Revalidation: implications for senior nurses

Revalidation replaces the current triennial self-declaration system of maintaining nurse registration. It involves a third-party affirmation process designed to improve public and patient confidence that nurses remain up to date by undertaking relevant professional development activities. While revalidation is ultimately the responsibility of individual nurses, senior nurses have an important facilitating role in ensuring that registrants can remain on the register and so continue to practise. This article outlines, from a practical perspective, the senior nurse's role and responsibilities in supporting registrants through each stage of the revalidation process.