Rachael Harrison did her Return to Practice (RTP) supervised practice placement at RCOT, as part of the Health Education England (HEE) RTP project. Before finishing her placement with us, she spoke to her supervisor Anne Keen, Professional Advisory Service Manager about her placement.
1. So, Rachael, could you tell me why you came off the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) register?
I was made redundant after over 20 years' service. I initially planned to carry on working, but I had two children under the age of three, so I changed my mind! I took a career-break and did not re-register, knowing at some time soon, I would.
2. How long have you been off the HCPC register?
Since 2018.
3. Why did you decide to return to practice?
Because I loved my job and I have missed working for patients and with people. Although I have enjoyed being a stay-at-home mum, I knew that I would return to practice and re-discover the job satisfaction I once had. My children are at school now, so I have no excuse not to return!
4. Where did you find out about the HCPC return to practice requirements?
There is a wealth of information available. I looked at the RTP booklet on the HCPC website, and the websites for RCOT and HEE. I also investigated HEI (Higher Education Institutions) RTP courses.
5. How many days of updating did you need to do?
A minimum of 30 days as I have been off the register for less than five years.
6. How did you come to do your supervised practice placement at RCOT?
I found it difficult to organise a supervised practice placement. I saw a tweet from RCOT advertising the internship. I applied, was interviewed and was offered the job.
7. What work did you do as part of your supervised practice placement?
Answering RCOT member professional practice enquiries, co-running RTP webinars, writing blogs, writing an article for OTnews and presenting to colleagues.
8. What was working at RCOT like?
Absolutely fantastic! Previously, my perceptions were based on being a member and attending the annual conference. I met a lot of people over the 20 day internship and all staff were very welcoming and supportive. There were even more opportunities than I envisaged. It has been amazing what has been squeezed in. I look forward to staying in contact as colleagues have influenced my journey so much.
9. What formal study have you done?
Induction related – cyber-security, health and safety and return to practice webinars. I am keeping a close eye on other opportunities.
10. What private study have you done?
I established a learning plan before the internship started, which has been added to most days. I completed study prior to the internship and during it. There is no singular place to go to find out what you have missed, and the study is based around my needs. I am refreshing my knowledge base by re-reading information that previously was at my fingertips and learning things for the first time. The learning plan includes HCPC standards of practice, RCOT standards, RCOT Career Development Framework, RCOT website and publications, literature searches, AHP (Allied Health Professionals) leadership, the care standards act, commissioning guidance for rehabilitation etc
11. How many days of updating have you now completed?
At least 28 days. 23 of those are supervised practice, two formal study and three days private study so far. I intend completing more than the 30 days that are required, but I recognise that I need to draw a line and return to work!
12. What are your plans regarding re-registering?
I plan to submit the HCPC RTP docs and the application form to re-register (which are separate forms) in February. This is achievable.
13. What area would you like to work in as an occupational therapist?
Given I had worked in a variety of roles (OT, Therapy Lead, Head of Profession and a Director), I am unsure exactly what the role will be. Simply put, I want to improve patient care and influence positive change. I would like to return to practice in a leadership capacity and be employed, rather than self-employed. Being part of a proactive and cohesive team is important.
14. What advice would you give to anyone considering returning to practice as an occupational therapist?
Just do it! There are so many job opportunities out there, with occupational therapists working in an ever-increasing variety of roles. Consider all the skills and experiences you gained whilst off the HCPC register. There is a vast number of people who will support you on your return to practice journey.
Rachael did an amazing job on her placement at RCOT, and we’re sure that she’ll be back practising as an occupational therapist very soon. You can read her blog Returning to Practice: My Journey – Rachael Harrison on the HCPC website.
If you’re considering returning to practice – you can do it! We’re here to support you, contact professional.enquiries@rcot.co.uk or call 020 3141 4630.
Over the past few months we’ve been working with Health Education England (HEE) on a return to practice project, led by Anne Keen, Professional Advisory Service Manager. Rachael’s placement was part of this project. We’ve also been working on the following resources which will be made available the end of March:
Updated Return to practice webpages on the RCOT website including three new guides:
- RTP Returner handbook
- RTP Supervisor’s handbook
- RTP Placement Provider handbook
Two webinars have taken place and we’ll share the recordings soon:
- RTP for potential supervisors/managers
- RTP for returners to practice