Returning to work. Part 1: making the transition back into the clinical workforce

There are many reasons why people take a break from clinical work, including parental or caring leave, sickness, sabbaticals, working overseas or pursuing a non‐clinical role. Supporting these vets and vet nurses in their return to work will ensure the transition is as successful as it can be for employee, employer and the wider team. Moreover, having clear support in place will also make returning to clinical work more appealing, enabling the profession to retain many more experienced clinicians. In this article – the first in a two‐part series – I discuss ways in which the returner can approach the return to work to maximise the chances of a successful transition and mitigate the challenges involved. Part 2 (to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice ) will explore the ways in which practices can support colleagues returning to the clinical workforce.