The History of NMC Revalidation: How It All Began
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The Introduction of NMC Revalidation
In April 2016, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced a significant change to how nurses and midwives maintain their professional registration in the United Kingdom. This new process, known as revalidation, replaced the previous PREP (Post-Registration Education and Practice) requirements that had been in place for over two decades.
Why Was Revalidation Introduced?
The decision to introduce revalidation came after extensive consultation and was driven by several key factors:
- Public Protection: Following high-profile cases in healthcare, there was a recognised need for stronger professional standards and accountability
- Professional Development: The NMC wanted to encourage continuous learning and reflection throughout a nurse or midwife's career
- International Standards: Aligning with revalidation processes used by other healthcare regulators, including the General Medical Council (GMC) for doctors
The Development Process
The journey to revalidation began in 2012 when the NMC started consulting with nurses, midwives, employers, and the public. Over four years of development, the NMC:
- Conducted extensive pilot programmes across various healthcare settings
- Gathered feedback from thousands of healthcare professionals
- Refined the requirements to ensure they were practical and meaningful
- Developed comprehensive guidance and support materials
What Changed?
Revalidation introduced several new requirements that went beyond the previous PREP standards:
- 450 hours of registered practice over three years
- 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Five written reflective accounts
- Five pieces of practice-related feedback
- A reflective discussion with a confirmer
- Professional indemnity arrangement confirmation
The Impact Today
Since its introduction, revalidation has become an integral part of professional nursing and midwifery practice in the UK. It has helped to:
- Strengthen public confidence in the nursing and midwifery professions
- Encourage meaningful reflection on practice
- Promote a culture of continuous professional development
- Ensure practitioners remain fit to practise throughout their careers
Understanding the origins of NMC revalidation helps healthcare professionals appreciate its importance and engage more meaningfully with the process. At Reflect & Revalidate, we're here to support you through every step of your revalidation journey.