Name: Lynne Fitzpatrick

Job Title: Staff Nurse

Place of Work: Good Hope Hospital

When did you first become a nurse and where did you do your training?

I first started my training in 1979 and became a fully qualified nurse at Walsall Manor Hospital. I then moved to London to progress my career, but eventually moved to Nuneaton with my family where we settled. I worked at the George Elliot Hospital for several years and that’s where I found my real passion for theatre nursing.

Why did you decide to leave nursing? How did it make you feel?

I decided to leave nursing so that I could dedicate more time to my family. I had two children under the age of two and it became increasingly difficult to maintain my working hours. I was extremely reluctant to leave nursing - I see the profession as a vocation so it was very hard giving up my passion.

How did you hear about the return to practice programme and what steps did you take to apply?

I heard about the return to practice course through my ward manager, while I was working as a Health Care Assistant at Good Hope Hospital. My manager said that my skills and experience stood out – and that’s why I should do the return to practice course.

I applied for the course at university and got a place straight away.  The course was excellent and my clinical placement taught me so much. My mentor was wonderful; she really took me under my wing. After completing the course, I started to feel confident again and I knew I’d definitely done the right thing.

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

It’s great being back! Words can’t describe the feeling of stepping back onto the ward again. I actually like coming into work and I look forward to it - and that’s a privileged position to be in.

I currently work part time and do 3 days a week, but now I want to do more and work on different wards too. I really do have that passion for nursing back – it’s like I never left.

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

Don’t hesitate and do it! It’s so worth while and truly the best thing I’ve ever done. It’s not as difficult as you think it’s going to be. There are new technologies and changes in the NHS , but there’s endless support to help you. The course is so doable, and for me, it’s been such a smooth transition.