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Return to practice for nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses (SCPHNs)

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Is your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration out-of-date and you would like to return to practice?

Well it's easier than you think!

In order to maintain registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) nurses, midwives and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (SCPHNs) need to complete the NMC Revalidation Process. Revalidation is the process that all nurses and midwives in the UK need to follow to maintain their registration with the NMC.

Every three years in order to re-register/revalidate as live on the register for the next three years, those on the register have to demonstrate the following:

  • 450 practice hours, or 900 if renewing two registrations (for example as both a nurse and midwife)
  • 35 hours of CPD including 20 hours of participatory learning
  • Five pieces of practice-related feedback
  • Five written reflective accounts
  • Reflective discussion
  • Health and character declaration
  • Professional indemnity arrangement
  • Confirmation.

If you have not completed the above but would like to return to your profession you will need to complete the Return to Practice programme.

The revalidation process is explained in full on the NMC website Revalidation - The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC.org.uk). The return to practice programme is not intended to be used as a mechanism for individuals to achieve requirements of revalidation.

Do I need to undertake the return to practice programme?

For advice on your personal position please contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

How to Apply

This must be via the Health Board/Trust Manager. Agreement should be obtained by emailing HEIW.EdCommissioning@wales.nhs.uk  with the following information:

  • Name of returner
  • Name of Manager
  • Organisation they will be based at for the duration of their placement
  • Start and anticipated end date of placement
  • Whether the returner has previously either:
    • Received part of, or the full bursary award or
    • Received the full bursary award but their registration has now expired and they are no longer on the register.

What can I expect?

Individuals who are not currently working within healthcare:

  • Course fees paid
  • Flat-rate non-means tested bursary £3,000
  • Childcare costs (if eligible)
  • Support and mentorship.

Individuals who are currently employed as a support worker either within the NHS or Social Care within Wales:

  • Current salary, pro rata (up to agenda for change Band 4)
  • Childcare costs (if eligible)
  • Support and mentorship.

Where can I apply?

For further information about the universities that offer the programme in Wales, entry requirements and how to apply click on the following links:

Am I eligible to claim childcare costs?

Application for assistance with childcare costs, for returners who have secured NHS Wales funding, should be made directly by emailing the student awards service abm.sas@wales.nhs.uk with the following information:

  • Institution studying at
  • Start date of course
  • Home address
  • Contact telephone number
  • Student Awards Services will manage the process and liaise directly with the returner. Returners will be required to apply for childcare costs before the commencement of their course as childcare allowance cannot be claimed in arrears.

Useful links: