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.

What is the NMC Revalidation?

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 Requirements for Nurses

Revalidation is built on several core components, each essential for maintaining your registration:

Practice Hours

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.

Continuing Professionals Development

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:

• the CPD method
• a description of the topic and how it relates to your practice
• the dates on which the activity was undertaken
• the number of hours (including the number of participatory hours)
• the identification of the part of the Code most relevant to the activity
• evidence that you undertook the CPD activity.

Practice-related feedback

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.

Written Reflection

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.

Reflective Discussion

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.

Health and Character Declaration

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).

Professional Indemnity Arrangement

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.

Confirmation

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. 

The Revalidation Process Step-by-Step

Navigating the validation process can feel daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable:

• Step 1: Preparation: Start by gathering all necessary evidence and documentation well in advance. This includes records of your practice hours, CPD activities, feedback, and written reflections.
• Step 2: Online Application Log into NMC Online to check your revalidation date. A reminder will be sent to you 60 days before your application is due. Once notified, you can submit your application. There is no cost for revalidating with the NMC; the annual fee covers your ongoing registration and all other services.
• Step 3: Confirmation: Once your application is received and your payment is confirmed, you will get an email that your registration has been renewed. This can take up to two days. 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While revalidation is an essential process, it can come with challenges.

• Time Management: Balancing practice hours and CPD can be difficult. Create a plan and stick to it to ensure you meet all the requirements without rushing at the last minute.
• Finding Opportunities for Professional Discussions: Engage with your colleagues and make use of professional networks to facilitate these important conversations.
• Staying Organised: Keep a portfolio that includes all your documentation, such as certificates from CPD activities and records of practice hours. This will make the validation process smoother.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Revalidation

To make revalidation less stressful:

• Keep an Ongoing Portfolio: Don’t wait until the last minute to compile your documentation. Update your portfolio regularly to stay on top of your records.
• Use NMC Resources: The NMC provides templates and guidance documents to help you through the revalidation process. Utilise these tools to ensure you’re on the right track.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mentor, supervisor, or colleagues for support and guidance throughout the process.

Conclusion

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!