10 ways to prepare for revalidation
Revalidation is a new process that all nurses, midwives and nursing associates need to go through, in order to complete their registration with the NMC.
This process might seem daunting, but there are things that you can do to prepare:
1) Sign up to NMC Online and check your renewal date
Use NMC Online to manage your registration. Set up a free account and check your renewal date (the date when you will be revalidating).
The NMC will notify you at least 60 days before your application for revalidation is due. You then have 60 days to log in to NMC Online and complete the application process.
2) Find out the requirements
It’s important to start thinking about revalidation now, even if your revalidation date seems a long time in the future. This includes being aware of all the revalidation requirements such as minimum hours of CPD and indemnity cover.
3) Know the Code
The NMC Code lists the professional standards that all registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates must uphold.
You will be revalidating against the new NMC Code, so it’s important you are familiar with its contents.
4) Think about feedback
In order to revalidate you will need five pieces of practice-related feedback. Make sure you keep a note of any feedback that you, your team or organisation have received in the past three years or since you joined the register.
Remember - feedback may not always be positive, but it can all be used to reflect on your practice during revalidation.
5) Find time for reflection
You will need to prepare at least five written reflections over the three years prior to your revalidation. Reflecting on your practice will help you to identify changes or improvements to your practice as a result of what you have learnt.
6) Start collecting evidence
You may already have a portfolio with information about the training or courses you have completed in the last three years. If not - start collecting and storing your evidence now and make sure it’s saved in a safe place.
Your portfolio can be paper-based, stored on a computer or online in a digital format.
7) Speak to colleagues
Speak to people at work about gaps in your development and areas that you can improve. Also, take time to discuss development issues with your manager, so that you can address these as soon as possible.
8) Identify a confirmer
To revalidate, you must have your application confirmed by an appropriate person. This might be your line manager, another NMC registrant, another health care professional, or another person from the recognised list issued by the NMC. Take time to think about who this might be.
9) Keep up to date
Find regular time, at least once a month, to make a note of what you’ve been doing while it’s still fresh in your mind. Set up a reminder in your phone, calendar, or include it as a regular topic in team meetings.
10) Find support
The RCN has information to support members through revalidation.
The NMC’s revalidation website has further information, including case studies, films, templates and guidance on how to revalidate with the NMC.
Use NMC Online to manage your registration. Set up a free account and check your renewal date (the date when you will be revalidating).
The NMC will notify you at least 60 days before your application for revalidation is due. You then have 60 days to log in to NMC Online and complete the application process.
2) Find out the requirements
It’s important to start thinking about revalidation now, even if your revalidation date seems a long time in the future. This includes being aware of all the revalidation requirements such as minimum hours of CPD and indemnity cover.
3) Know the Code
The NMC Code lists the professional standards that all registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates must uphold.
You will be revalidating against the new NMC Code, so it’s important you are familiar with its contents.
4) Think about feedback
In order to revalidate you will need five pieces of practice-related feedback. Make sure you keep a note of any feedback that you, your team or organisation have received in the past three years or since you joined the register.
Remember - feedback may not always be positive, but it can all be used to reflect on your practice during revalidation.
5) Find time for reflection
You will need to prepare at least five written reflections over the three years prior to your revalidation. Reflecting on your practice will help you to identify changes or improvements to your practice as a result of what you have learnt.
6) Start collecting evidence
You may already have a portfolio with information about the training or courses you have completed in the last three years. If not - start collecting and storing your evidence now and make sure it’s saved in a safe place.
Your portfolio can be paper-based, stored on a computer or online in a digital format.
7) Speak to colleagues
Speak to people at work about gaps in your development and areas that you can improve. Also, take time to discuss development issues with your manager, so that you can address these as soon as possible.
8) Identify a confirmer
To revalidate, you must have your application confirmed by an appropriate person. This might be your line manager, another NMC registrant, another health care professional, or another person from the recognised list issued by the NMC. Take time to think about who this might be.
9) Keep up to date
Find regular time, at least once a month, to make a note of what you’ve been doing while it’s still fresh in your mind. Set up a reminder in your phone, calendar, or include it as a regular topic in team meetings.
10) Find support
The RCN has information to support members through revalidation.
The NMC’s revalidation website has further information, including case studies, films, templates and guidance on how to revalidate with the NMC.
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