Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics

The Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives incorporating the Scope of Practice and Professional Guidance came into effect on 14 February 2025, replacing the previous editions published in May 2021 and December 2014.
 

About the Code 

The Code applies to all settings where a registered nurse or registered midwife provides healthcare, whether in person, virtually or through other platforms. It outlines the professional conduct expected of a registered 
nurse or registered midwife. 

NMBI revised the Code to reflect changes within the professions, the healthcare system and broader society, to ensure registered nurses and registered midwives practice safely while upholding the integrity of the 
professions.

The Code contains six principles, a value statement for each of the principles and standards of conduct that taken together signify what good practice by registered nurses and registered midwives looks like.

On joining the Register of Nurses and Midwives, and when renewing registration, all registered nurses and registered midwives must commit to upholding the principles, values and standards of the Code. They should 
make sure that they are using the most up to date version of the Code.
 

Using the Code

In everyday practice, nurses and midwives are often required to make professional and clinical judgements when providing care. These decisions can sometimes be complex and may involve balancing the needs of the individual, professional responsibilities, and the practice environment. 

The NMBI Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics provides guidance to support registered nurses and registered midwives in making safe, ethical and person-centred decisions in practice. The decision-making framework offers a practical step-by-step approach to support professional judgement and decision-making in everyday care.