Implementing The NMC Revised Code of Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses and Midwives 2015

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has now approved a new revised code, which has been described as “significantly” different to the draft version and is centred around four topics – prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety and promote professionalism” Nursing Times 5 December 2014

“On 3 December 2014 our governing Council approved a revised Code, which all UK nurses and midwives follow when they practise. It will be published in January and will replace the existing version of the Code at the end of March. The Code sets out the standards that nurses and midwives are expected to meet in order to justify the trust that patients and the public place in them. It will be in effect from 31 March 2014.” NMC 17th December 2014

With a Keynote Opening from Jackie Smith, Chief Executive of the NMC, this conference focuses on implementing the new NMC Code, which is due to be published early in 2015 and has now been approved by NMC council. Katerina Kolyva, Director of Continued Practice at the NMC recently stated that the code should not just be used as a fitness to practise tool but should be a “live” document that is used by everyone who has an interest in good nursing and midwifery practice. The new code includes issues of professionalism and leadership in the use of social media, and also brings back the requirement for nurses to intervene if an emergency occurs outside their place of work which will both be covered during the conference.

“The NMC revalidation model intends to take the Code further and position it at the heart of everyday nursing and midwifery practice. The Code should not be only a tool for learning or used to assess and address poor practice. It should instead provide the opportunity to confirm practice and celebrate professionalism. The NMC’s proposed revalidation model brings back to the heart of nursing and midwifery the value of reflection on the Code. The proposed self-confirmation model is based on every nurse and midwife reflecting on their practice against the Code. Feedback from peers and users will be on how nurses and midwives uphold their professional standards as set out in their Code. And a third party confirmation as part of an existing employer process, such as appraisal, will focus on how nurses and midwives follow their code of conduct.”