The NMC Code

The NMC Code presents the professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives & nursing associates that they must uphold in order to be registered to practise in the UK.

The Theme:

It is structured around four themes;

• Prioritise people
• Practise effectively
• Preserve safety
• Promote professionalism and trust

Each section contains a series of statements that taken together signify what good nursing and midwifery practice looks like. It puts the interests of patients and service users first, is safe and effective, and promotes trust through professionalism. Nurses, midwives and nursing associates must act in line with the Code, whether they are providing direct care to individuals, groups or communities or bringing their professional knowledge to bear on nursing and midwifery practice in other roles, such as leadership, education, or research. NMC can take action if those on their register fail to uphold the Code. In serious cases, this can include removing them from the register.

The Code sets out common standards of conduct and behaviour that provides a clear, consistent and positive message to patients, service users and colleagues about what they can expect of those who provides nursing or midwifery care.

Nurses, midwives and nursing associates are expected to work within the limits of their competence, which may extend beyond the standards they demonstrated in order to join the register.

The Code is central to the revalidation process as a focus for professional reflection. This gives the Code significance in the professional life of those on the NMC register, and raises its status and importance for employers.

Everyone must use the most up to date version of the code. To know more information about the Code, please click here.