NMC Reflective Account Example: What a Good One Looks Like, Line by Line

If you are looking for an NMC reflective account example, it helps to see one broken down against the four questions on the NMC form. Below is a complete, fictional example, with a short note after each part on why it works, plus the mistakes to avoid when you write your own.

What the NMC asks for in a reflective account

To revalidate, you must write five reflective accounts during your three-year registration period. Each one is based on a piece of CPD, a piece of practice-related feedback, or an event or experience in your practice, and shows how it relates to the Code. They are recorded on the NMC’s reflective accounts form, which has room for one account per page.

The NMC does not set a word count, so a short, specific account is better than a long one. Your accounts must not identify any patient, service user or colleague. You do not send your reflective accounts to the NMC with your application, but you should keep them safe in case the NMC asks to see them. The NMC’s own page on written reflective accounts has the full requirements.

A full NMC reflective account example

This example is fictional. It is written as if by a GP practice nurse and is based on practice-related feedback from a patient. Nothing in it identifies a real person.

1. What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?

A patient with a long-term condition told me that they sometimes felt lectured at their reviews. They said they knew what they were ‘supposed’ to do but that each appointment felt like a list of things they were doing wrong. They said it kindly, and added that it had made them less keen to attend. I was conscious that I am often under time pressure and tend to move quickly through advice.

Why it works: it describes one specific piece of feedback, in the nurse’s own words, and says why it mattered. It is honest about the nurse’s own habits instead of defending them. There are no names, dates or places.

2. What did you learn from the CPD activity, feedback or event or experience?

I learned that giving advice in a one-way manner can reduce engagement and make people feel judged. I had assumed that the more information I gave, the better, and I had not paid enough attention to what mattered to the person. I recognised that, in a short appointment, it is easy to default to telling people what to do. I also learned that people are more likely to make changes when they choose the goal themselves, and when the conversation focuses on their priorities.

Why it works: the learning is something the nurse could only know after reflecting. It names an assumption that turned out to be wrong, which is far more convincing than saying “I learned the importance of communication”.

3. How did you change or improve your practice as a result?

I now begin reviews by asking the person how they feel things are going and what they would like to focus on. I use open questions, reflect back what I hear and agree one or two small goals together. I use a motivational interviewing approach, and I attended a webinar to develop my skills. I also acknowledge what people are doing well. The patient who gave me this feedback attended their next review and said it felt different. I shared this approach with colleagues in the practice team.

Why it works: this is the part most accounts leave out or keep vague. It describes what the nurse now does, gives a result, and shows the learning was shared with others.

4. How is this relevant to the Code?

Prioritise people: I focused on treating people with respect and involving them in decisions about their care. Practise effectively: I communicated in a way that supports understanding and change, and I responded to feedback. Promote professionalism and trust: I reflected honestly on my practice and adapted it. This account has made me more aware of how my way of talking can help or hinder people’s engagement.

Why it works: it picks the Code themes that really apply, explains how each one links to what happened, and ends with a short personal insight. It does not list all four themes for the sake of it.

Five things that make a reflective account stronger

• It is specific. It describes one event, one piece of feedback or one learning activity, not your job in general.
• It is honest. It includes what you got wrong, assumed or found difficult.
• It shows change. It says what you now do differently and what happened as a result.
• It links to the Code with a reason. It explains how, rather than just naming a theme.
• It is anonymous. There is nothing that could identify a patient, service user or colleague.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing a general account of your role instead of one specific event.
• Describing what you learned but not what you changed.
• Including names, dates of birth, addresses or unusual details that could identify someone.
• Listing all four Code themes without explaining any of them.
• Copying someone else’s account. Your confirmer and your reflective discussion partner will expect it to sound like you.

More examples for your own role

The example above is from primary care. If you work in another area, see our complete set of NMC reflective account examples for 34 nursing and midwifery roles. They cover nurses, midwives and nursing associates in hospital, community, mental health, learning disabilities, children’s nursing and more, each with every NMC form filled in. You can also browse the reflective practice hub.

Write your own reflective account

Our free NMC revalidation tracker and portfolio builder guides you through the four NMC questions, lets you type or dictate your answers and checks your writing for details that could identify someone.

Frequently asked questions

How many reflective accounts do I need?

Five, written during the three years before your revalidation date.

Can I base an account on feedback or an event, not just CPD?

Yes. Each account can be based on a piece of CPD, practice-related feedback or an event or experience in your practice.

How long should a reflective account be?

The NMC does not set a word count. The form has room for about a page per account, so keep it focused and specific.

Would you like a second pair of eyes on your portfolio?

Reflect & Revalidate supports UK nurses, midwives and nursing associates through NMC revalidation. Our Confirmer Service (£52) is for people whose reflective discussion is already done and signed: we check your portfolio is complete, verify your five reflective accounts, hold your confirmer discussion and sign your Confirmer Statement. Our Full Support Package (£99) is start to finish: a full portfolio review, a reflective discussion by video call and both NMC signatures (the Reflective Discussion Form and the Confirmer Statement). Your confirmer reviews your evidence against the NMC’s requirements. They do not judge your clinical performance, and the NMC makes the final decision on your application.

The example reflective account above is fictional and is for guidance only. Please write your own accounts about your own practice. This article is general information, not professional or legal advice. The NMC is reviewing its Code and revalidation, so check the current requirements before you submit. Last reviewed October 2026.