The NMC Code of Conduct: an online course for nurses and midwives
Four focused modules, one for each theme of the NMC Code: prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, and promote professionalism and trust. Learn how each standard applies to your practice, your reflection and the Fitness to Practise process.
Instructor: Cathryn WattersFounder & mentor, Fit 2 Practise
5.0 out of 5 (27 reviews)500+ nurses and midwives supported
- 7 lessons · 5 quizzes12 steps in the curriculum
- 5.0 ratingFrom 27 learner reviews
- All levelsNo prior experience required
- About 5 hoursSelf-paced · lifetime access
About Code of Conduct
The NMC Code sets out the professional standards of practice and behaviour that nurses, midwives and nursing associates must uphold. It is also the benchmark against which concerns are judged, so understanding it properly is one of the most useful things you can do if you are facing Fitness to Practise, preparing for revalidation, or simply want to strengthen your practice.
This course works through the Code in four modules, one for each of its themes. Each module explains what the standards mean in everyday practice, how they relate to professional reflection, and how they are used in the Fitness to Practise process, followed by a quiz to check your understanding. A recap and a final assessment bring it all together.
By the end you will be able to identify which parts of the Code are engaged by a concern, reflect against them honestly, and show how you now meet them.
What you'll learn
- Explain the four themes of the NMC Code and what each asks of you in practicePromote professionalism and trust
- Apply "prioritise people" to dignity, consent, confidentiality and listening to the people in your carePrioritise people
- Apply "practise effectively" to evidence-based care, communication, record keeping and teamworkPractise effectively
- Apply "preserve safety" to working within your competence, raising concerns and being open when things go wrongPreserve safety
- Understand why "promote professionalism and trust" includes honesty, integrity and conduct outside workPromote professionalism and trust
- Map your own reflection and learning to the relevant standards of the CodeFtP process
Skills you'll gain
- The NMC Code
- Consent and confidentiality
- Record keeping
- Raising concerns
- Duty of candour
- Reflecting against the Code
Details to know
- Certificate of completionDownloadable PDF with a verification ID
- Taught in UK EnglishWritten for the NMC process in the UK
- Counts towards CPDRecord it as CPD evidence for revalidation
- Lifetime accessLearn on any device, at your own pace
Who this course is for
Facing an NMC concern
You want to understand which standards of the Code are involved and how to reflect on them.
Writing a reflection
You need to link your learning and changed practice to specific parts of the Code.
Refreshing your knowledge
Returning to practice, preparing for revalidation, or wanting a structured refresher.
Nursing associates and students
The Code applies to nursing associates too, and is a strong foundation for anyone joining the register.
Where this course fits in the NMC Fitness to Practise process
Highlighted stages are where Code of Conduct helps most. Read our guide to every stage.
Concerns about nurses and midwives are assessed against the Code, and case examiners and panels look for evidence that you understand which standards were engaged and how you now meet them. Being able to talk about the Code specifically, rather than in general terms, is part of showing insight.
Use this course while you prepare your response to the NMC and alongside Reflection Writing for the Fitness to Practise Process. The Code reflection workbook included with the course gives you structured prompts for each theme.
Fit 2 Practise is independent and not affiliated with the NMC. Our courses are general education, not legal advice. For advice on your case, speak to your union (such as the RCN, Unison or RCM), your indemnity provider or a regulatory solicitor.
What's inside the course
Work through the lessons in order, at your own pace. Quizzes check your understanding as you go, and your progress is saved in your course hub.
- Why the Code matters, who it applies to, and how it is used in reflection, revalidation and Fitness to Practise.
- The learning outcomes for the four modules and how to get the most from the quizzes.
- Promote professionalism and trust: upholding the reputation of your profession, acting with honesty and integrity, and leadership.
- Practise effectively: using the best available evidence, communicating clearly, keeping clear and accurate records, and working with colleagues.
- Preserve safety: working within the limits of your competence, raising and escalating concerns, and being open and candid when things go wrong.
- Prioritise people: treating people as individuals, respecting dignity and consent, protecting confidentiality and acting in their best interests.
- A recap of the four themes and how they link to reflection and the Fitness to Practise process.
- A short quiz to check your understanding before you move on.
- A short quiz to check your understanding before you move on.
- A short quiz to check your understanding before you move on.
- A short quiz to check your understanding before you move on.
- A short quiz to check your understanding before you move on.
Get a certificate of completion
When you finish the course you can download a PDF certificate with a verification ID. Keep it as a record of your learning and continuing professional development.
Your instructor
Offered by
Resources included with this course
Practical templates and checklists that go with the course. Free when you enrol, or £2.99 each on their own.
The Code reflection workbook
Structured prompts for each of the four themes of the NMC Code — prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety, promote professionalism and trust.
Your resource is free when you enrol
Open it from your course hub once you have enrolled. Looking for something else? Every template and checklist is also sold on its own.
Browse all resourcesLearn from people who understand Fitness to Practise
Cathryn Watters
Founder & mentor, Fit 2 Practise
Cathryn is a registered nurse with lived experience of the NMC Fitness to Practise process. She founded Fit 2 Practise to help nurses, midwives and nursing associates understand the process and respond to it with confidence.
She also founded NMCWatch: registrant care CIC, a peer-support and advocacy community for registrants, and mentors people one to one through every stage of their case.
Want personal support alongside the course?
1:1 mentorship with a registered nurse who has been through Fitness to Practise: help to understand your case, structure your reflection and prepare for each stage.
Ratings and reviews
How learners rate Code of Conduct.
- 5 stars27
- 4 stars0
- 3 stars0
- 2 stars0
- 1 star0
All 27 learners who reviewed this course rated it 5 out of 5.
Code of Conduct: frequently asked questions
Straight answers about the course and the part of the NMC process it covers. Can't see your question? Get in touch or read the general FAQs.
More questions?
Talk to us, read our free guide, or book a free call to find the right support for your stage.
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