Student nurses will start to train against the new standards from January 2019.
Last week the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) launched ‘ambitious’ new standards of proficiency that set out the skills and knowledge the next generation of nurses need.
Alongside the new proficiencies, the NMC has introduced a more modern and innovative approach to the way universities and their practise partners train nurses and midwives – the NMC claim these changes will allow greater independence of assessment, and greater innovation by placement providers.
The NMC has also removed its standards for medicines management and instead encourages employers to instigate rigorous medicines management procedures.
Unlimited simulation.
Finally, part of the changes includes the removal of the cap on the number of hours students can spend on simulation activities – despite concerns this could reduce the total amount of time student nurses could spend on placements.
The new standards represent two years’ work and have been developed alongside nurses – as well as students, educators, healthcare professionals, charities and patient groups from across the UK.
Jackie Smith, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, said: “Our new standards represent a huge leap forward. They raise the bar for the next generation of nurses and not only match the demands of the role but the ambition of the profession. This is vital as in the coming years many thousands of new professionals will join our register, delivering care to millions of people.
“We’ve also overhauled the way universities train nurses and midwives. They’ll be given more flexibility to harness new ways of working and embrace technology so they can equip the nurses and midwives of tomorrow with the skills they need to deliver world class care for years to come.”