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NMC revalidation data highlights diversity among NHS nurses and midwives

More than one third of nurses in the care home sector were trained outside the UK
Overseas nurses

Regulator’s figures show more than one third of nurses in the care home sector were trained outside the UK 


Picture: Charles Milligan

More than one third of nurses working in the care home sector were trained outside the UK, compared with just under one fifth of those working in the hospital sector, according to new data from the nursing regulator.

NMC data

In its third annual report on revalidation, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has shared data on the diversity of nurses and midwives and new information about where they work.

When analysing differences in ethnicity, the fields of adult and mental health nursing were found to be the most diverse, with agency staff also more ethnically diverse compared with those with direct employment.

Diversity by sector

The report also reveals:

  • In the care home sector, 39% of nurses and midwives reported being trained outside the UK, while in hospital or other secondary care settings it was 19% and in public health it was 20%.
  • Almost one quarter of jobs (22%) booked through an agency are done by people who trained outside the EU/EEA, compared with 10% of those in direct employment.
  • The least ethnically diverse work settings with the most white-British nursing and midwifery staff included school nursing (86%), the police and the military (both 84%).
  • The most ethnically diverse work settings for nursing and midwifery staff was the care home sector.

In the past year – from April 2018 to March 2019 – a total of 204,545 (94%) of nurses and midwives revalidated with the NMC, roughly in line with yearly figures since revalidation began in 2016.

Revalidation figures

RCN general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair said: 'Having been through the revalidation process myself, I can tell you how valuable a process it is for ensuring your skills and knowledge as a nurse are up to date, as well as giving you an opportunity to reflect on your development.'

NMC director of registration and revalidation Emma Broadbent said: 'The evidence shows that revalidation is really helping those on our register to reflect on their practice, as well as enhancing their professional pride and personal development.'

The figures also show that 611,462 nurses and midwives have revalidated between April 2016 and March 2019.

This accounts for 93% of those who were due to revalidate during this period.


Further information

Read the latest revalidation report


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