After a renal/pancreas transplant and 17 years away from the workforce, Sheena Hutchison never imagined she would be setting foot in hospital again as a nurse.

However, she has now completed her "extra special journey", thanks to enrolment in Central Queensland University's Competence Assessment Service.

The CAS is a re-entry program designed to attract nurses back into the workforce.

Sheena said she was able to hold down a job in a special education unit five days a week, run a household and pass her CAS studies.

"At first the thought of study and essays was very daunting, especially for someone who had done no study since their hospital-based training days".

She is now employed in the Nursing Support Unit at Caboolture Hospital, where she completed her 'clinical prac'.

"This position allows me to increase my skills and knowledge in all areas of the hospital. I am having the time of my life.".

CQU's re-entry program is a distance-learning program designed to reach people in regional and rural areas, to help ease the national heath industry crisis.

The program is administered nationally and internationally by Central Queensland University (with Central Queensland Institute of TAFE and the Queensland Nursing Council).

Students throughout the State, in regional and remote areas, are able to quickly update their credentials after an extended absence from work and be immediately employed in an aged-care or long term care facility.

Coordinator for the Competence Assessment Service (CQU's re-entry program) Jenny Anastasi said there were hundreds of previously registered nurses throughout Queensland who want to come back to the workforce, but they were often deterred by the costs and red tape associated with re-entry.

The program consists of three theory modules and one clinical practice placement and assessment, with students taking an average of eight to nine months to complete. Alternatively, qualified applicants who pass assessment exams may not be required to enrol in all theory modules.

Clinical placements are arranged in existing health care facilities, in or near the town where the student lives. Students also have the opportunity to work as assistants in nursing while completing their studies.