The NMC is seeking views on a wholesale review of the standards that UK trained nurses will need to meet before they can work as a registered nurse, as part of a bid to reform pre-registration training.
The consultation also sets out proposals for a new education framework for nursing and midwifery education. The proposed framework details a range of new outcome focused standards for education institutions and practice placement partners.
‘We look forward to working with the NMC to further develop and implement these exciting new standards,’ said Dr Anne Corrin, Head of Professional Learning and Development, at the Royal College of Nursing.
The RCN have urged the NMC to increase the amount of assessed simulation in the training of nurses to 600 hours, up from 300. Additionally, the organisation has stated that formal mandatory training for the practice assessors is required, particularly the need for CPD funding to ensure the current workforce has the skills and knowledge to support learners; protected time for the practice supervisors and practice assessor roles; and a robust evaluation of early adopters of the new framework.
The RCN ran an online survey which received 7,380 responses to inform the submission. The responses were characterized by concerns on simulation in learning; supervision and assessment arrangements; pre-registration prescribing; and the ability to undertake nursing and clinical assessments.
‘They have the potential to ensure that nurse education responds to the changing population health needs and ensure that nurses continue to provide high standards of nursing care in the future,’ concluded Dr Corrin.
The consultation on proposed pre-registration education standards for the future nurse ran from 13 June until 12 September.