Lapsing from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register in error can be a shock. If you've let your registration lapse - for example, because of a failed payment - you'll automatically be removed from the NMC register and will have to apply for readmission.

You're not allowed to practise as a nurse, midwife or nursing associate while you're unregistered. If you have, the NMC will take this matter very seriously and will want to know more.

This guidance outlines what to do when you lapse from the register and should be read alongside the NMC information on applying for readmission.

If you’ve lapsed in error, tell your employer immediately. It may be possible to work as a health care support worker (that is, in a non-registered role) rather than face suspension. Both the RCN and NMC support this.

If you do work in a non-registered role, you must remember:

• you will still be accountable to the NMC
• you must still adhere to the NMC Code and any other NMC guidelines and standards
• you will need to be aware of any role boundaries
• any hours worked within a non-registered role will not count towards your revalidation requirements, as you will not be working within your scope as a nurse or midwife.

Start to gather your evidence, such as new direct debit mandates or proof that you’ve updated your details with the NMC. This may help if your employer conducts an investigation, or decides to suspend or take disciplinary action against you. Contact us if your employer takes any of these actions.

If you’re asked for a written statement, follow our guidance and contact us to have the statement checked before submitting it. You may also find our guidance on writing a reflection for the NMC useful.

Before starting the readmission process, read the NMC guidance in full.

We recommend that you don’t wait to hear from the NMC. Gather your paperwork and evidence early, taking copies of everything for your own records. Make sure you don’t miss any emails from the NMC by checking your spam/junk email folders regularly and adding noreply@nmc-uk.org to your safe senders list.

Although it’s important to act quickly, it’s vital to take the time to ensure that the information you enter on NMC online is accurate and up to date. It can take up to six weeks to get back on the NMC register, or longer if the NMC needs to come back to you for clarification or further information.

If you're applying for readmission within six months of your revalidation due date, you'll also need to complete some of the revalidation requirements. See the NMC information on applying for readmission for details of those requirements. 

Don’t assume that the application will be successful. The NMC will determine whether it considers you to have the skills, knowledge, health and character to be able to care for people safely. 

We strongly recommend that you write a reflective statement as it’s important to show that you understand the seriousness of the matter, offering insight and showing remorse where appropriate.

Read our guidance on writing a reflective statement for more information on how to approach this.

As part of the readmission process, the NMC will also ask for three references. Your referees must be three different people.

You'll need to provide the:

• name and NMC PIN of the NMC registrant who will provide your good health and character reference. They must be on the same part of the register as you, have known you for the last year and been in contact in the last six months.
• name and email address of your current employer.
• name and email address of someone on the NMC’s list of approved signatories, who you’ve known for the last year.

Read the NMC guidance carefully as mistakes with references can lead to delays. 

The NMC may ask for more information. Take your time with your response and provide them with everything they ask for.

Hopefully, you'll be back on the register quickly.

If you are unsuccessful and are refused readmission contact us immediately and gather your paperwork. We'll need to see copies of everything sent to the NMC. You have 28 days from the decision date to appeal.

We may be able to put you in touch with our legal team for advice on appealing the decision or reapplying to the register.

Lapsing from the register can come as a shock with serious repercussions, especially if your employer decides to take action against you.

If you need emotional support, our counselling service may be able to help.