As we look to the future of nursing and midwifery in Ireland, I am delighted to share a number of key milestones that reflect both renewal and progress within NMBI.

Firstly, on behalf of the Board, I warmly welcome Carolyn Donohoe as NMBI’s new Chief Executive Officer. Carolyn brings a wealth of professional experience and a deep commitment to regulatory excellence and public service. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to evolve how we protect the public and support our registrants.

In recent weeks, we concluded our public consultation on the Statement of Strategy 2026–2029. I want to express my sincere thanks to all who took part—registrants, students, educators, members of the public, service users, public bodies, trade unions and healthcare partners. Your voices and shared insights are essential in helping us shape a strategy that will guide our priorities for the years ahead as we continue to modernise regulation in line with the needs of our health system, the public and our professions. The strategy we are now developing will ensure we continue to deliver forward-thinking regulation that supports nurses and midwives in delivering safe, high-quality care. We look forward to sharing the final strategy with you early next year.

We were also pleased to launch the updated MyNMBI portal, which went live in August. This enhanced digital platform offers a more user-friendly experience for registrants, applicants and students. It streamlines access to essential services, supports faster processing times and ensures the quality and reliability of data used in workforce planning. This upgrade reflects our ongoing investment and commitment in digital innovation to better serve our stakeholders. We would like to thank the Department of Health for their support with this key enhancement.

We are inviting applications to fill a casual vacancy on the Board of NMBI. This vacancy is open to nurses registered in the Intellectual Disability division of the Register. Serving on the Board is an important opportunity to contribute to the ongoing regulation and development of the professions. I encourage anyone who is eligible to consider applying.

As you will read in this eZine, NMBI is continuing to improve and promote our work to protect the public and support the professions. Carolyn and members of the NMBI team have been working hard, and in this issue you can read about the important developments within our organisation.

September is an important month with a new cohort of registered nurses and midwives and a new candidate register of student nurses and midwives joining the NMBI Register. On behalf of the Board, I wish you all the very best in your future trajectories.

Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank you for your continued engagement and dedication to the nursing and midwifery professions.

NMBI has updated its digital registration portal, MyNMBI, to make it easier for applicants and registrants to engage with.     

The updated MyNMBI system went live on 27 August. It is designed to maintain and enhance the Register, enabling an intuitive self-service online portal for registrants, applicants, students and other users. There is also a new MyNMBI Verify portal for verifying bodies.   

Dr Ray Healy, Director of Registration said: “We are delighted to launch our updated MyNMBI, an intuitive online portal, facilitating easier navigation of the system for our registrants and prospective registrants. We can assure registrants that while the portal might look a little different, using it will be familiar to anyone who has previously used the online platform. Users' login credentials - the email addresses that they use - will not change; however, users will need to reset their passwords.” 

We have developed user guides which can be found on our website.

Kathyann Barrett, Head of Operations said “This user-friendly portal will deliver quality, reliable and easily accessible data, which will be key for workforce planning and policy development across the health sector. The new portal should also mean shorter processing times for our overseas applicants.”

The development of this updated portal was set out in NMBI’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 and has been supported by the Department of Health.

NMBI were delighted to launch the Sixth Edition of the Registered Nurse Programmes Standards and the Fifth Edition of the Registered Midwife Programme Standards on 28 August. Two separate webinars were hosted to give attendees the first view of the new standards documents and outline the plan for implementation for the coming two years.  

The standards were approved by the NMBI Board on 23 July 2025 following extensive consultation with multiple key stakeholders. The standards documents include Standards for Entry to the Register and undergraduate education standards in Ireland for programmes leading to nurse or midwife registration. These EU-compliant standards ensure alignment with the NMBI Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics and support contemporary healthcare needs.   

NMBI President, Dr Louise Mc Bride, welcomed everyone to the launch of the standards which she recognised as a “significant milestone in not just the review of the standards but in the evolution of nursing and midwifery standards in Ireland” and a “commitment to the highest quality of care for our patients, clients and service users.”   

Interim Director of Education, Policy and Standards, Lorraine Clarke Bishop and Project Lead, Dr Mary Ryder provided a short but comprehensive session regarding the contents and implementation of the Registered Nurse Programmes Standards. Lorraine highlighted that “NMBI is proud to publish standards that are competency based and in line with best international practice.”    

Developed following extensive stakeholder consultation and informed by evidence-based research, including the RUN-ME report, the standards aim to produce competent, reflective, and patient-centred nurses that are equipped to deliver population-based care. They place a strong emphasis on community-based care, the social determinants of health, and social justice, in line with Sláintecare and national health policies.  

This significant reform in nurse education is underpinned by health policy and designed to foster innovation and responsiveness within the profession. The standards will apply to nursing students entering third-level education from autumn 2027.  

Director of Professional Standards – Midwifery, Dr Karn Cliffe, presented the Registered Midwife Programme Standards. She noted that “These standards are the foundation stones for the curriculum standards for midwifery education in Ireland; they adopt a learner centred focus in the practice learning environments for midwifery students.”  

NMBI is available to support educators, both academic and clinical, to implement and roll out the standards. Stakeholder engagement is very important part of this work and will include, Educational Bodies, Office of Nursing and Midwifery Service Division, 19 maternity units, National Women and Infants Health Programme, and service users.  

NMBI CEO, Carolyn Donohoe closed both webinars and was encouraged by the high levels of interest in the launches. “These standards place learners at the centre of nursing and midwifery education, preparing the future workforce to address future health needs of the Irish population,” she said.  

Both documents are available on the NMBI website through the links below. 

• Registered Nurse Programmes Standards
• Registered Midwife Programmes Standards 

NMBI, alongside the NMPDU and our student ambassadors will attend this year’s National Ploughing Championships to promote the professions of nursing and midwifery, and showcase opportunities to anyone considering a career that makes a difference.  

The event takes place from 16 to 18 September at Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly.  

Speaking ahead of the 2025 National Ploughing Championships, Carolyn Donohoe, NMBI Chief Executive said: “We are inviting the public, nurses, midwives and anyone considering a career in nursing and midwifery to come and meet us at the Ploughing Championships. Whether you want to chat with our team, meet practising nurses and midwives or learn some new skills - there is something for everyone at our stand and we are looking forward to meeting you.”  

NMBI will be at the Government of Ireland Village, in the Empowering Careers, Skills, and Apprenticeships Marquee – Block 3, Row 14, Stand 275.   

Visitors to the NMBI stand will have the chance to engage directly with nurses and midwives, our NMPDU colleagues, and our student ambassadors to learn more about career opportunities.   

NMBI is offering hands on CPR experience to visitors to our stand, who can learn how to resuscitate someone with chest compressions.  

To keep up to date with NMBI’s campaign to promote the professions, follow us on Instagram @nmbi_ie through the hashtags: #CareerinNursing  #CareerinMidwifery  #ACareerThatMakesADifference  #govploughing25  #ploughing25  

We look forward to seeing you there. 

We will be attending the Irish Times Higher Options careers fair, in partnership with our colleagues from the Office of Nursing and Midwifery Service Director (ONMSD) from Wednesday, 17 to Friday, 19 September. 

The careers fair provides second level students with information about the further and higher-level courses available.  

Each year, we attend Higher Options to promote the professions and encouraging school students to consider a career in nursing and midwifery. 

If you know anyone who is interested in a nursing and midwifery career, they can visit our stand and we will be happy to answer their questions. We will also be taking part in daily panel discussion to share insights and promote the professions.  

You have a dedicated careers section on our website which provides information and videos about the options available to students. We would encourage you to share this link with any future nurses and midwives.

We have launched a new podcast, NMBI Voice which covers the key changes and challenges facing our professions today.

Whether you're dealing with new regulations, maintaining your professional development, or navigating ethical decisions in your daily practice, NMBI Voice breaks down complex topics into practical guidance you can use.

The podcast is hosted by Kathyann Barrett, our Head of Operations and the first two episodes are available now.

New episodes air on the first Monday of every month, providing information you may need to maintain excellent standards while focusing on what matters most – caring for your patients.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 1: From Principles to Practice: The NMBI Code

In the debut episode Kathyann is joined by Lorraine Clarke Bishop, our Interim Director of Education, Policy, and Standards and explores the newly updated Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives.

Together they trace Lorraine’s own journey into nursing and reflect on how the Code first shaped her practice, before diving into why it remains central for over 90,000 nurses and midwives across Ireland today. From guiding everyday decision-making to handling ethical dilemmas, patient safety, cultural sensitivity, accountability, and even the challenges of social media and emerging technologies, the conversation shows how the Code is both a safeguard and an empowering framework for professionals.

Listeners will hear practical examples of the Code in action — from medication safety to advocating for patients and supporting colleagues — and learn why familiarity with it is essential at every stage of a nursing or midwifery career.

Whether you’re a student, a newly qualified nurse, a seasoned midwife, or working in leadership or regulation, this episode offers an engaging introduction to the Code as a living document — one that protects patients, strengthens trust, and supports the profession in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Episode 2: Keeping Practice Safe: Inside NMBI’s Professional Competence Scheme

Kathyann also speaks with Professional Officer, Mary Devane about NMBI’s new Professional Competence Scheme and what it means for nurses and midwives. 

Mary reflects on her wide-ranging career — from training in Cork and working in London to public health nursing and practice development — and how her own commitment to continuous learning shaped her perspective. Together, they unpack the pilot scheme: the balance of CPD hours and practice hours, the importance of reflective learning, the role of employers in supporting competence, and how the scheme will be audited and rolled out nationally by 2027. 

Throughout the conversation, the focus is on maintaining safe practice, aligning with the Code, and showcasing the professionalism and pride that underpin nursing and midwifery.

Earlier this month, NMBI’s Fitness to Practise Inquiries Legal Adviser, Marie-Therese Hackett and our Interim Director of Education, Policy and Standards, Lorraine Clarke-Bishop took part in the 16th International Conference on Medical Regulation.

The conference was organised by the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) and hosted by the Medical Council of Ireland. Each year, the event brings together regulators, policymakers and healthcare professionals from around the globe. 

One of the highlights was Marie-Therese and David Dolan, General Medical Council, UK, who delivered a joint presentation focused on Cross-Border Collaboration in People-Focused, Compassionate Regulation, specifically in the context of witnesses involved in fitness to practise processes.

The session highlighted the collaborative work between our two organisations on the NMBI’s Witness Care Project that launched in 2024. This initiative aims to improve the experience of witnesses by embedding compassion, consistency, and care throughout the regulatory process. We shared key learnings, practical approaches and the positive impact this project will have on witness support and wellbeing.

Earlier this month, we were delighted to host our international regulatory colleagues from Italy, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand at our headquarters in Blackrock. The visits coincided with the 16th International Conference on Medical Regulation, organised by IAMRA (International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities) and hosted by the Medical Council of Ireland.

During their visits, we provided an overview of our Irish regulatory position in relation to our Register and our current education projects including advanced practice registration, the Code and the professional competence scheme.

The Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) is based on the PDSA Quality Improvement Tool, (Plan, Do Study, Act). The Study phase of the PCS focuses on Reflection.    

Reflective practice encourages practitioners to think deeply about experiences and find new meaning in their current ideas or ways of doing things. It can reveal gaps in knowledge and boost critical thinking and independent learning.   

For practitioners, reflective practice helps to apply new knowledge and support change. Better knowledge and assessment skills lead to improved care planning and better outcomes for individuals with healthcare needs. Ongoing learning from reflective practice helps practitioners grow as professionals within a team, promoting critical thinking, clear communication, and teamwork – all vital for delivering high-quality care (Patel & Metersky 2022).  

This evidence is reflected in our feature article below by Clinical Nurse Specialist, Siobhan McMahon, a PCS pilot participant at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Siobhan describes how engaging in reflection has not only supported the maintenance and development of her professional competence but has also enhanced the quality and safety of the care she provides. 

For more information on Reflection, visit our new webpage.

Enhancing Professional Practice through the NMBI Professional Competence Scheme Pilot 

Participating in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) Nursing Professional Competence Scheme Pilot is an enriching experience that has significantly influenced my role as a Clinical Nurse Manager 2 (CNM 2) specialising in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). 

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a webinar hosted by the Irish Cancer Network, which explored the impact of alcohol, smoking, and nutrition on cancer risk, particularly for patients with conditions like IBD who face an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers. The key takeaway reinforced the critical importance of holistic patient care, emphasising our role not only in managing the IBD itself but also in educating patients about broader health risks and lifestyle factors. 

Central to my professional responsibilities is the principle of accountability, as outlined in the nursing Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics (2025). This includes maintaining and developing specific competencies related to planning, prioritising, and delivering patient-centered care through both clinical interventions and patient education. 

The structured framework of the professional competence scheme encourages me to engage in critical self-reflection, assessing my skills, knowledge, and areas for development. This process has deepened my awareness of the specialist role I hold in caring for patients with IBD and motivates me to continually enhance my clinical abilities. 

Through fulfilling the scheme’s requirements, I am identifying targeted competencies to develop, which has boosted my confidence and effectiveness in delivering safe, evidence-based care. Overall, the pilot is reinforcing my commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional growth, ensuring the highest standards of care for my patients. 

I was always passionate about helping people and nursing seemed like a perfect fit for me.  

It all started 25 years ago, I was a mum of two boys, a 3-and-a-half-year-old and a 6-month-old and I applied to do a PLC in nursing. After finishing the course, I wanted to focus on my two small children and decided to wait before I went on to study a four-year degree programme.  

Unfortunately, 17 years ago, I lost my sister to suicide. It was a very difficult time for my family and my mother found it particularly hard. Her mental health suffered and she attended a mental health facility to help her through the grieving process. I visited every other day, where I regularly met with her healthcare team. I remember her consultant saying she wished all family members were like me and so supportive of the family member who has mental health. When I was caring for my mother, my friend was diagnosed with cancer and I naturally wanted to do everything I could to help and support her. 

I remember one day sitting in the coffee shop on a visit with my mum when I saw a student nurse. I’m inquisitive and I started asking her questions. I said to my mother, I'm going to work here someday. It made my mother smile, something I had not seen for a while. 

As the years went on, I had three more sons and I became a family foster carer, fostering my niece and nephew. As you can imagine, I was very busy with seven children, a husband and a dog to look after as well as my mum. The dream of becoming a nurse never left me and given my insight and all I’ve been through, I knew I'd make a good nurse. So, I reapplied to a pre-nursing course in Bife, Bray, Co Wicklow and this is where it began, my journey into mental health nursing.  

At first, I felt like an impostor but sitting in the lecture rooms, with the new friends I'd made from the mental health group felt surreal. The teachers Emer and Anne were fantastic as well as all the other tutors and Vice Principals, Gabriel and Louise. Their support was incredible. I also want to thank Dr Regina Joy, whose classes I really loved. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today - studying mental health nursing in UCD. 

I was one of the lucky ones who got to do a four-week placement in the National Forensic Central Mental Hospital. I enjoyed every minute of it. The staff where lovely and accommodating, especially my preceptor and the Clinical Nurse Manager in charge. I also had the opportunity to do my Erasmus in Malta. I spent three weeks working and living in Malta. 

I tell anyone who asks me how I do it, that it's more accessible than you think. As a mature student, a 3rd-level college course is easier to manage. It’s not all 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. Sometimes, it's 10am to 2pm or 9am to 1pm. Hours change each year. There is a lot of support too through the social clubs, group nights out, coffee mornings, counselling, etc. My family and friend were such a great support as well, particularly my friend Heather who was my shoulder to cry on and vice versa. 

For anyone who thinks that they can’t do it or it’s too late to try, I say go for it. It’s the most rewarding and enjoyable career you can have. 

We are expanding our panel of site inspectors and are inviting registered nurses and midwives from all divisions working in academic and/or practice sectors with relevant knowledge and experience to apply.

Site inspectors are responsible for approving and monitoring nursing and midwifery education programmes.

Education programmes are approved and monitored by NMBI through site inspections to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and requirements.

To apply, please complete the online application form by Tuesday, 30 September 2025.

We pleased to introduce an online emotional support hub for anyone involved in the fitness to practise process.

The hub provides tips, guidance and wellbeing support at any time. You can access the hub through the website below, using the username and password below. 

Link to service: https://nmbi.elewellbeing.co.uk
Username: ele@nmbi.ie
Password: nmbiwellbeing

We understand that being involved in the fitness to practise process can, at times, feel overwhelming whether you are involved as a registrant, complainant or witness. Our confidential emotional support service is there to help. If you want to talk, get practical advice, or just feel heard, trained professionals are available to you.

You can call the freephone emotional support service on 1800 849 163 (from the Republic of Ireland) or +44 121 435 0089 (from outside Ireland). Local charges may apply if you are calling from outside Ireland.

In addition, we can arrange for a managed referral to these services. Please contact your NMBI point of contact to discuss.

This is your space to get emotional support and find coping strategies. CiC will not share any information with NMBI.

NMBI has approved a new School of Nursing at Maynooth University.

The nursing programme was established by Professor Fintan Sheerin and his colleagues Dr Adeline Cooney and Dr Myles Hackett.

The university aims to welcome 30 undergraduate students to the BSc in General Nursing programme this month.

We would like to congratulate Maynooth University and we look forward to engaging with them in the future.

The Board of NMBI has published the outcomes of decisions arising from five complaints received.

The findings are published in full on NMBI's Findings and Decisions page.

We are inviting applications from nurses currently registered in the Intellectual Disability Nurse Division of the Register to fill a casual vacancy on the Board of NMBI. The term of the casual vacancy will be up to 12 January 2027.

If you are interested forward a CV (max. 4 pages) and cover letter by email to Orla Coady at ocoady@nmbi.ie.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 19 September 2025 at 3pm.

For more information visit our website.