NMC News update 2021

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has officially launched its new set of standards on the skills and knowledge the “next generation of nurses will learn to enable them to deliver world class care”.

At the same time as publishing the standards for nurses, the nursing regulator has also introduced standards for a “more modern and innovative approach” to the way universities and their practise partners train nurses and midwives.

The new standards represent two years of work and have been developed alongside nurses as well as, students, educators, healthcare professionals, charities and patient groups from across the UK.

As previously reported, in March the NMC signed off changes that will see all nurses in the future trained in the same set of procedures and communication skills regardless of their field of practice.

In addition, the NMC agreed to remove its cap on the number of hours students can spend on simulation activities, despite concerns this would reduce the amount of time on placements.

Major changes to mentoring have also been agreed, meaning students will now be supported by supervisors and assessors in both practice and academic settings.

Meanwhile, as part of the changes, the regulator will be adopting the Royal Pharmaceutical Society competency framework for prescribers.

It will also be removing its standards for medicines management and working with the society to produce “consistent guidance” for all health and social care professionals.