Former nurses and midwives are being encouraged to return to practice by Health Education England through a partnership with Heart radio station.

The partnership features nurses and midwives telling their inspiring return to practice stories on radio adverts, the Heart Radio website and their social media channels.

As part of the move, nurses and midwives can also get tailored advice on returning and request a call back from HEE’s regional teams by registering their interest on the NHS Health Careers website.

Sharon Swords, a return to practice nurse who features in the Heart partnership, said: “I left nursing over twenty years ago, but I always knew I would come back. I researched the return to practice course and realised I could do it alongside my day job. I didn’t know what to expect but as soon as I got back on to the ward for my first placement, the buzz I felt was phenomenal. I am so pleased to be back. Nursing is what I do, it’s what I am. If you still have that passion to help people, then believe in yourself and go for it. Your skills are still needed which is why I am so pleased to support Health Education England’s campaign.”

Mark Radford, Chief Nurse at Health Education England, said: “Returners bring back valuable expertise to the professions, and we want to enable them to complete the NMC requirements, return to the register and into roles within our clinical services. Some of the processes may have changed and there might be some new technology, but the fundamental qualities of a nurse and midwife remain the same and are just as valuable as ever. These qualities never leave a nurse or midwife, and they are always needed in the NHS.”