Publish date: 2 October 2023

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has published a new definition of nursing which it says recognises the “increased complexity” of the work carried out by registered nurses today. This definition describes registered nurses as being “safety-critical” decision makers and problem solvers and says that nurses use “evidence-based knowledge, professional and clinical judgement to assess, plan, implement and evaluate high-quality person-centred nursing care”.

The RCN have also published eight newly revised principles of nursing to sit alongside the definition. The principles set out the “behaviour, attitude and approach” expected. 

Find out more on their website.