Nurses and midwives from the 19 pilot sites for revalidation have responded positively to the process, calling it desirable and realistic, as part of initial findings presented to the NMC's council.
The update states that of the 2739 nurses and midwives participating in the pilots, many spoke positively of the process, responding that participating in the process significantly reduced their concerns about revalidation. Many also said it was useful for nurses and midwives to build on their skills and the work that they do.
While some concern was raised that information provided by the NMC on revalidation could be overly long and complex, overall nurses and midwives responded that that information was clear and balanced.
Jackie Smith, chief executive of the NMC, said: 'There is a range of things that need ironing out and clarifying, and we will respond positively to this. We now know that nurses and midwives across practice settings have tested the revalidation model and they say it works.'
The pilots were launched in December 2014 in 19 sites across the four countries of the UK, and will run until October 2015, when the NMC will finalise the proposals for revalidation, which will then become a requirement for NMC registrants.
Julie Perry, a nurse who participated in one of the pilots in Newport, said: 'I was apprehensive initially but after attending a revalidation session I felt that I understood what I needed to do. I enjoyed the process, funny as that sounds. I enjoyed being organised and revisiting educational experiences to reflect upon. I think this has helped me and my manager see the real benefits of the learning I have undertaken.'