Revalidation process is statutory and every nursing associate, nurses, and midwives has to through it as a means to complete their NMC registration.
The nmc revalidation’s steps could be time taking and daunting, but it is definitely worth it. All that is needed is some preparation ahead. If you wish to know how to prepare for it, then this blog is right for you.
10 steps to a successful revalidation process
1. An initial research that goes a long way
Download a copy on how to revalidate from the NMC website. This can be your starting point!
2. Check your code
The next step is to register on the NMC website and check your NMC code and its renewal date. This date will be the date when you will be revalidating next. You could even take a print of your NMC Code for easy reference.
Note: Usually the NMC will intimate 60 days prior to your application for revalidations due date. Within which you are expected to log into the NMC Online and complete your application process.
3. Learn the requirements
The next step is to scrutinize the revalidation requirements, which includes the CPD hours and indemnity cover. This will give you a head start to your revalidation preparation.
4. Understand the code
The next crucial thing to invest time is in the NMC Code, which catalogs the professional standards that all registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates must endorse.
Since you will be able to revalidate against the new NMC Code, it is necessary to familiarise its contents.
5. Time to decide on your form of submission. Paper or Computerized record?
If it is on paper, you will have to grab a folder with plastic pockets or index dividers.
Now name the divider tabs into the following;
- Practice hours, CPD, Reflective logs, Professional Discussion, and Confirmation.
- Print off the templates from the NMC website for the practice hours, CPD, Reflective logs, Professional Discussion, Confirmation and put them in the correct sections of the portfolio folder.
- Get the front page of your folder ready: Design your Name, PIN number, work based or professional address, work based telephone number.
If it is on Computer, you will have to set up a separate folder on the desktop, titled “Revalidation Portfolio”. Also focus on the following;
- Create a set of sub folders for practice hours, CPD, reflective logs, professional discussion and confirmation.
- You will also have to download templates from the NMC website indicating your practice hours, CPD, reflective logs, discussion, and confirmation. Place the relevant foles into the specific portfolio folders.
- Design a front page with name, PIN number, professional address or work based telephone number. Add this document into your main revalidation folder.
6.Gather practice evidence to show 450 hours of professional development practice
This should be your next area of concern. It should include both direct and indirect patient care.
The indirect patient care can either be management, education, teaching, policy development, research etc.,
A clue for you here is to start with the present day and move backwards till you reach the 450 hours and then stop.
The 450 hours split up equates to: 7.5 hour days = 60 days of work required (450 hours) / 12 hour days = 38 days of work required (450 hours)
Record the data gathered in the NMC template provided, which includes
- The date worked
- Name or the organization
- Type of organization
- Scope of practice
- Number of hours worked
- Registration type and
- Brief description of work undertaken.
The evidence you collect can either be timesheets, payslips, electronic staff record data, off duty.
Note: If it is paper, file all of them after photocopying. If it is electronic, scan the relevant documents and put them into a folder titled “Practice Hours” folder.
Once you have collated 450 hours of practice, your portfolio is all set up.
7.Time to think about the feedback
To prepare for revalidation, you need practice-related feedback. Gather five of them which includes you, your team or your organization that you have obtained over the past three years.
It could be your
- PADR
- inspection report
- complaint
- compliment
- incident report
- audit etc
You will have to start writing your reflective accounts using the template downloaded from the NMC website. Make sure to give a brief account of the nature of the activity, what you learnt from it, detail on how it changed your practice and link the activity to the code outlining the particular part(s) of the chapter(s) in your reflection.
Note: Your practice-related feedback need not always be positive. They are fundamentally used to ruminate on your practice during the revalidation process.
8.Invest time for reflection and improve
After preparing for the feedback, it is now time to “reflect” on them. This activity helps you to deep delve into your good practice, identify gaps and make improvements based on your learning. You can talk with your colleagues about the reflective discussion. Alternatively, you can also invest time to discuss any development issues you have had with your manager, and try to address it as soon as possible.
9.Time to decide on your indemnity insurance
The professional indemnity insurance should be your next concern. This should be provided by the Health Board. Start thinking about your character and Health declarations in it.
10.Spot a confirmer
In order to be revalidated, you need to have a confirmer who confirms your application. He has to be a trustworthy person and preferably a health care professional, line manager, a fellow NMC registrant, or another person from the recognised list issued by the NMC. So decide on who this is going to be.
Stay geared and up to date
Your job is busy, we know, but fitting this process into your regular routine can be taxing, but make sure you are motivated to stay on track with confidence and what you are doing is still up in your mind. Some ways by which you can do this is by setting up reminders in your phone or calendar, or talking about it regularly in your everyday conversations or in team meetings.
Get support from JP Medicals Recruitment for your revalidation!
If you need assistance, go through information provided in one of our blogs. Alternatively, JP Medicals Recruitment also offers end-to-end revalidation support for nurses/midwives going through the revalidation process. We offer you constant guidance and support you throughout your journey. Contact us now!
