NMBI Professional Conduct

Question 1

Under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, what grounds can trigger a fitness to practise inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Professional misconduct, poor professional performance, a health condition impairing practice, or a criminal conviction

Answer

The Act provides several grounds for fitness to practise inquiries: professional misconduct, poor professional performance, a relevant medical disability, failure to comply with a condition of registration, or a criminal conviction in the State or elsewhere.

Question 2

What is the nurse's duty regarding patient confidentiality under Irish law?

Accepted Answer

To protect all patient information and only share it with authorised persons for legitimate clinical purposes, in accordance with GDPR and professional standards

Answer

Nurses have both a professional and legal duty to maintain patient confidentiality. Under GDPR and the Health Identifiers Act 2014, patient information can only be shared on a need-to-know basis for clinical care. Breaches can result in disciplinary and legal consequences.

Question 3

What is 'advocacy' in the context of nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Acting on behalf of and in the best interests of patients, particularly those who are vulnerable or unable to speak for themselves

Answer

Patient advocacy is a core nursing role. It involves speaking up for patients' rights, ensuring they receive appropriate care, protecting vulnerable patients, supporting informed decision-making, and challenging practices that may compromise patient welfare.

Question 4

What constitutes 'professional misconduct' for a nurse in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Conduct that falls significantly short of the standard expected of a registered nurse, including breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct, negligence, or dishonesty

Answer

Professional misconduct is conduct that falls seriously short of expected professional standards. Examples include falsifying records, practising under the influence of substances, breaching confidentiality, or failing to provide adequate care through negligence or recklessness.

Question 5

What is the nurse's responsibility when delegating tasks to healthcare assistants (HCAs)?

Accepted Answer

The nurse must ensure the HCA is competent to perform the task, provide appropriate supervision, and retains accountability for the overall care

Answer

When delegating, the nurse must assess the task's suitability for delegation, ensure the HCA has the competence and training to perform it, provide clear instructions and appropriate supervision, and retain overall accountability for the patient's care.

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Practice Test

NMBI Professional Conduct