The NMC code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives (2008) states that a nurse has a duty of care at all times and people must be able to trust them with their lives and health. To justify that trust, they must:
• Make the care of people their first concern, treating them as individuals and respecting their dignity.
• Work with others to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of those in their care.
• Provide a high standard of practice and care at all times.
Be open and honest, act with integrity and uphold the reputation of their profession.
Nurses and midwives are personally accountable for actions and omissions in their professional practice and must always be able to justify their decisions. They must always act lawfully, whether those laws relate to their professional practice or personal life.