Project seeks to support nurses under FtP ‘struggling’ to find employment

Summary of an article in Nursing Times, 14 April, 2021

NMCWatch, a group supporting healthcare professionals accused of misconduct, has launched an initiative in collaboration with employers to facilitate job opportunities for nurses and midwives undergoing Fitness to Practice (FtP) investigations.

The project aims to address the challenges faced by individuals under investigation who struggle to secure employment during the often prolonged investigation process. Founder Cathryn Watters explained that the initiative seeks to ensure that those who shouldn’t be practicing due to serious allegations are not employed, while individuals with minor allegations or those who deny them, and have no practice conditions, can still pursue employment during the investigation.

The project, launched last week, has garnered interest from over 10 employers, including Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Watters emphasized the goal of removing the fear associated with hiring individuals under investigation and providing support to help them regain confidence at work.

Directors of nursing are encouraged to contact NMCWatch to support nurses in joining their organizations.