1. 66 may 11 :: vol 30 no 37 :: 2016 NURSING STANDARD
Inthefirstofafour-partseriesonstudentspreparingtobecomeregisterednurses
and practise according to the NMC Code, we look at doing your best for patients
THE CODE AND YOU
To remain on the Nursing and
Midwifery Council register as a
qualified nurse you will have to
revalidate every three years.
This involves demonstrating
that you are incorporating the
NMC Code into your day-to-
day practice and continuing
professional development.
Although your focus will be on
gaining your registration, it is a
good idea to become familiar with
the Code as early as possible.
A vital part of the nurse’s role
has always been to promote the
wellbeing of patients, prevent
further ill health and communicate
their needs to colleagues. Over
the past 20 years, nurses have
increasingly taken on roles
traditionallydonebyjuniordoctors.
But the fundamentals of nursing
care must still be delivered, and the
Code explicitly states that nurses
must be able to do this effectively.
Try not to get caught up in
‘exciting’ technical skills on
placements. Instead, take pride
in delivering quality holistic care
– offering kindness, compassion
and respect: you are treating each
patient as a valued human being.
Throughout your training
you will come into contact with
patients and their families and
carers from all walks of life.
You may have different morals,
religious beliefs or backgrounds,
or you may simply take a dislike to
someone. But you have to develop
the skills and temperament to
put your feelings aside and focus
on your patients. So, if you find
certain situations or people
difficult, talk to colleagues or
fellow students to identify what
will help you remain professional
and non-judgemental.
Take the time during training
to enhance these ‘softer’ skills.
Discuss this aspect of the Code
with your mentors and talk
through real-life scenarios and
howtomanageconflictingpriorities.
Reflecting on practice
Spending time developing your
reflective skills in relation to the
Code will help you to learn from
your experiences. You will also
become more familiar with what is
expected of you as you transition
to the role of registered nurse.
To help you reflect on your
practice, write down what you do
well, what you need to improve,
and what you can do differently.
Also consider the following:
How would you like to be
treated if you were in hospital
or attending a community
healthcare setting?
Think of a patient you have
cared for – is there anything you
would have done differently if
they had been your parent?
Be as honest as you can. Setting
false expectations can leave
patients frustrated. Instead of
saying ‘I’ll be back in a minute’
say ‘I will get back to you but it
will probably be in ten minutes’.
Is the language you use
empowering your patients or
telling them what to do? Are you
offering choices where possible?
Know when to ask for help.
Putting patients’ needs first
may mean asking for assistance.
Working within your capabilities
andtakingresponsibilityforyour
actions are essential for your
and your patients’ safety NS
By Mandy Day-Calder, freelance
writer and life/health coach
First principles
The first statement of the Code, Prioritise people,
states that you must:
Treat people as individuals and uphold
their dignity
Listen to people and respond to their
preferences and concerns
Make sure that people’s physical, social
and psychological needs are assessed and
responded to
Act in the best interests of people at all times
Respect people’s right to privacy
and confidentiality
CAREERS STUDENT LIFE
Upholding dignity:
prioritising
people is the first
statement of the
NMC Code
CHARLESMILLIGAN