Reflective Discussion for NMC Revalidation
Your reflective discussion gives you an opportunity to discuss your five written reflective accounts with another NMC-registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate. Understand the requirement, who can take part and how to prepare for a meaningful professional conversation.
A professional conversation about your reflection and learning
As part of NMC revalidation, you must have a reflective discussion with another NMC-registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate. The discussion covers your five written reflective accounts and should encourage professional reflection on your learning and practice.
What is the reflective discussion?
The reflective discussion is more than simply having your reflective accounts checked. It provides an opportunity to discuss your professional learning with another registrant and consider how your reflections relate to the Code and your practice.
It uses your five reflective accounts
Your written reflective accounts provide the starting point for the professional discussion.
It involves another NMC registrant
Your discussion must be with another NMC-registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate.
It explores professional learning
The conversation gives you an opportunity to think further about what you learned from your reflections.
It connects with the Code
Your discussion should support reflection on how your professional experiences and learning relate to the Code.
Your reflective discussion partner must be an NMC registrant
The person you have your reflective discussion with must be registered with the NMC as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate.
Nurse
An appropriately registered nurse can act as your reflective discussion partner.
Midwife
An NMC-registered midwife can also take part in your reflective discussion.
Nursing associate
An NMC-registered nursing associate can also undertake the reflective discussion with you.
How to prepare for your reflective discussion
Preparation does not mean scripting the conversation. The aim is to be familiar with your reflections so you can discuss your learning, professional development and connection with the Code.
- Have your five written reflective accounts available
- Review what you learned from each experience
- Think about why each reflection matters to your professional practice
- Review how your learning relates to the NMC Code
- Consider whether your practice or thinking changed as a result
- Identify any further learning or development you would like to undertake
- Protect patient, service-user and colleague confidentiality
- Use the current NMC reflective discussion documentation
Questions that may help you prepare
Your discussion should be a genuine professional conversation rather than a rehearsed interview. These questions can help you think about your reflective accounts beforehand.
How the reflective requirements fit together
Reflection is a process, not simply a form
The value of the reflective discussion comes from considering what your experiences have taught you and how that learning can contribute to continuing professional development and practice.
Protect confidentiality during the discussion
Your reflective discussion should focus on your professional learning. It should not become a conversation that unnecessarily identifies patients, service users, colleagues or other individuals.
Focus on your learning
The important information is what you learned and how it relates to your professional practice.
Remove identifying details
Avoid names and unnecessary information that could identify individuals when preparing or discussing your reflective accounts.
Record the reflective discussion correctly
The NMC provides documentation for recording the reflective discussion. Make sure the current requirements are followed and the required details are completed.
Use the current NMC form
Do not rely on an old saved copy of a form or an unofficial template when completing the formal requirement. Check the current NMC revalidation guidance and documentation.
Check current NMC revalidation guidance →Prepare your five reflective accounts before the discussion
Your written accounts provide the foundation for your reflective discussion. They can relate to CPD, practice-related feedback, or an event or experience in your professional practice.
Need help with reflective accounts?
NurseNet's written reflective accounts guide explains what your reflections can be based on, connections with the Code and useful reflection prompts.
Written Reflective Accounts for NMC Revalidation →Reflective discussion FAQs
Do I need a reflective discussion for NMC revalidation?
Yes. Reflective discussion is one of the NMC revalidation requirements.
Who can I have my reflective discussion with?
Your discussion must be with another NMC-registered nurse, midwife or nursing associate. Check the current NMC guidance when choosing your discussion partner.
What do we discuss?
Your five written reflective accounts form the basis of the discussion, allowing you to explore your professional learning and its relationship with the Code.
Does the reflective discussion replace confirmation?
No. Reflective discussion and confirmation are separate revalidation requirements, although depending on your circumstances the same person may potentially be involved in both if all relevant NMC requirements are met.
Do I need to use an NMC form?
The NMC provides documentation for recording the reflective discussion. Use the current NMC guidance and documentation when completing the requirement.
Should patient details be included?
Protect confidentiality. Your reflective discussion should focus on professional learning rather than identifying patients, service users or other individuals.
Prepare for a meaningful reflective discussion
Review your five reflective accounts, think about what you learned and use your discussion to explore how your professional experiences connect with the Code and your continuing development.
