The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) actively serves as the regulatory authority for nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom, playing a crucial role in overseeing their professional conduct. Since its establishment in 2002, the NMC has been responsible for setting and upholding standards for education, training, and practice within these healthcare fields. Additionally, it actively manages the registration of qualified nurses and midwives who meet these standards, consistently monitoring their activities to ensure ongoing adherence. This article delves into the diverse functions of the NMC, highlighting its pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of patients.
What is the Nursing & midwifery council (NMC)?
Nursing & midwifery council (NMC) is a professional association that regulates and represents nurses and midwives in the United Kingdom. It has a statutory duty to manage and monitor the “register” of nurses and midwives. It also provides advice and guidance, undertaking research and producing reports on matters relevant to its work.
The NMC’s purpose is to keep the public safe by ensuring that registered nurses and midwives are qualified, have the right skills and behave in a way that meets the standards expected of them.
NMC regulates over 661,000 registered nurses and midwives currently working in the UK. The aim is to protect patients by improving nursing practice and raising standards through a system of professional regulation.
Role of NMC
NMC’s role is to protect the public by making sure all nurses and midwives are safe, with up-to-date knowledge of their practice and meet the standards set out in “The code”. They also need to be able to practise safely and provide quality care, upholding professional standards of practice and conduct.
The NMC is responsible for setting standards in the UK to make sure that all nurses and midwives are safe, with the right knowledge, skills and attitude.
The NMC also has a duty to protect the public and must make sure that:
- Registered nurses and midwives meet practice standards and show evidence of safe and effective practice.
- All registered nurses and midwives are able to practise safely and provide quality care, upholding professional standards of conduct
- Nurses and Midwives from Overseas are registered and fit to practise the role they have been licensed for.
Responsibilities of the Nursing & midwifery council UK
NMC exists to protect the public and all nurses and midwives must follow its guidance or they will face disciplinary action. It regulates the profession through the following:
- Ensures all nurses and midwives meet certain standards of practice
- Is responsible for the regulation of nurse education, training and registration
- Can take action against those who do not meet these standards or who provide misleading references.
Nursing & midwifery council Revalidation
Nursing & midwifery council revalidation is the process of keeping all nurses up to date with relevant skills and knowledge during their career. This includes ensuring they are informed about new evidence, changes in practice and legislation that affect the care patients receive. To stay on the register a nurse must be able to provide evidence for why they can continue to practise.
All nurses must submit revalidation every two years by the last day of June. They will receive a notice confirming that they are due for revalidation at least six months before this date, asking them to complete an online form and provide evidence why they should stay on the register. If they don’t meet current standards they can be removed from the register or have restrictions set for their practice.
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Conclusion
In simple terms, the primary objective of the Nursing and Midwifery Council is to safeguard the public by overseeing the nursing profession in the UK. The council establishes and ensures compliance with standards related to the professional conduct, competence, and performance of nurses and midwives. It underscores the importance of delivering care that is not only safe and effective but also compassionate. We trust that this article has provided valuable insights, aiding your understanding of the role and purpose of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Thank you for taking the time to read.