One size cannot fit all

Abstract

THE NURSING and Midwifery Council (NMC) has committed to a process of revalidation for registrants that it wants in place by the end of 2015. The NMC says this process is essential to enhance public protection. The details of the proposals are scarce, but the NMC suggests that revalidation could require third-party evidence. However, just how patients’ and employers’ views are to enrich the process remains to be determined (Keogh 2013). Children’s nurses will renew their registration every three years, declaring that they have practised for a minimum of 450 hours during this time and providing proof of 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD). What the NMC will regard as suitable CPD is open to speculation. However, an educational argument could be advanced about the quality of clinical hours, the validity and measurement of CPD activity as far as the extent and type of learning and professional progression involved. When an event is certified as being ‘attendance only’ there is no proof that any learning or development have taken place. The NMC is launching a public consultation in January, and it will be interesting to see what models are proposed. Logic would suggest that one size cannot fit all, for example how would independent consultant nurses, nurse managers, researchers and academics manage to attain the minimum number of practice hours? Academics do have an advantage that clinicians do not; they are, theoretically, up to date and they should be able to demonstrate currency with their publications and research outputs. This may be difficult for the staff nurse, part-time nurse, or agency nurse as the cost of attending educational events can be prohibitive. Concerns may be expressed that the revalidation process is being driven out of self-interest. With the process designed to function as a means to protect the NMC as an institution, as much as protect the public or serve the interests of the professionals.