NMC

The new Code

The Code presents the professional standards that nurses and midwives must uphold in order to be registered to practise in the UK.

Effective from 31 March 2015, this Code reflects the world in which we live and work today, and changing roles and expectations of nurses and midwives. It is structured around four themes – prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety and promote professionalism and trust. Developed in collaboration with many who care about good nursing and midwifery, the Code can be used by nurses and midwives as a way of reinforcing their professionalism. Failure to comply with the Code may bring their fitness to practise into question.

Reports of callers posing as NMC staff

The NMC have received phone calls from nurses and midwives who have reported that callers posing as NMC staff are asking for their pin, mobile numbers and email addresses. The caller claims that the NMC will be sending all reminders by text in the future and need this information to be able to update their details. These calls are not from the NMC; if they were to ring you, they will leave a name and contact details.

Be wary of emails claiming to be from the NMC; they do not use email providers such as Hotmail, Yahoo or Google. Do not give out personal information unless you are sure that the email or phone call is genuine. If you think you have been targeted, contact the NMC or tell the local police.

Consultation to remove time limits for the completion of education programmes (closed)

Currently, student nurses and midwives are required to finish full-time programmes within five years and part-time programmes within seven years in order to be eligible for registration.The NMC proposes to remove these maximum time limits from NMC standards, while ensuring full responsibility for the management of education programmes lies with approved education institutions. Post-registration programmes, time limited either by the NMC or by the education institution, will also be affected .

The removal of these time limits enables greater flexibility for students, ensuring that no individual is disadvantaged if unforeseen events interrupt their studies.

Chief Executive and Registrar of the NMC, Jackie Smith, said:

“The NMC protects the public by ensuring all those who enter or remain on the register meet the standards to do so. This is an important consultation and we are keen to hear views. Removing time limits from our education standards would ensure that education institutions provide flexibility for students without compromising public protection.”