This course explains the NMC Code and shows how to apply it in everyday UK nursing and midwifery practice. It works through each of the four themes with realistic examples, focusing on the areas that internationally educated and newly registered nurses most often find different from their previous practice, such as consent, capacity, delegation, raising concerns and professional boundaries.
What you will learn
- Describe the purpose of the NMC Code and its four themes.
- Apply the Code to common practice situations, including consent, confidentiality, delegation and record keeping.
- Explain your duty to raise concerns and to be open and honest when things go wrong.
- Recognise professional boundaries in person and online, including social media.
- Use the Code to support reflective accounts and revalidation.
Course content
- What the Code is and why it matters (2 min)
- Prioritise people: dignity, consent and capacity (3 min)
- Practise effectively: communication, teamwork and records (3 min)
- Preserve safety: competence, delegation and raising concerns (3 min)
- Promote professionalism and trust: boundaries and social media (2 min)
- Case studies: applying the Code (3 min)
- Using the Code in revalidation and everyday reflection (1 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- NMC: The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (2015, updated 2018)
- NMC: Raising concerns: guidance for nurses, midwives and nursing associates
- NMC and GMC: Openness and honesty when things go wrong: the professional duty of candour
- NMC: Guidance on using social media responsibly
- Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales) and equivalent legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
How to Write a Reflective Account for NMC Revalidation (With Examples)
How to write a reflective account for NMC revalidation: what the form asks, how many you need, a weak vs strong example, and how to link each one to the Code.
What Happens at an NMC Fitness to Practise Hearing?
What happens at an NMC fitness to practise hearing: who attends, the three stages, possible sanctions, hearings versus meetings, and how to prepare calmly.
The NMC Code Explained: The Four Themes With Practical Examples
The NMC Code's four themes explained with practical examples: prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and trust.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.