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Please wait while the page loadsYear 1 Essentials · Free Resource
The professionalism and ethics bits that sound vague until someone asks you to explain them on placement.
The NMC Code sets out the professional standards all nurses and nursing students must uphold. It has four key themes:
1
Prioritise people
Put patients first, treat with kindness and respect
2
Practise effectively
Assess, plan, deliver, and evaluate care competently
3
Preserve safety
Act without delay if patient safety is at risk
4
Promote professionalism & trust
Uphold the reputation of the profession
Beauchamp & Childress — the foundation of ethical decision-making in healthcare:
Autonomy
Respect the patient's right to make their own decisions.
Beneficence
Act in the best interest of the patient; do good.
Non-maleficence
Do no harm; avoid causing injury or suffering.
Justice
Treat all patients fairly and equitably.
Capacity
Patient can understand, retain, weigh information, and communicate their decision
Information
Risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences of refusal fully explained
Voluntary
No coercion or undue pressure from anyone
Types of Consent
When Consent May Not Be Needed
5 Statutory Principles
Stage 1 — Impairment
Is there an impairment of, or disturbance in, the functioning of the mind or brain?
E.g., dementia, delirium, learning disability, intoxication, brain injury
Stage 2 — Functional Test
Can the person:
Professional Behaviours
Professional Boundaries
Steps to Raise a Concern
Whistleblower protection
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects staff who raise genuine concerns in good faith. You should not be penalised for raising safety concerns through proper channels.
Never post identifiable patient information
Don't add or accept patients on social media
Don't discuss work complaints online
Be mindful that posts reflect on the profession
Use privacy settings appropriately
Don't post photos from the workplace
Think before you post — would the NMC approve?
Remember: employers and the NMC can see posts
The Newspaper Test
Before any action, ask yourself: "How would this look on the front page of a newspaper?" If you wouldn't want your actions reported publicly, reconsider. This simple test helps maintain professional standards in everyday practice.
Fitness to practise — what could get you in trouble