Take a deep breath!!!

In all of the revalidation sessions that the team here in Education and Development have delivered, the overwhelming sense of relief once nurses know what is required, is obvious. Many have been so concerned that the process is difficult but once it has been broken down it is clear that whilst requirements are a little different to PREP, the additions simply build on what we are doing already.

Firstly, read the 'How to revalidate guide' from the NMC. It does honestly help. If you have attended Trust training days you will have already been given this.

Contrary to popular belief you do not have to have an online portfolio or 'e-potfolio'. You can continue to use your own PREP portfolio if you wish, but we advise that you utilise the templates that the NMC provide. And if you have undertaken the Revalidation Day with us you can use the folder and dividers that we gave you. This really ensures that you gather detail in a logical order making it straight forward for you and your confirmer.  If you do decide to use an e-portfolio the NMC provide some important e-portfolio guidelines in relation to this and should be read if you chose to use one.

A few things that are essential before you start gathering the evidence for your revalidation:

1. Establish your revalidation date. This is easy to do by just searching the NMC Register with your PIN Number, First Name and Surname. Follow this link

2. Ensure that you have set up an online account with the NMC. This is easy to do- just follow this link

3. Set up a direct debit payment with the NMC, this is also easy to do and will you give reassurance that you won't miss a payment. The NMC have also added a facility to stagger your yearly payments option. Just follow this link

4. Remember your online revalidation portal will open 60 days prior to the date for revalidation which will the 1st of the month in which you normally renew. For example if your renewal date was previously 30th April, your new revalidation date will be April 1st. In the 60 days prior to the 1st of the month you will be able to go in and out of the form as many times as you need- Updates will be saved.

5. Ensure that you take time to read the BCHC Trust Policy for Nurse Revalidation. This can be found on the Trust intranet site so you'll need to access this via a Trust computer. It clarifies your responsibilities in relation to the process and also outlines the role that the Trust will play in supporting you. It also clarifies your position should you fail to revalidate on time; this has changed with the new system of Revalidation. 

Now you can get started; collating and gathering the information that you will need.