The impact of Nursing and Midwifery Council revalidation on the professional identity of academic staff in a higher education institution: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims To explore Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) revalidation as a process experienced by nursing and midwifery academics and its impact on their sense of professional identity. Background The introduction of revalidation nurses and midwives in the UK in 2016 caused some anxiety amongst registrants in higher education. Design A qualitative study using a purposeful sample involving thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with academic staff. Methods Ten registrants completed a semi-structured interview in a higher education institution. Results/Findings Clinical credibility: participants were self-conscious about time away from practice but retained strong links with clinical settings reviewing evidence and reports of current practice. The revalidation process: staff were generally positive about NMC revalidation. Professional identity: participants identified as nurses and midwives first and academics second. Conclusions The findings replicate previous studies about professional identity among healthcare professionals in higher education; this study reports the contribution of revalidation amongst nurses and midwives in higher education institutions.