Registered nurses and midwives in the Isle of Man, who are not currently practising, are being offered support by the Department of Health and Social Care to complete their revalidation.
Revalidation works as a way for doctors, nurses and midwives to demonstrate that they have up to date skills and have the ability to practise safely and effectively. It is mandatory and was introduced for doctors in December 2012 and for nurses and midwives in April 2016.
Nurses and midwives are required to complete revalidation every three years in order to maintain their registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), even if they are not practising. Failure to do so would result in an individual being removed from the register and they would need to seek readmission, which may require a return to practice programme.
Chief Nurse for the Isle of Man, Linda Radcliffe, said:
'Revalidation is a new but important process to help encourage a culture of sharing, reflection and improvement within the nursing and midwifery professions. It is about promoting good practice and strengthening public confidence.
'What we want to avoid however is revalidation being something that puts off non-practising nurses and midwives in the Isle of Man from maintaining their registration with the NMC. Retaining as many registered nurses and midwives as possible is important to ensure that our health service has flexibility for the future.
'Our message to nurses and midwives who are not currently employed is clear: you have worked hard to earn your registration – let us help you keep it.'
To achieve revalidation, nurses and midwives must practise a minimum of 450 hours within the three years prior to revalidation and complete 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to their scope of practise as a nurse or midwife, together with a number of additional elements.
Linda continued:
'Nurses and midwives who are not currently practising and don’t wish to return to work permanently are encouraged to consider joining the Department’s nurse and midwifery bank to fulfil the 450 hours of practise required for revalidation. The bank offers flexible working that can suit a variety of lifestyles, with potential for shifts to be arranged to fit personal circumstances.
'In addition to the personal satisfaction of once again providing care and making a difference, plus the income from working, the Department will fund the 35 hours of CPD as well as the mandatory training required to practise within the DHSC.'
The Nurse and Midwifery Bank can be contacted on +44 1624 650760 and anyone wanting further information can contact Linda Radcliffe on +44 1624 650600.
