Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is the independent, statutory organisation which regulates the nursing and midwifery professions in Ireland. It was established by the Nurses and Midwives Act of 2011 and is responsible for maintaining high standards of practice within the professions. The NMBI sets out the requirements for education, registration, and practice for nurses and midwives in Ireland, ensuring that all practitioners are competent and capable of providing high-quality care to patients.

Functions and Responsibilities

The primary functions of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland include:

• Establishing and maintaining a register of qualified nurses and midwives.
• Setting standards for education, training, and practice for nursing and midwifery.
• Conducting fitness to practice hearings to investigate complaints against nurses and midwives and taking appropriate actions.
• Promoting professional conduct and continuing education among registered practitioners.

Registration

To practice as a nurse or midwife in Ireland, individuals must be registered with the NMBI. The registration process involves verifying the applicant's qualifications and fitness to practice. The NMBI maintains different divisions of the register for general nurses, psychiatric nurses, children's nurses, and midwives, among others, reflecting the specialized nature of different areas of practice.

Education and Training

The NMBI sets out the standards for educational programs leading to registration as a nurse or midwife. These standards ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to practice safely and effectively. The Board accredits nursing and midwifery education programs offered by higher education institutions across Ireland.

Professional Conduct and Ethics

The NMBI also publishes a Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for nurses and midwives, which outlines the professional standards expected of practitioners. This code guides nurses and midwives in their daily practice, helping them to make ethical decisions and maintain professional boundaries.

Fitness to Practice

The NMBI has the authority to conduct fitness to practice inquiries to investigate allegations of professional misconduct, incompetence, or physical or mental incapacity. These inquiries aim to protect the public by ensuring that only those who are fit to practice are allowed to continue working as nurses or midwives in Ireland.

Challenges and Developments

The NMBI faces ongoing challenges, including adapting to changes in healthcare needs, integrating advances in medical knowledge and technology into practice standards, and addressing the global nursing and midwifery workforce shortage. The Board works continuously to update its standards and policies to reflect current best practices and to support the professional development of nurses and midwives.

See Also

• Healthcare in Ireland
• Professional regulation
• Nursing
• Midwifery