Student voices matter: our Code and Revalidation reviews

Student nurses, midwives, and nursing associates are the future of healthcare. Their journey is filled with learning, growth, and the aspiration to make a difference to the lives of people who will benefit from their care and expertise.

But, if you’re currently a student, did you know that you have the power to shape the very standards that will guide the future of your professions?

The Code and revalidation are both fundamental to supporting safe and effective nursing and midwifery practice – and we’re currently reviewing them to ensure they reflect the realities of current and future practice.

Hearing from students is crucial – because only by listening to the voices of those at the start of their journeys can we ensure that the Code and revalidation reflect the realities students will meet during their careers.

To have your say, please reply to our survey: Code and revalidation survey

About the Code and revalidation

The Code sets out the professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates. It’s a crucial document that supports high quality care and upholds the integrity of the professions.

Revalidation is the process of showing that you’re capable of safe and effective practice every three years after you have registered as a professional.

For current students it might seem like a long way off now, but it’s an important tool to help you:

• Develop and reflect on your practice.
• Embed the Code and standards of proficiency from the moment you register.
• Keep your skills up to date and promote good practice, helping colleagues as well as the people you care for.

What we’ve heard so far

We’ve already started listening to student representative groups from unions as part of the reviews. Early areas that students have highlighted for the Code review include:

• More help to guide their education in terms of conduct and behaviour.
• Clearer guidance on wellbeing and self-care - emphasising personal, professional and employer responsibility
• More information about modern technology – such as social media, telehealth, virtual health, and the use of AI and digital technologies.
• More about sustainability, health inequalities, holistic care, delegation and teamworking.

On revalidation, early feedback from students has included:

• Recognition that reflection for revalidation is different from the reflection they do now as a student
• Wanting more guidance on what reflection should cover. But if the right questions are asked and reflection is done properly, then it shouldn’t be something you can do with AI.
• That they see revalidation as an opportunity to refresh learning.
• Identifying that having a folder or portfolio to gather evidence over the three years would be useful.

Let us know your thoughts

To get the new Code and revalidation right, we want to hear from as many students as possible – anyone with an interest in the future of nursing and midwifery care can complete the survey by the end of the year to make their voice heard.

You can also join our community of interest mailing list to keep up to date with the reviews, including other opportunities to get involved as the reviews progress.

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