NMBA Professional Standards

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) approves the standards, codes and guidelines that regulate the nursing and midwifery professions. These documents clarify the expectations of the professional practice of nurses and midwives.

The standards and codes detail the standards of practice and expectations of appropriate behaviour that encompass:

  • respect for people
  • adherence to the law and system of government
  • personal integrity
  • personal responsibility
  • diligence
  • privacy and confidentiality
  • economy and efficiency.

As a nursing and midwifery student you are required to be familiar with the standards and codes of practice, understand how these inform your practice and apply them within your practice during placements. Essential documents available from the NMBA Professional Standards website:

From 1 March 2018, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code of ethics for nurses is in effect for all nurses in Australia and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Code of ethics for midwives is in effect for all midwives in Australia.

The NMBA Standards for Practice, Codes of Conduct and Codes of Ethics are used to evaluate your professional behaviour and practice according to subject learning outcomes listed within the subject outline associated with your PEP. Other essential guides and processes that are essential for you to know and understand include the following: