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 “ www. NMC-uk. org The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is an organisation devoted to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the public and standardising all nursing educations. Their compulsory register ensures adequate checks and tests have been completed to allow the nurse in question to work in the UK safely and confidently.

The NMC provide their registration as almost a stamp of quality to hospitals and other health care organisations, letting them know their 660,000 registered nurses are aware of legislations, guide lines, are educated correctly and are professionals. The NMC are concerned with the public’s opinion of nurses and midwives and frequently conduct surveys to assess how nursing training and practice can be improved. They also investigate allegations against nurses and midwives who may not have reached the high standard of care the organisation has set.

The four key roles of the NMC: 1. To register all nurses and midwives and complete required checks on education and references to certify they are qualified to work in the UK ; 2. Regular training ensures nurses and midwives’ knowledge is kept current ; 3. To set and regulate standards in education and training. ; and 4. To investigate allegations towards nurses and midwives who may not have provided the high standards of care set by the NMC’s code of conduct.

The NMC decide the future of nursing education as all health care providers must be prepared for the future of the NHS and care throughout different environments such as hospitals, GP clinics, care homes and armed forces. The role of the Royal College of Nursing, (RCN) seems to be that of a different approach to the NMC. The RCN is a body concerned with nursing education, publicity and standards. However, being a member of the RCN union organisation is not compulsory. Since 1916 it has represented nursing and helped and encouraged brilliance.

Although the RCN does not set the standards or legislation within nursing, it works alongside the NMC in developing and enforcing them. The RCN provides representatives for safety and education for nurses and midwives and provides libraries in the capital and around the country for it’s over 395,000 union members, these being registered nurses, student nurses and health care assistants. As well as the quality of nursing being the RCN’s concern, it also provides advice for its members for situations such as allegations and provides courses to keep all its members up-to-date with current knowledge and standards.