You may have heard about the NMC Revalidation scheme, what do you need to know about Nurses Revalidation.

The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) is the largest professional healthcare regulator in the world with 680,000 on their register - all are required to uphold the new Code of Professional Standards of practice and behaviours.

The NMC’s primary function is patient and public protection and it sets standards of education, conduct and performance for nurses and midwives.
The new Code, which was put in place on 31 March 2015  sets out the revised universal standards expected of nurses and midwives, which they must uphold every day in order to be registered to practise in the UK; it also builds on the existing foundation of good nursing and midwifery practice, reflecting current professional and public expectations of today’s professionals. Nurses revalidation will ensure these standards are met and nursing professionals are up to date with current expectations.

WHAT IS NEW IN THE CODE?
Duty of Candour – every healthcare professional must be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with their treatment or care which causes, or has the potential to cause harm or distress.
Social Media – the Code recognises the changing nature of communications and sets standards for acting responsibly, including the use of social media.
Fundamentals of Care - the Code sets standards of fundamental care and provides examples of what this includes such as nutrition, hydration and environmental cleanliness.

WHAT CHANGED IN THE CODE?
A greater emphasis on:
Compassionate Care – kindness, respect and compassion
Teamwork – work co-operatively
Record Keeping - six clear standards to support all record keeping
Delegation & Accountability – delegate responsibly, be accountable
Raising Concerns – this aligns the Code with the re-launched Raising Concerns Guidance (published in 2013)
Cooperating with investigations and audits – includes those against individuals or organisations and acting as a witness at hearings

There is One Code, Four themes:
Together they signify good nursing and midwifery practice.

WHY DID THE CODE UPDATE ?
As a responsible regulator, it is the NMC’s role to ensure their Code f professional standards of practice and behaviour remains relevant in today’s society.
The code was last updated in 2008 and, since that time, there has been environmental and social changes, which has an impact on the nursing and midwifery practice we provide.
It is important that the Code reflects the society we live in and work in today and changing roles, responsibilities and expectations of nurses and midwives.
It needs to:
• Align with other health regulatory processes across the UK
• Respond to high profile reports on the state of health and social care provision across the UK
• Acknowledge and regulate the changing and wider role of nurses and midwives in the UK