Let's Talk NMC...

The NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) replaces the old UKCC (United Kingdom Central Council) as the registry of Nurses' within the UK.

To be able to practice as a qualified Nurse, you must belong to the NMC register and you must fulfill the criteria of entry. Currently, this is by holding a recognised Diploma or Degree in Nursing, which has been affirmed as such by the NMC. After 2013, to be a registered Nurse you must hold a degree as a minimum requirement.

Nursing courses must therefore abide by minimum training levels: 2500hrs of practice and 2500hrs of theory over a 3/4yrs period. A CFB (Common foundation branch/programme) is the mandatory initial base after which a specific branch is chosen: adult, learning disabilities, mental health or child. To convert to another branch after qualifying then a 'top up' course of usually 18mths can be undertaken for additional branch recognition.

The NMC publishes guidelines relating to conduct and this can be found on their website, which also includes information relevant to the nursing profession: www.nmc-uk.org/ 


It is the registrants responsibility to keep up to date with training and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) this is compulsory after qualification and there are minimum hours per year related to this. We must also pay a fee to the NMC per year to remain on the list of registered nurses, should we fail to do this, then we shall be removed and unable to practice until we have completed a 'return to practice' type of course and paid the fee owing.

The NMC is the overarching body to which we are accountable. Should we (heaven forbid) end up on the receiving end of a complaint, then it is the NMC who will assess our fitness to practice and the decision as to whether we remain on the Nursing register or are removed from it. So not only are we accountable in Law, to police, employers and patients etc etc but we are accountable to a Professional body also. May I also point out, that even if we are found legally not guilty of an offence within a 'normal' court setting, we may still be found wanting within the professional setting.

So tread carefully! ;))