Revalidation: more than 700 registrants have already submitted applications

More than 700 nurses and midwives have submitted applications to revalidate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, ahead of the system's April launch.

Around 2,500 nurses and midwives have begun the revalidation process, the NMC revealed. 

These registrants represent more than 15% of the first batch due to complete the process, which replaces the PREP – post-registration education and practice – system.

Nurses must fulfill a number of requirements, including completing a minimum of 35 hours' continuing professional development every three years, and having a reflective discussion with a fellow registrant. 

All 685,000 nurses on the UK register will have to go through revalidation at some time in the next three years. The NMC said more than 80% of its registrants have now signed up for an NMC Online account, which is required to complete revalidation.

A practice nurse called Marcela, who also works weekends as a band 5 emergency nurse, is the first nurse to complete revalidation, the NMC said.

In a case study on NMC Revalidation website, the nurse states: ‘I am from a different country so when something new comes up it's important to get it right, especially with the language – we might understand it differently.

‘Before, I just had all my certificates and reflections together and hoped for the best. But now, with the guidance and templates, I understand clearly what is needed.’

Marcela carried out her reflective discussion with a nurse from another practice and received third-party confirmation of having completed the revalidation requirements from her line manager.

Visit NMC Revalidation here