The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Ethics is a set of professional standards that guide the practice and behavior of nurses, midwives, and nursing associates in the UK. The NMC Code outlines key responsibilities and ethical principles that professionals must adhere to, ensuring patient safety, dignity, and quality of care. The latest version of the Code was updated in 2018.
The NMC Code is structured around four key themes:
- Prioritise People
- Treat patients with kindness, respect, and dignity.
- Ensure the individual’s physical, social, and psychological needs are met.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and gain informed consent.
- Promote and protect the rights of patients.
- Practice Effectively
- Provide safe, evidence-based, and effective care.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
- Keep accurate records of care and communicate effectively.
- Engage in continuous professional development and maintain competence.
- Preserve Safety
- Act to prevent harm, protect the health, and prioritise patient safety.
- Recognise and respond to risks, including reporting unsafe practices.
- Be accountable for your actions and decisions.
- Administer medicines and treatments safely.
- Promote Professionalism and Trust
- Uphold the reputation of the nursing and midwifery professions.
- Maintain professional boundaries.
- Adhere to ethical standards, such as honesty and integrity.
- Act as a role model to others and ensure high standards of practice.
Core ethical principles that underpin the NMC Code:
- Autonomy: Respecting patients’ rights to make their own decisions.
- Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm to patients.
- Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient.
- Justice: Treating patients fairly and ensuring equity in healthcare.