Nurses in Scotland urged to have say on NMC practice learning proposals

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has urged more nurses and midwives in Scotland to complete its consultation on practice learning before draws to a close next month.

While more than 3,600 people have shared their views on how the regulator can strengthen practice learning and modernise nursing and midwifery education, it has only had 350 responses from Scotland.

Of those respondents, 290 are nurses and 80 are practice assessors, practice supervisors and academic assessors.

The NMC has appealed for more nurses and midwives from the country to have their say before the consultation closes on 23 July.

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Proposals include a change to nursing programme hours, extending midwifery programmes, strengthening anti-racism and cultural competence in education, and requiring nursing students to complete at least one community practice learning experience.

The regulator said Scotland has played a ‘central role’ in shaping the review into practice learning and stated it was important it received feedback to help shape the education for the next generation of nurses and midwives.

Former chief nursing officer for Scotland Professor Alex McMahon said: ‘As chair of the practice learning review steering group, it’s hugely important that we hear from nurses, midwives and those involved in educating and supporting students across the UK.

‘These proposals will shape how future professionals are prepared for practice, so they must reflect the realities of different working environments.

‘This includes devolved nations such as Scotland, where health and social care systems are organised nationally, shaping how practice learning is delivered and experienced by students and professionals alike.

‘We need to understand how this review can support nursing and midwifery professionals within the context in which they work, and ensure that any changes we make deliver the best outcomes for students and indeed for patients in the future.’

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NMC’s acting executive director of professional practice Professor Donna O’Boyle added: ‘Practice learning is a vital element of how the next generation of nurses and midwives develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to join the register and go on to provide safe, high-quality care for people throughout their careers.

‘This consultation is an important opportunity to hear a wide range of perspectives from across the professions and the public, including people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.

‘That input will help ensure our education standards are strengthened to better equip students for the realities of modern health and social care.’

The proposals were put together following research by the NMC between 2024 and 2025. According to the regulator, it found that while many students have positive practice placements, the quality of practice learning can vary.

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To help people understand the proposals further, the NMC will host a public webinar on 2 July, where attendees will be able to learn more about potential changes and ask questions.