Principles of Nursing Practice
Welcome. These pages introduce the Principles of Nursing Practice.
The Principles describe what everyone can expect from nursing practice, whether colleagues, patients, their families or carers.
The Principles were developed by the Royal College of Nursing in partnership with the Department of Health (England), the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and patient and service user organisations.
New roadshows
The RCN is holding Principles of Nursing Practice roadshows around the country. These events will help you to gain an invaluable and practical understanding of how the Principles can be used in your workplace.
A general flyer about the roadshows is available at Principles of Nursing Practice roadshows flyer (PDF 242KB) see how to access PDF files.
Overview of London roadshow
The conference, held in London on 18 October at RCN headquarters, included presentations from the NMC, CQC and Energise 4 Excellence, who all talked about how the Principles aligned with their work. Jane Bromwich offered excellent perspectives from implementing the Principles at her Trust in Kent. Workshops explored Macmillan human rights standards work and how this might support implementing the Principles; potential Principles Champions projects; and embedding the Principles strategically in NHS Scotland. Further information from the conference will be made available in this resource.
How to use the site
Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCN, explains the importance of the Principles of Nursing Practice in the purpose. You can also read messages of support for the Principles including messages from patient and user groups.
The full text of the Principles is available in the Principles.
Pages for each of the Principles pointing to activities and resources to support their use can be accessed from the left hand menu of this resource. These will be updated to reflect new developments as they occur.
You can find out about how the Principles are being used and read the examples.
Frequently asked questions about the Principles can be found in you and the Principles.
An explanation of the relationship between the Principles and other publications is available in how the Principles relate.
You can also see an animation using stories to animate the Principles on the story wall.
You can learn more about how the Principles can be used to evaluate in measuring up to the Principles.
Further details about the work the RCN is doing on identifiying suitable measures can be found here in RCN endorsement of measures.
The RCN has several publications relating to the Principles of Nursing Practice available. For details see Principles publications.