Revalidation, the new method for assessing nurses' professional practice, has begun.
According to the NMC around 60% of nurses due to revalidate in the first group have either started or completed their apllications. Furthermore nearly a quarter of nurses and midwives due to revalidate in May have already begun their applications.
“This is a momentous day for the NMC and our registrants. We hold the largest register of healthcare professionals in the UK and revalidation is the most significant regulatory change in our history. Of the thousands of nurses and midwives who have already gone through the system, many have told us they believe it will deliver real benefits in raising standards and protecting the public as well as improving their own professional practice.'said NMC chief executive and registrar Jackie Smith.
Nurses and midwives must provide evidence of 450 hours of practice, 35 hours of CPD, five pieces or practice-related feedback, five pieces of reflective accounts, reflective discussion and professional indemnity arrangements in order to demonstrate their professional competencies.
The NMC launched a revalidation microsite to help nurses with any concerns they might have around the process. The NMC also produced a short film that demonstrates the application process at each step. The NMC also encourages nurses to call them with any concerns that they might have.
Marcela, a practice nurse from a GP surgery, who was the first person to submit her revalidation application, described revalidation as 'the best thing that could have happened to nurses'. There has been generally positive feedback from nurses who have gone through the pilots. Other nurses have expressed concerns about the process, with some stating that they would rather retire than go through the process.
Jane Cummings, the chief nursing offider for England said: 'I encourage nurses and midwives to see revalidation as a positive opportunity to consider how they are making continuous improvements in the quality and safety of care, and to support ongoing development. Every day I see great examples of the difference our professions are making to so many, and how much this is appreciated. The revalidation exercise will enable us all to give this the thought and time it deserves. By preparing well, collecting and reflecting on evidence, nurses and midwives will see benefits for themselves, their colleagues and those we care for.'
The new model of revalidation was agreed at an NMC Council meeting in October 2015 after consultation with nurses and nursing organisations. The updated model aims to demonstrate principles outlined in the updated Code and fulfils a key recommendation from the Francis Report.