Returning to Nursing After a Break -->

8 Aug

Written By Sandy .

Returning to Nursing After a Break: What Are Your Options According to AHPRA?

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, clinical, or professional advice. Always consult AHPRA, your employer, union, or a professional advisor for personalised guidance.

Life happens and for many nurses, stepping away from the workforce is a necessary part of their journey. Whether it’s due to maternity leave, WorkCover, travel, caring responsibilities, or a change in career direction, returning to practice can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

If you're a nurse looking to re-enter the workforce in Australia, it's important to understand the pathways available through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Your return-to-work options largely depend on how long you've been away and whether your registration has lapsed or remained active.

1. If You’ve Been Out for Less Than 5 Years

If your registration is still current, AHPRA may not require a formal return-to-practice program. However, you must meet the Recency of Practice standard to renew your registration:

You must have completed 450 hours of nursing practice in the last 5 years.
If not, you may need to complete a re-entry program or undertake supervised practice under a plan approved by the NMBA.

2. If You’ve Been Out for More Than 5 Years

If it’s been over five years since you last practised and your registration has lapsed (or is non-practising), AHPRA may require:

A formal Re-entry to Practice Program delivered by an accredited provider, or
A period of Supervised Practice within a healthcare setting under an approved plan.

3. Consider Transition Roles to Ease Back In

Returning to work doesn’t always mean jumping straight back into high-pressure settings. Many nurses find success easing back in through transition roles like:

General Practice (GP) Nursing – team-based care with chronic disease focus
Vaccination Clinics – perfect for regaining procedural confidence
Community Health or Home Nursing – flexible, relationship-based care
Day Surgery / Pre-Admission Clinics – structured routines with less intensity
School Nursing or Occupational Health – preventative, health promotion focused roles
Casual or Agency Nursing – work when and where you feel ready

These roles help you build confidence, ease back into clinical routines, and accumulate practice hours.

4. Other Supports and Resources

Re-entering the workforce can also benefit from support tools, such as:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) – mental health and adjustment support
Keeping in Touch (KIT) Days – for those on parental leave
Professional Development – CPD courses, refresher workshops, and simulation training

5. Tailor Your Return Based on Your Speciality

Some specialties such as mental health, aged care, perioperative and paediatrics may have specific re-entry pathways. Reach out to:

Professional organisations (e.g., ACN, APNA, ACMHN)
Past employers or educators
Local health networks that offer supervised or refresher options

6. You’re Not Alone

Feeling overwhelmed? Many nurses benefit from:

Nurse career coaching
Professional resume support
Interview preparation focused on re-entry and confidence

Final Thoughts

Returning to nursing is a significant and empowering step. With the right information, planning, and support, you can rejoin the profession and continue to make a difference—on your terms.

Need personalised help? I offer 1:1 career coaching, resume support, and return-to-nursing preparation tailored just for you.

Let’s make your comeback a confident one.

Sandy .