Thought this was interesting: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/209021.php

The RCN has set out what patients, families and carers can expect from nursing staff.

The publication, Principles of Nursing Practice, which was developed by the RCN in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Department of Health and patient organisations, spells out eight core aspects of nursing.

The Principles range across all nursing settings and apply to the whole nursing team. They range from nursing staff being vigilant about risk to being conscientious in reporting the things they are concerned about. Nursing staff have a responsibility to have up-to-date knowledge and skills and also to involve patients and their families in decisions to help them make informed choices about their treatment and care. The Principles identify the importance to nursing staff of dignity and humanity in care

Today's publication emphasises that nursing staff have a central role to play within multi-disciplinary teams. By working closely with other professionals, nursing staff make sure that each patients care and treatment is co-ordinated and has the best possible outcome.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said:

"These Principles are unique in that they bring together in one place for the public what can be expected from nursing. They are designed to help patients and carers, nursing staff, employers and decision-makers to know exactly what quality nursing care looks like. They clearly show good nursing practice should be underpinned by dignity, responsibility, vigilance about risk and patient involvement in their care."

Chief Nursing Officer, Dame Christine Beasley, said:

"Patients view and judge their overall experience by the quality of nursing care they receive. High quality care and support is important to patients, relatives and communities.

"It's important that everyone - staff and patients - know what they can expect from nurses and nursing staff. These principles reinforce the central role that nurses have and are a reminder of how to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients."

NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, Dickon Weir-Hughes, said:

"More and more nursing care is being delivered across a wide range of non traditional healthcare settings and nurses today have more autonomy and high level decision making skills as a result.

"Access to information about symptoms and treatments is readily available and this can influence the expectations that patients have about the type of care healthcare professionals can provide.

"The principles of nursing practice provide clarity to patients and their families about what to expect from nursing care, whether it's delivered by a registered nurse, student nurse or a healthcare assistant."

The RCN also announced today a new online resource to accompany the Principles. It includes examples of real-life stories that highlight the different Principles and how they relate to nursing practice. To access the Principles and the resource visit here.