Advice For Nurses And Midwives During An Influenza Pandemic

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Swine Flu;  Public Health
Article Date: 04 May 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has issued its position statement to support nurses and midwives throughout the United Kingdom with the issues they may face during an influenza pandemic.

We advise that all nurses and midwives must work in accordance with their professional standards of conduct as set out in The Code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives, which provides a benchmark for practice.

Nurses and midwives are expected to practise within their competency and acknowledge the limitations of their practice. If working outside their normal area or scope of practice, nurses and midwives must consider that in accordance with The Code they are accountable for their actions or omissions, regardless of guidance given by another professional, and as such must consider their duty of care to the public. Their first consideration in all activities must be in the interests and safety of the people in their care.

Only a registered midwife with a current Intention to Practice can provide care or advice to a woman in relation to her pregnancy. Midwives are able to extend their scope of practice to provide nursing duties if they are competent to do so.

People who are not registered with the NMC cannot work as a nurse or midwife in the UK, but they can be utilised in a supportive capacity. We have provisions in place to register eligible individuals as rapidly as possible.

We recognise that nurses and midwives will play a critical role in delivering healthcare during a pandemic, and it is important that nurses and midwives are themselves fit for work. Should they develop flu like symptoms, they should follow the national guidance on seeking health advice for themselves.

The full position statement and information for nurses and midwives on their role during an influenza pandemic is available at http://www.nmc-uk.org/

Source
Nursing and Midwifery Council

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