Completing a revalidation
How do I write a revalidation application?
Putting together a revalidation application as a UK nurse can be a daunting process. It is essential to understand the complexity of this task, research the process thoroughly and ensure that you have all relevant information to hand.
Firstly, it is important to understand what revalidation entails and why it is important. A revalidation is a requirement for Nurses and other healthcare professionals who are Registered with a professional regularity body within the UK such as the General Medical Council (GMC) or the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The revalidation process ensures that healthcare professional are up-to-date with the latest practices and have the relevant skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care to their future patients. This can instill confidence in patients, their families and other healthcare professionals that the nurse is provided the best possible care.
For nurses, in order to revalidate, you will need to create an online account with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Once this is done, you should schedule your revalidation date, which is typically the first day of the month that your registration is set to expire. If you are already registered with the NMC, you will receive a reminder notification 60 days before your revalidation is due.
The NMC has streamlined the revalidation process, but it is advisable to maintain a portfolio of evidence of your practice learning, feedback, and conversations during the three years leading up to your revalidation. This will make it easier to complete your revalidation application and speed up the confirmation process.
Writing a revalidation application typically involves several steps and should be done in a clear and organised manner. Here are some general guidelines for writing a revalidation application:
- Review the requirements: Review the specific requirements for revalidation set out by the regulatory body (NMC) to ensure that you have met all of the necessary criteria.
- Gather documentation: Compile all of the necessary documents such as your continuing professional development (CPD) certificates, reflective accounts, and confirmation of practice from a Confirming Officer.
- Organise the information: Arrange the information in a logical and easy-to-follow format, such as dividing it into sections for CPD, reflective accounts, confirmation of practice, and any other relevant information.
- Write a clear and concise narrative: Write a clear and concise narrative that explains how your CPD has contributed to your professional development and how it has improved your practice. Be sure to include specific examples and reflect on the impact of your learning on your practice and patient care.
- Proofread and edit: Proofread and edit your application for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors before submitting it.
- Submit the application: Submit the application online via the NMC online system before the deadline.
It’s important to note that the above steps are general guidelines and you should follow the specific instructions provided by the regulatory body regarding the format of the application and the required documentation.
When you write your reflective accounts, ensure they show how you have met the NMC’s standards for revalidation. Reflect on your practice and the impact it has on your patients, and how the CPD activities have improved your knowledge and skills. Also include any challenges that you have encountered and how you have addressed them. Be honest and transparent in your reflective accounts, and remember to keep them up-to-date.
When writing your confirmation of practice, ensure that you include evidence of the practice you have been undertaking and how it has been safe and effective. You should also include the Confirming Officer’s name, professional registration number and contact details.
When writing your health and character declaration, be honest about any health or character issues that may affect your ability to practice safely and effectively.
Finally, make sure you pay the NMC revalidation fee and submit your application before the deadline.