What is revalidation?

Revalidation has been recently introduced by the NMC as a process by which nurses and midwives ‘demonstrate that they practice safely’. Designed to replace the current PREP system and strengthen the current renewal process, its aim is to promote good practice amongst all nurses and midwives, encouraging patient safety across the board. It will encourage you to reflect on the role of the ‘Code’ in your practice and demonstrate that you are ‘living’ the standards set out within it.

Why is revalidation important?

Revalidation exists to improve public protection by guaranteeing individuals are continuously fit to practise. It sets out guidelines and requirements that a nurse or midwife must abide by to maintain professional registration throughout their career.

When will I need to revalidate?

You will be required to complete your revalidation when you are due to renew your registration with the NMC. The first group of nurses and midwives that were required to go through revalidation were those due for renewal in April 2016.

What do I need to do?

First and foremost, you need to register online with the NMC. Although your revalidation may not be for a while, it is best to start putting your file together as early as possible so that you are fully prepared. Once logged on, you will be able to find out your revalidation date.

Each year you will have an appraisal with a senior nurse who will assess your competencies, approach to practice and your ability to demonstrate an understanding of the NMC Code. During each appraisal, you will build a development plan together to help guide you through the following year, enhancing your strengths and working on areas for improvement. This appraisal process is known as ‘Obtaining Confirmation’ (of your ability to practice safely and effectively).

Every three years you will be required to apply for revalidation. You must demonstrate that you have ‘Obtained Confirmation’ in order to qualify, so it is important that you are appraised each year. You will also be required to have a nurse or senior manager (‘The Confirmer’) complete a declaration to show you have worked in line with the NMC code of conduct. The NMC will then validate your declarations before your revalidation is approved.

In order to revalidate, you will need the following supportive evidence:

• 450 practice hours, over the three years prior to the renewal of your registration
• 35 hours of continuing professional development which must be relevant to your practice as a nurse, 20 hours must be through participatory learning
• Five pieces of practice-related feedback
• Five written reflective accounts
• Reflective discussion – completed with an NMC registered nurse
• Health and character declaration, declaring if you have been convicted of any criminal offence or issued with a formal caution
• Professional indemnity arrangement
• Form signed by a confirmer – an appropriate third party confirmer is your line manager

As one of our valued locums, Synergy Medical is here to guide you through revalidation. If you have any queries, please contact your Recruitment Consultant, who, along with our Nurse Adviser is on hand to support you throughout the process.

You can also visit the NMC website.

To hear more about how we can help you call us today on 0203 815 9020, or email us on [email protected]