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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Is your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration out-of-date and you would like to return to practice?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 SCPHNs now need to complete the NMC Revalidation Process.

Revalidation is the new process that all nurses and midwives in the UK need to follow to maintain their registration with the NMC. The revalidation process is explained in full on the NMC website.

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 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.

It does not matter how long you have been out of the profession, the return to practice programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to return to practice confidently.

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

If funding is sought, the returner must obtain agreement from NWSSP Workforce, Education and Development Services (WEDS) before commencing their updating activities. This can be either via the individual returner wishing to return or via the Health Board/Trust Manager. To obtain permission please email nwssp.wedsedcommissioning@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

What can I expect?

If you are accepted on to a return to practice course you can expect:

  • Course fees paid
  • A bursary (£1000 for nursing and health visiting/£1500 for midwifery)
  • Childcare costs (if eligible)
  • Placements provided
  • 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:

SCPHN & Nursing:

Midwifery:

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.

To help your query be answered as quickly as possible please include the following information:

  • The university you will be studying at
  • Course start date
  • Home address
  • Contact telephone number

Useful links: