Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses

Jun 17, 2020
Paul Johnson

Saddled with the responsibility of reviewing the standards of proficiency of nurses, midwives and nursing associates, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) frequently checks the level of competence of registered nurses. Therefore, to ensure the standards remain contemporary and ideal for its purpose, that is, the safety of patients and as well as the general public, NMC revealed things to expect in the future of nursing, the implications, and the skill requirements for the role.

The standards of proficiency for registered nurses indicate the knowledge and skills expected from the nursing professionals when handling patients across varying colour, ages, and social status. The role of registered nurses requires them to be people-centred, compassionate, and eager to render care for those who depend on them.

Registered nurses, like other healthcare workers, play essential roles in providing care, safety for patients and the general public. And their contribution to the health sector is vital to promoting quality health to all and sundry. They are seen at the forefront of health protection and the prevention of ill health. Registered nurses empower people, communities and populations to take control of their own health decisions and behaviours for healthy living.

Some standards of proficiency for registered nurses include:

  1. Being an accountable professional

The role of registered nurses ensures that they remain responsible for authorities and always act in the best interests of the lives in their care. They are expected to be people-centred, providing nursing care safe and compassionate at every given time. Being accountable also means they act professionally at all times and utilise their knowledge and experience to make correct and evidence-based choices about care.

Registered nurses are also required to have high-quality communication skills, effectively communicating with the patients and their colleagues. They must serve as role models for others and be responsible for their actions at all times with constant improvements in new developments in the health sector.

  1. Promoting health and preventing ill health

Registered nurses are vital players in improving and maintaining health. They play essential roles in helping people to maintain quality mental, physical, and behavioural health. Registered nurses are saddled with the responsibility of promoting healthy living and preventing ill health among the populace.

They are life-givers that support and encourage healthy living among all stages of life and care settings. Registered nurses are at the forefront of preventing and protecting diseases and pandemics such COVID-19; they mostly put their lives on the line for others to embrace health.

  1. Assessing needs, planning care, providing and evaluating care

Registered nurses are to assess and prioritise the needs of people when reviewing their health. Nurses assess patients to discover what they require, be it mental, physical, cognitive, behavioural, social, or spiritual needs. After the assessment, they go-ahead to work hand in hand with the patients and other health professionals to develop person-centred care plans according to the needs of the patients.

Registered nurses also provide evidence-based, compassionate and safe nursing interventions that are centred on the patient with consistent standards of proficiency. They also evaluate whether cares given to people are in line with their needs and preferences.