisa, the student coordinator at the hospital.
Now you’re a nurse, how do you feel about your returning experience?
The course prepared me well. Things that didn’t seem relevant at first all started to come together and make sense.
The placement allowed us to work through any issues on the placement rather than experiencing them in my job.
What do you think are the main benefits of returning to practice as a nurse?
It’s a fresh start. I have gone into a completely different area this time.
If someone were thinking about returning to practice, what advice would you give them?
Do it! Give it a go, even if you are not sure if you are ready yet.