Revalidation is a big deal for nurses, midwives, confirmers and employers.  

All nurses and midwives in the UK have to revalidate with the MNC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) every 3 years to maintain their registration. It's not an assessment, but a continual process staff complete during their day-to-day shifts. There are loads of different elements involved – like 450 practice hours, reflective discussions, and 5 written accounts – so anything you can do to make revalidation go smoothly is a good idea.  

Here are our top 10 ways to make revalidation easy – well, easier.  

1. Read the requirements

Even if your revalidation date seems ages away, it's a good idea to start early. Take a look at the revalidation requirements so you know what to expect when the time comes.  

Employers – you probably have lots of staff to support, so doing quick quizzes is an efficient way to make sure they know their stuff. 

2. Learn the code

The revalidation requirements reflect the new Code, so make sure you know the Code off by heart. 

Confirmers – this goes for you too! Be the fountain of knowledge your mentees need you to be! 

3. Start on the ward   

Revalidation doesn't have to affect your work-life balance – lots of the requirements can be completed on the ward.  

4. Ask your peers 

Speak to your confirmer about their experience and see if they have any tips.  

Confirmers – make sure you're always happy to help and open to questions.  

5. Stay online

You have to submit your application online, so use an online portfolio too. It'll help you organise your work, monitor your progress and record accurate evidence.  

Employers – with an eportfolio, staff can record the whole process online, rather than in huge folders – saving you time, money and storage space. Using an eportfolio is also the best way to track staff progress and make sure confirmers are making correct judgements.  

6. Keep it fresh 

Schedule a time each month to work on your revalidation portfolio while it's fresh in your mind. It's a good idea to set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget.  

7. Charge your phone!

If you use an eportfolio with an app, you'll be able to work on your phone – so make sure it's charged! With an app you can work anytime, anywhere, on any device too – even on the ward.  

8. Work together

Your team members will be completing their revalidation, so work together. Your manager and confirmer can offer feedback too.  

Employers – with an eportfolio, managers can see how their staff are getting on and send feedback online.  

9. Find time for reflection 

You'll need to prepare 5 reflective accounts during the 3 years before your revalidation, so record them as you go along.  

Employers – reflective accounts don't have to be written down. Staff can record their feedback sessions or self evaluations and upload the audio files to their eportfolio. It's faster and more authentic than writing notes.  

10. Make the most of it

We've all heard the saying 'don't work harder, work smarter' – so follow it! Think about what day-to-day tasks can count towards your revalidation and record them. If you use video or audio recordings instead of writing notes, it won't take much time out of your day. 

Employers – the best thing you can do to support staff with their revalidation is use an eportfolio. OneFile's eportfolio supports every stage of the revalidation process. Nurses can upload photos, videos, audio recordings and written reports as evidence to support each of the 8 revalidation requirements, managers can track their progress and confirmers can access the portfolio to make informed decisions.  

To find out exactly how OneFile makes revalidation easy, download our free guide.