How to Write Reflective Accounts for NMC Revalidation: A Complete Guide
Understanding Reflective Accounts for NMC Revalidation
Writing reflective accounts is one of the most challenging aspects of NMC revalidation for many nurses and midwives. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what makes a good reflective account and provide practical tips to make the writing process easier.
What Are Reflective Accounts?
Reflective accounts are written pieces that demonstrate how you have reflected on your practice and continuing professional development (CPD). For NMC revalidation, you must submit five written reflective accounts, each of at least 250 words.
The NMC Requirements
Each reflective account must:
- Be based on an instance of your CPD or practice-related feedback
- Relate to the NMC Code
- Explain what you learnt and how you changed or improved your practice as a result
- Be at least 250 words in length
Choosing Topics for Your Reflective Accounts
The best reflective accounts come from real experiences that had a meaningful impact on your practice. Consider writing about:
Clinical Situations
- A challenging patient interaction that taught you something new
- A situation where you had to make a difficult clinical decision
- An incident where you advocated for a patient's needs
- A time when you identified and addressed a safety concern
Learning Experiences
- Training courses or workshops you attended
- New skills or procedures you learned
- Research or journal articles that changed your practice
- Feedback from colleagues, patients, or supervisors
Structuring Your Reflective Account
Using a reflective model helps structure your thoughts and ensures you cover all necessary elements. The most popular models for nursing reflection are:
Gibbs' Reflective Cycle
This six-stage model is widely used in nursing:
- Description: What happened?
- Feelings: What were you thinking and feeling?
- Evaluation: What was good and bad about the experience?
- Analysis: What sense can you make of the situation?
- Conclusion: What else could you have done?
- Action plan: What will you do differently next time?
Driscoll's Model (What? So What? Now What?)
This simpler three-stage model is perfect for shorter reflections:
- What? Describe the situation
- So what? Analyse what it means
- Now what? Explain how it will change your practice
Linking to the NMC Code
Every reflective account must relate to the NMC Code. When writing, explicitly reference which sections of the Code your reflection relates to.
Examples of Code Links
- Prioritise people (1-7): Reflections on patient-centred care, dignity, consent
- Practise effectively (8-15): Communication, teamwork, evidence-based practice
- Preserve safety (16-19): Risk management, safeguarding, raising concerns
- Promote professionalism and trust (20-25): Professional standards, accountability
Writing Tips for Effective Reflective Accounts
Do:
- Write in the first person (I, my, me)
- Be honest about challenges and areas for improvement
- Show how the experience changed your practice
- Use specific examples rather than general statements
- Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis
- Maintain patient confidentiality (never use real names or identifying details)
Don't:
- Simply describe what happened without reflection
- Write in overly academic or complex language
- Include identifiable patient information
- Focus only on positive experiences
- Forget to link to the NMC Code
- Leave it until the last minute
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being Too Descriptive
Many nurses spend too much time describing the situation and not enough time reflecting on it. Remember, the NMC wants to see your thinking process and how you've grown professionally.
Lack of Critical Analysis
Good reflection goes beyond "this was good" or "this was bad". Analyse why things happened, what influenced your decisions, and what alternative approaches you could have taken.
Missing the Action Plan
Always conclude with how the experience will change your future practice. This demonstrates professional growth and commitment to continuous improvement.
Example Reflective Account Structure
Here's a template you can follow:
Introduction (50 words): Briefly describe the situation and why you chose to reflect on it.
Description (75 words): Provide context and relevant details about what happened.
Analysis (100 words): Explore your thoughts, feelings, and the factors that influenced the situation. Link to relevant sections of the NMC Code.
Conclusion and Action Plan (75 words): Explain what you learned and how it will change your practice going forward.
Getting Started
If you're struggling to begin, try these strategies:
- Keep a reflective diary throughout your three-year revalidation period
- Write notes immediately after significant experiences
- Discuss potential topics with colleagues or your appraiser
- Review your CPD activities for inspiration
- Look at feedback you've received from patients or colleagues
How We Can Help
At Reflect & Revalidate, we provide templates, examples, and guidance to help you write compelling reflective accounts that meet NMC requirements. Our resources include:
- Reflective account templates based on proven models
- Real examples of successful reflective accounts
- Guidance on linking your reflections to the NMC Code
- Tips for maintaining patient confidentiality
- Support throughout your revalidation journey
Conclusion
Writing reflective accounts doesn't have to be daunting. By choosing meaningful experiences, using a structured approach, and linking clearly to the NMC Code, you can create reflective accounts that not only meet revalidation requirements but also genuinely enhance your professional development. Start early, write regularly, and remember that reflection is a skill that improves with practice.
Ready to master your reflective writing? Explore our comprehensive revalidation resources and templates designed specifically for UK nurses and midwives.