Nursing and midwifery are regulated professions, meaning that only people who meet certain qualifications and standards are allowed, by law, to practise. This regulation, provided for in the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, as amended, requires nurses and midwives to be on NMBI’s Register before they can legally practise in Ireland. Registration confirms that a nurse or midwife has completed recognised education and demonstrated competence, and that they are committed to maintaining the professional integrity required to provide safe and effective care to the members of the public.
Regulated professionals are responsible for their actions and are accountable for the standards of their professional practice. Practising without registration is against the law, highlighting how regulation protects the public and maintains confidence in the professions.
The NMBI Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives incorporating the Scope of Practice and Professional Guidance, (The Code), sets out the values and standards of conduct expected of every nurse and midwife. The Code is the foundation for professional and ethical practice. Nurses and midwives must ensure that their practice consistently reflects the principles of the Code — respect, accountability, competence, trust, collaboration and leadership — in all professional decisions and actions. Following the Code is not optional; it defines what it means to be a regulated practitioner.
Regulation also supports ongoing professional growth and competence. Through Continuing Professional Development (CPD), nurses and midwives are required to keep their knowledge and skills up to date to ensure safe and effective practice. The NMBI is currently piloting a Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) to further support this professional requirement and to promote safe professional practice.
Ultimately, regulation underpins professional standards, ethical integrity and public protection, maintaining public trust in nursing and midwifery, and ensuring the continued delivery of safe, high-quality care across the health system.
To support ongoing engagement and understanding of its work, NMBI’s new podcast series, The NMBI Voice, breaks down complex regulatory matters and offers insight into how the professions of nursing and midwifery are protected through effective regulation. The first three episodes explore NMBI’s core functions — the Register, the Code, and the Professional Competence Scheme — and are available wherever you get your podcasts.
