Name: Rachel Bucknall

Job Title: Staff Nurse, Palliative Care

Hospital & Trust: St Richards Hospice Worcester

Age: 69

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

I first started my training in 1964 at Liverpool Sefton General Hospital. However, my family moved to Carlisle later that year, so that’s where I became a qualified nurse. Professionally, I then moved all over the country. I worked in medicine and surgery, theatre nursing, orthopedics and palliative care. From all my roles I gained a wealth of experience, which helped me to become a clinical nurse specialist in end of life care. One of my proudest achievements is becoming one of the first Macmillan nurses.

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

I always wanted to nurse even as a child – there was nothing else I wanted to do. My parents wanted me to do an academic degree, but I just knew that nursing was for me.

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

After 40 years of nursing, I decided to leave and enjoy retirement with my husband. However, unfortunately my husband suddenly passed away and my retirement wasn’t quite as I expected. That’s when I realised I wanted to come back to nursing. Although I’m 69 years old, I’m fit, healthy and have still got so much to give. I missed the camaraderie and rewarding feeling of working in care; I have work colleagues that are life long friends. Some of them think I’m completely mad, but I love that I’m a nurse again.

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

I researched the return to practice programme on the Internet and found myself on the University of Worcester website. The process to apply was really simple, and before I knew it, I was beginning my return to practice course in September 2014.

Did you have any worries or concerns about returning to nursing?

I was really nervous to start the return to practice course, but it was an excited nervous.  I’m a mature student so I had my doubts, but no question was too silly. There was always someone there to help me.

I had concerns about the new technology, but there was plenty of support. The Librarians at the university were excellent and they can’t do enough for you.

The introductory days when you meet the course facilitator are very reassuring too. There you meet with your fellow return to practice students and you soon realise that there’s a wealth of experience in the room. You’re all in the same boat, which is marvelous because you learn so much from each other. It’s so reassuring that you’re not on your own.

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

When I first stepped back onto the ward it was wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment it, all of the reasons that I loved nursing in the first place came back to me instantly.

You soon realise that the basic concept of care hasn’t changed and your nursing skills are still inherent in you. It’s just about bringing them into the modern day.

What is the best thing about being a nurse?

The best thing about being a nurse is the job satisfaction- I really don’t think there’s any better feeling.

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

Absolutely go for it! I was concerned to return to practice to begin with, but I asked lots of questions and as soon as I had the answers, I couldn’t wait to get started!