All registered nurses with active registration are recorded on the NMC register. To ensure this registration is current, every registered nurse must undertake a revalidation process every 3 years. If you have not been through this process and as a result have lapsed from the NMC register for fewer than 6 months, there is a process which can be followed to be readmitted onto the register.
The NMC have recently consulted on its Return to Practice processes and we would urge anyone who is looking to return to look at the .
If you have to undertake a return to practice programme these are university-based and run at degree level. If you have been out of academic practice for more than 10 years, or have not studied at degree level before, then many universities run study skills courses. These are usually 3-6 weeks in length and prepare you to get back into study and to study at degree level.
Return to practice programmes are usually generic and not field specific. They include academic learning and placement hours. Programmes can vary in length from 3-6 months depending on how many years you have been out of practice. If you are in employment, the programme can be undertaken part time.
Across the UK, Return to Practice programmes are fully funded at the present time.