NHS Lothian - Return to Practice Nursing Programme
Our Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan sets out our Vision, Ambitions, and Values that enable excellent care, along with what you can expect from our organization and what you can aspire to in your career development. We focus on a collaborative, person-centered approach to deliver high-quality, compassionate, safe, and effective care. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture for our staff and service users, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and communities. Our goal is to develop a nursing and midwifery workforce with diverse skills and experiences, supported by strong clinical education, robust induction programs, preceptorship, and leadership development.
We use a values and competency-based recruitment process aligned with our Strategic Plan. For more details, see our interview questions here.
Salary: Initial Band 4 pay scale - £29,116 - £31,670; upon course completion, aligned to Agenda for Change Band 5 - £31,892 - £39,735.
Return to Practice Nursing Programme
This program is a collaboration between NHS Lothian and Glasgow Caledonian University, offering an employer-led model for registered adult and mental health nurses to return to the NMC register.
The program includes online and face-to-face learning, along with practical experience within NHS Lothian to refresh your skills and knowledge. You will be employed as a return-to-practice student throughout the program, paid at Agenda for Change Band 4, and will complete 300 or 450 hours of practice, depending on your registration lapse.
Applications are open to adult and mental health nurses with a registration lapse, starting September 2025.
Entry requirements:
* Evidence of current NMC Statement of Entry
* Declaration of any NMC Order (if relevant)
* Successful interview and completion of pre-employment checks
* Commitment to the program and employment for at least one year within NHS Lothian
* Undertake the academic and practice components without interruption
Our Commitment to You:
* Program fees paid in full
* Financial support, with pay at Band 4 (£29,116 - £31,670) during the program
* Employment as a registered nurse in a substantive role upon successful completion
* Ongoing academic and practice support
What Happens Next?
Interested individuals should apply to NHS Lothian and, if successful, to Glasgow Caledonian University. On acceptance, you will:
* Complete a six-month course (fees paid)
* Start with a seven-week online theory block with some face-to-face skills sessions
* Undertake clinical placement in relevant NHS Lothian areas, paid as a Band 4 employee
* Receive full support from both university and NHS practice areas
* Secure guaranteed permanent employment in a Band 5 role upon course completion
For questions, email RTP@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk.
Learn more about working at NHS Lothian: https://careers.nhslothian.scot/acute-specialist-nurses/who-we-are/
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