Many members of our nursing family are understandably concerned about the circumstances in which you may be working during the response to COVID-19.
NMC regulation during the pandemic
The Nursing and Midwifery Council have acknowledged this is the case and have published a statement with other regulators about how they will continue to regulate during the response to COVID-19.
Though the NMC Code stipulates registrants must recognise and work within their own levels of competency it also recognises that at times nurses may have to work in emergency conditions and provides flexibility for this.
Registrants must continue throughout this emergency to exercise professional judgement and communicate with your colleagues and patients honestly and transparently.
Some of you will be working under difficult conditions and may be asked to operate in unfamiliar ways in which you are not comfortable.
See our advice for those working in critical care
The NMC has acknowledged that during this emergency you may be asked to care for patients in ways that depart from normal established procedures and has stated that – ‘Where a concern is raised about a registered professional, it will always be considered on the specific facts of the case, taking into account the factors relevant to the situation in which the professional is working’.
Support and representation for registrants is important. UNISON has a dedicated Professional Services Unit that provides specialist advise and representation in all regulatory cases and members of our nursing family are entitled to support in any issue that may arise with their regulator.
COVID-19 advice for registered professionals
More information about how the NMC is regulating professionals through this period and FAQs
Temporary register for overseas nurses
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has opened a temporary emergency register to enable nurses from overseas to work during the crisis. UNISON helped negotiate these agreements with the NMC and has produced guidance for nurses who are thinking of joining the temporary register.
The guidance covers where you can work, your rate of pay and outlines the support and advice UNISON offers to members joining the temporary register.