Understanding the NMC code of conduct: a student perspective.

The Code, published by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2008), provides standards of performance and ethics for nurses and midwives, and is a means of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the public. Guidance from the NMC may appear relatively straightforward, however it can be difficult to implement in practice. This article identifies specific challenges that nurses may be presented with when adhering to The Code, as well as more general issues in interpreting the standards.