Every nurse and midwife writes five reflective accounts for revalidation. This page explains what they are, what to include, and how to write them.
What are the five reflective accounts?
A reflective account is a short written record. Each one looks at something from your practice; it links that to the NMC Code. You need five accounts over your three-year cycle.
Each account can be based on:
- a piece of continuing professional development (CPD);
- a piece of practice-related feedback;
- an event or experience in your practice.
How the reflective accounts link to the Code
The NMC Code has four themes:
- prioritise people;
- practise effectively;
- preserve safety;
- promote professionalism and trust.
In each account you note which part of the Code applies. You explain what you learned; you explain how it changed your practice.
What to include in each account
Keep each account clear and specific. A good account covers:
- what the CPD, feedback or event was;
- what you learned from it;
- how you changed or improved your practice;
- how it relates to the Code.
You must not include anything that identifies a patient or a colleague.
The reflective discussion
After you write your accounts, you discuss them with another NMC registrant. This is your reflective discussion. Your discussion partner signs a form to confirm it took place. Our revalidation guidance sets out the full process.
Write your reflective accounts with Nurse Tools
Nurse Tools gives you a structured template for each account. It prompts you for the Code themes; it stores your accounts; it adds them to your portfolio. It is free to use. Create your free account to start.