Nurses may be becoming more understanding and forward-thinking as research into a year of revalidation indicates ‘attitude changes’ among the workforce.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced revalidation as a new renewal process for its register in April 2016, describing it as ‘one of the most significant changes to nursing and midwifery in a generation’.
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Research from Ipsos MORI suggests that nurses and midwives who have now been through the process are starting to look ahead, gather feedback and prepare for their next revalidation, perceiving its value to delivering safe, effective care.
NMC chief executive Jackie Smith said: ‘We knew that revalidation would only be successful if it was a process that worked for nurses and midwives. I am delighted that feedback received during the first year shows that revalidation may be having a positive impact on the practice of nurses and midwives as well as contributing to a change in behaviour.
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‘Early evidence suggests that revalidation is likely to contribute to bringing about a culture of reflection, sharing and good practice while also bringing the code to life for many. It’s truly encouraging to hear how nurses and midwives are looking ahead and preparing for their next revalidation. They are rightly seeing it as an ongoing process, rather than a point in time assessment.’
The NMC pledged to take feedback from nurses on board to help with further development of the new process.
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Figures from the first revalidation annual report show that 200,000 nurses and midwives successfully revalidated with the NMC in the first twelve months.
This means 92% of those due to revalidate have done so successfully. The NMC said there has been no adverse effect on the register due to revalidation, with the proportion of nurses and midwives allowing their registration to lapse in line with previous years.