Name: Debra Anne Richards 

Job Title: Return to Practice Nurse

Place of Work: CHUFT

What did you enjoy about nursing when you first started the career? 

Working with patients of all ages, the variety of the work and learning different skills. Also the discipline and respect of being a nurse.

What made you decide to leave the nursing profession? And how did it make you feel?  

I got made redundant and was planning to take a year’s break but never returned! I always missed it and missed the people.

What did you do during your time out of nursing? 

I got interested in horses! I also worked for age UK and did some private cleaning.

When did you realise that you would like to begin nursing again? What was it about nursing that you missed? 

I started thinking about it within the last year. I missed being able to make a difference in someone’s life, teaching others and being part of a worthwhile and productive team.

How did you hear about the return to practice programme, and what steps did you take to sign up to the course?  

I heard about it from an e-mail I received from the British Journal of Nursing. I then contacted the university via the website and applied. 

Did you have any worries or concerns about coming back to nursing?  

I was concerned that I had left it too long. Questions like would I remember anything? Was I up to doing the job and what it would be like to work in the NHS as I hadn’t done so previously.

How did you overcome any concerns about returning to nursing? What support and help did you receive? 

The support from my family. Most of my friends who are still nurses thought I was mad!! I started to read nursing books and looked at the NMC website.

How would you describe the moment when you first stepped back onto the ward again? 

Very nerve wracking and daunting.

What has changed in nursing now compared to when you first started the career?  What are the benefits of nursing now?  

There are lots of changes for example the paperwork, equipment and the role of the nurse. The benefits still the same as before – such as being able to care and make a difference.

What would you say are the main qualities of a nurse?  How would you describe your fellow nurses?

The main qualities are care, compassion and understanding. Being able to work in a team, to teach and manage others. The nurses that I work with on the placement ward are a real credit to the nursing profession. They’re very caring, kind and incredibly knowledgeable.  

What is your most favorite memory or story from nursing?  

Meeting Prince Charles who visited the Royal Naval Hospital in Plymouth after the Falklands war. He was very supportive to the injured men that I was looking after. I also fondly remember graduating from the nursing course and getting a prize for coming top of the class!! It was a five pound book token! 

If you were to give someone advice who is considering returning to practice, what would you say to them? 

Be prepared for changes and hard work. Ask lots of questions and don’t be afraid to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Have a clear idea of what type of specialty you would like to go into or go back into. 

How has your life changed since returning to practice?

Much busier! I’m looking forward to completing the course and getting a job where I can continue to work on updating my nursing skills.