Role of Nmc and the Rcn
The roles of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Royal College of Nursing
Professionalism is a crucial part of success in any work field and profession, however, within nursing, professionalism can be difficult to understand and maintain. Professionalism means suitably conducting one’s self in an appropriate way, in any working environment and respecting one’s surroundings and colleagues. Punctuality, professional mannerisms, confidentiality and a positive approach to work situations are all factors which create ‘professionalism’. Within nursing and many other areas of care work, this can be somewhat confusing. A nurse must treat everyone with dignity and humanity, be compassionate, caring, empathetic and warm, but in some cases, showing these emotions may be considered as unprofessional or inappropriate. In nursing, it is important to review one’s own actions to ensure the Code of Conduct is always kept as highly as possible. In such a profession it is easy to get emotionally attached to a patient or patient’s family, however the ‘role’ must be kept as a carer, to explain health conditions, advice on treatment and to guide. A nurse’s role is not one of a friend, but is one to offer subtle comfort as appropriately as possible. Hands on contact can be frowned upon. Guidelines and Code of Conduct is set by the NMC to help both nurses and midwives maintain the highest levels of professionalism. The Code of Conduct can be found on the website www.NMC-uk.org and states as follows:
“Maintain clear professional boundaries
Advice on gifts and gratuities
Advice on clear sexual boundaries * 18. You must refuse any gifts, favours or hospitality that might be interpreted as an attempt to gain preferential treatment * 19. You must not ask for or accept loans from anyone in your care or anyone close to them * 20. You must establish and actively maintain clear sexual boundaries at all times with people in your care, their families and carers “
Professionalism is a crucial part of success in any work field and profession, however, within nursing, professionalism can be difficult to understand and maintain. Professionalism means suitably conducting one’s self in an appropriate way, in any working environment and respecting one’s surroundings and colleagues. Punctuality, professional mannerisms, confidentiality and a positive approach to work situations are all factors which create ‘professionalism’. Within nursing and many other areas of care work, this can be somewhat confusing. A nurse must treat everyone with dignity and humanity, be compassionate, caring, empathetic and warm, but in some cases, showing these emotions may be considered as unprofessional or inappropriate. In nursing, it is important to review one’s own actions to ensure the Code of Conduct is always kept as highly as possible. In such a profession it is easy to get emotionally attached to a patient or patient’s family, however the ‘role’ must be kept as a carer, to explain health conditions, advice on treatment and to guide. A nurse’s role is not one of a friend, but is one to offer subtle comfort as appropriately as possible. Hands on contact can be frowned upon. Guidelines and Code of Conduct is set by the NMC to help both nurses and midwives maintain the highest levels of professionalism. The Code of Conduct can be found on the website www.NMC-uk.org and states as follows:
“Maintain clear professional boundaries
Advice on gifts and gratuities
Advice on clear sexual boundaries * 18. You must refuse any gifts, favours or hospitality that might be interpreted as an attempt to gain preferential treatment * 19. You must not ask for or accept loans from anyone in your care or anyone close to them * 20. You must establish and actively maintain clear sexual boundaries at all times with people in your care, their families and carers “