5 Reasons Why Nurses Are Choosing Independent NMC Confirmers in 2025

The Changing Landscape of NMC Revalidation

The way nurses and midwives approach NMC revalidation is evolving. While workplace confirmers have traditionally been the go-to option, an increasing number of healthcare professionals are turning to independent confirmer services. Here's why this shift is happening and what it means for your revalidation journey.

1. Workplace Pressures Are Making Internal Confirmation Difficult

The NHS and healthcare sector are facing unprecedented staffing challenges. Your line manager might be juggling multiple responsibilities, covering shifts, and dealing with their own workload pressures. Finding time for a thorough confirmation meeting can become another task on an already overwhelming to-do list.

The Reality for Many Nurses

We've heard from countless nurses who've experienced:

• Confirmation meetings being cancelled or postponed multiple times
• Rushed 15-minute discussions instead of proper reflective conversations
• Managers who haven't kept up with the latest NMC revalidation requirements
• Feeling like they're adding to their manager's burden by requesting confirmation

An independent confirmer is dedicated to your revalidation. It's their job, not an additional task squeezed into an already packed schedule.

2. Career Transitions and Non-Traditional Roles

The modern nursing career is rarely linear. You might be:

• Working as a locum or agency nurse across multiple trusts
• Transitioning between roles or taking a career break
• Working in private practice, aesthetics, or occupational health
• Running your own nursing business or consultancy
• Working abroad or in non-clinical roles
• On maternity leave or returning to practice

In these situations, finding an appropriate workplace confirmer can be challenging or impossible. Independent confirmer services are specifically designed to support nurses in diverse practice settings.

Real Story: Sarah's Experience

"I left my hospital job to work in aesthetic nursing. When my revalidation came up, I didn't have a traditional line manager anymore. Finding an independent confirmer was a lifesaver – they understood my new practice context and helped me reflect on my professional development in a meaningful way." - Sarah, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

3. Objectivity and Professional Distance

There's something valuable about discussing your practice with someone who isn't your direct supervisor. An independent confirmer provides:

A Safe Space for Honest Reflection

Your reflective discussion should be a genuine opportunity for professional growth, not a performance review. With an independent confirmer, you can:

• Discuss challenges and learning experiences openly
• Reflect on difficult situations without workplace politics
• Explore areas for development without fear of judgment
• Have honest conversations about your career direction

Fresh Perspectives

An independent confirmer brings insights from working with nurses across different specialties and settings. They can offer perspectives and ideas you might not encounter within your own workplace bubble.

4. Expertise in the Revalidation Process

Revalidation is what independent confirmers do, day in and day out. This specialization means:

Up-to-Date Knowledge

They stay current with NMC guidance, common pitfalls, and best practices. While your workplace manager might confirm one or two nurses per year, independent confirmers work with dozens, giving them deep expertise in what makes a strong revalidation portfolio.

Quality Assurance

Professional confirmer services have systems in place to ensure:

• All NMC requirements are thoroughly checked
• Your evidence is robust and well-documented
• Your reflective accounts meet the required standards
• Nothing is missed or overlooked

Support Beyond Confirmation

Many independent services offer additional support like portfolio reviews, CPD planning, and guidance on reflective writing – helping you build stronger evidence throughout your three-year cycle, not just at the end.

5. Convenience and Flexibility

Healthcare professionals work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, and nights. Independent confirmer services are designed around your schedule, not office hours.

Flexible Appointment Options

• Evening and weekend confirmation meetings
• Virtual meetings via video call – no travel required
• Appointments booked at your convenience, not squeezed between clinical duties
• Dedicated time slots where you're the priority

Streamlined Process

Professional services often provide:

• Online booking systems
• Digital portfolio submission and review
• Clear checklists and templates
• Email support for questions between meetings
• Reminders and timeline guidance

What to Look for in an Independent NMC Confirmer Service

If you're considering using an independent confirmer, here's what to check:

Qualifications and Experience

• Current NMC registration (always verify on the NMC register)
• Experience in confirmation and revalidation support
• Understanding of diverse practice contexts
• Professional indemnity insurance

Service Quality

• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Transparent process and timeline
• Good communication and responsiveness
• Positive reviews or testimonials from other nurses
• Comprehensive support, not just a tick-box exercise

Personal Fit

Your confirmer should be someone you feel comfortable talking to about your practice. Look for services that offer an initial consultation or the opportunity to ask questions before committing.

The Investment in Your Professional Future

While workplace confirmation is typically free, independent confirmer services charge a fee. However, many nurses find this investment worthwhile when they consider:

• The peace of mind that comes with expert guidance
• Time saved through efficient, focused support
• The quality of professional development gained
• Avoiding the stress of last-minute revalidation panic
• The risk of registration lapse if workplace confirmation falls through

Your NMC registration is your professional license to practice. Ensuring it's maintained properly is one of the most important investments you can make in your career.

Making the Right Choice for Your Revalidation

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should use a workplace or independent confirmer. The right choice depends on your individual circumstances, work situation, and what you need from the revalidation process.

However, if you're experiencing any of the challenges mentioned above – workplace pressures, career transitions, desire for objectivity, need for expertise, or scheduling difficulties – an independent confirmer service might be exactly what you need to make your revalidation smooth, stress-free, and genuinely valuable for your professional development.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you're approaching your revalidation deadline or planning ahead for your next cycle, it's worth considering all your options. Independent confirmer services exist to support nurses and midwives who need flexible, expert, and dedicated revalidation support.

Don't let revalidation become a source of stress. With the right support, it can be a positive opportunity to reflect on your achievements, plan your professional development, and move forward in your nursing career with confidence.

Questions about independent confirmation? Get in touch to learn how our confirmer services can support your unique revalidation needs.