As a nursing associate, you play a crucial role in delivering compassionate, quality care to patients every day. But did you know that revalidation is one of the key ways to keep that care top-notch? Revalidating as a nursing associate isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about honing your skills, enhancing patient trust, and staying at the forefront of best practices in healthcare. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about revalidation, from why it matters to how to succeed with confidence.
Revalidation is a process led by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) that ensures nursing associates continue to meet professional standards. By going through revalidation every three years, you’re not only showing your commitment to safe, effective care but also investing in your professional growth. It’s a powerful way to boost confidence in your role, support patient safety, and adapt to ever-evolving practices.
If you’re a registered nursing associate, revalidation will come up every three years. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
You need to complete at least 450 practice hours over three years. It's essential to keep a detailed log of these hours. If you haven't met the required hours, you must successfully complete an approved return to practice program or a Test of Competence before submitting your application for renewal of registration.
You are required to complete a minimum of 35 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with at least 20 hours involving participatory learning. CPD activities may include attending workshops, conferences, or online courses relevant to your practice. It's essential to keep accurate records of your CPD, which must include the following:
Gathering feedback from patients, colleagues, and other professionals is essential for identifying areas where you can enhance your practice. Reflecting on this feedback fosters professional growth and development. You need to have collected five pieces of practice-related feedback within the three years since your last registration renewal or since you joined the register.
You need to write five reflections on your practice, focussing on the insights gained from your CPD activities or feedback received. These reflections should illustrate how you've applied your learning to enhance patient care and how they align with the NMC code.
You must engage in at least one reflective discussion with another NMC-registrant. During this discussion, cover your five written reflections on CPD, practice-related feedback, or significant experiences in your practice and their relation to the Code. Ensure that the NMC registrant you discuss with signs the approved form, which should include their name, NMC PIN, email, professional address, postcode, and the date of the discussion. This discussion validates your reflections and promotes peer support.
As part of the revalidation process, you must confirm that you are in good health and of good character, ensuring you are fit to practice. You need to declare if you have been charged or convicted of any criminal offence (including a conditional discharge) or if you have received a formal caution.
You must also disclose if you have been subject to any adverse findings that your fitness to practice is impaired by a professional or regulatory body (including those responsible for regulating or licensing a health and social care profession).
You are legally required to have a professional indemnity arrangement in place to practice. You must confirm that you have, or will have, suitable cover under an indemnity arrangement, ensuring you are protected while practicing.
You will need to confirm that you have shown an appropriate confirmer that you have met the revalidation requirements. This involves providing the name, NMC PIN (or other relevant professional identification number), email address, professional address, and postcode of the confirmer. The confirmer’s role is crucial as they review the evidence you have gathered and verify that you have fulfilled the revalidation criteria.
Let’s simplify the revalidation process into three key steps:
Revalidation may feel overwhelming at first, but you’re not alone! Here are some common challenges nursing associates face, along with ways to overcome them:
Revalidation isn’t just another requirement—it’s a golden opportunity to grow in your role. Here’s how it benefits you:
Revalidating as a nursing associate is a rewarding process that underscores your commitment to delivering excellent care. By dedicating time to learning, reflection, and skill development, you’re not just meeting a requirement—you’re investing in a brighter future for yourself and your patients. Start planning your revalidation journey today, and remember, every step you take strengthens both your practice and the healthcare community as a whole.
Ready to explore the rewarding opportunities ahead? Take the first step today by registering with Verovian Nursing Agency. Let us help you advance your healthcare career!
Revalidation is a crucial process for nurses, ensuring that their skills, knowledge, and professional standards remain current and in line with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements. Whether you're a newly qualified nurse or a seasoned professional, understanding the revalidation process is essential to maintaining your registration and continuing your career in nursing.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about revalidation, from the steps involved to practical tips that will help you navigate the process with confidence.
Revalidation is a mandatory process for all nurses and midwives registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Introduced in 2016, it aims to enhance public protection, promote good practice, and uphold professional standards. Every three years, you must complete revalidation to renew your NMC registration.
This process encourages you to reflect on the NMC Code in your practice and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining these standards.
Revalidation is built on several core components, each essential for maintaining your registration:
You need to complete at least 450 practice hours over three years (or 900 hours if you're registered as both a nurse and a midwife). It's essential to keep a detailed log of these hours. If you haven't met the required hours, you must successfully complete an approved return to practice programme or a Test of Competence before submitting your application for renewal of registration.
You are required to complete a minimum of 35 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with at least 20 hours involving participatory learning. CPD activities may include attending workshops, conferences, or online courses relevant to your practice. It's essential to keep accurate records of your CPD, which must include the following:
Gathering feedback from patients, colleagues, and other professionals is essential for identifying areas where you can enhance your practice. Reflecting on this feedback fosters professional growth and development. You need to have collected five pieces of practice-related feedback within the three years since your last registration renewal or since you joined the register.
You need to write five reflections on your practice, focussing on the insights gained from your CPD activities or feedback received. These reflections should illustrate how you've applied your learning to enhance patient care and how they align with the NMC code.
You must engage in at least one reflective discussion with another NMC-registered nurse or midwife. During this discussion, cover your five written reflections on CPD, practice-related feedback, or significant experiences in your practice and their relation to the Code. Ensure that the NMC registrant you discuss with signs the approved form, which should include their name, NMC PIN, email, professional address, postcode, and the date of the discussion. This discussion validates your reflections and promotes peer support.
As part of the revalidation process, you must confirm that you are in good health and of good character, ensuring you are fit to practice. You need to declare if you have been charged or convicted of any criminal offence (including a conditional discharge) or if you have received a formal caution.
You must also disclose if you have been subject to any adverse findings that your fitness to practice is impaired by a professional or regulatory body (including those responsible for regulating or licensing a health and social care profession).
You are legally required to have a professional indemnity arrangement in place to practice. You must confirm that you have, or will have, suitable cover under an indemnity arrangement, ensuring you are protected while practicing.
You will need to confirm that you have shown an appropriate confirmer that you have met the revalidation requirements. This involves providing the name, NMC PIN (or other relevant professional identification number), email address, professional address, and postcode of the confirmer. The confirmer’s role is crucial as they review the evidence you have gathered and verify that you have fulfilled the revalidation criteria.
Navigating the validation process can feel daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable:
While revalidation is an essential process, it can come with challenges.
To make revalidation less stressful:
Revalidation is a vital part of your nursing career, ensuring that you continue to provide the best possible care to your patients. By starting the process early and staying organised, you can navigate revalidation with confidence and ease. Embrace the opportunity to reflect on your practice, learn from your experiences, and continue growing as a healthcare professional.
Ready to explore the rewarding opportunities ahead as a nurse? Take the first step today by registering with Verovian Nursing Agency. Let us help you advance your healthcare career!
