A long NMC investigation is stressful, but the delay can work in your favour. Fitness to Practise is about your current fitness, not punishment for past mistakes, so the time gives you the chance to recover, take support, complete relevant training, write regular reflections and build a portfolio of evidence that shows insight and safer practice by the time your case is considered.
Key takeaways
- FtP looks at your current fitness to practise, not just what happened in the past.
- Use the time to look after your wellbeing first; counselling and coaching can help.
- Build a portfolio: training, supervision, CPD and regular dated reflections.
- Ask yourself what a manager would need to see to be assured you are safe.
Nurses and midwives often find the NMC Fitness to Practise process particularly hard when it takes a long time. Many remain under investigation for months or even years. The uncertainty can affect mental wellbeing, finances, professional reputation and career progression, and it can feel as though the process touches every part of your professional and personal life.
But sometimes, a process that takes a long time can actually work to your advantage.
Why a delay can help your case
Fitness to Practise is about whether you are fit to practise now. It is not about punishing you for past mistakes. The longer the investigation, the more time you have to show that those mistakes are in the past and that your future practice is safe and effective.
Time spent demonstrating that you have addressed the areas of concern, through training, supervision, reflective practice and other professional development, builds evidence of strengthened insight and safer practice. That can place you in a much stronger position when your case is eventually considered.
Take a pause and plan ahead
Look after yourself first
Use this time to recover from the stress of the referral. Psychological support such as counselling or wellbeing coaching can address the mental health impact and give you resilience for what comes next.
Take stock
Press pause and ask yourself honestly: where am I now? What do I need to show the NMC to demonstrate that I have learned lessons, improved my practice and can work safely and effectively in the future? What additional support do I need? A mentor can help you review the direction you need to go in.
Think about your career
This is also time to think carefully about where you want your career to go. That might be a return to your previous role, a different area of practice or, if healthcare is not where you wish to continue, another career entirely.
Show your hard work: build a portfolio
- Keep a log of CPD and training that relates to the concerns, plus wider professional learning.
- Write regular reflections throughout the process. They show who you were at the beginning and who you are now, and help you remember the journey you have taken.
- Gather evidence of supervision, feedback and testimonials from people who have seen your practice or conduct.
- Get advice, guidance or coaching on next steps with work opportunities.
Silence is golden. Long periods of silence from the NMC can actually be cathartic: without time pressure you can set your own goals and reflect on what you need to show that you are moving forward positively.
A useful question to keep asking yourself: if you were managing a member of your team, what would you want them to show you so that you were assured they were safe?
Our CPD and remediation evidence log makes it easier to keep your portfolio organised, and our guide to NMC investigation timescales explains why cases take as long as they do.
Frequently asked questions
No. The NMC's role is public protection, not punishment. It looks at your current fitness to practise, so evidence of change and improvement is directly relevant.
Look after your wellbeing, complete relevant training, write regular reflections, seek supervision or mentoring where you can, and keep everything organised in a portfolio of evidence.
No. Reflection is ongoing. You can update it as your insight develops, and dated reflections across the process show your journey of learning.
Focus on what you can control: your wellbeing, learning and evidence. Talk to your representative about the progress of the case, and consider support such as counselling or mentoring.
