Standards of proficiency for nurses

The proficiencies in this document specify the knowledge and skills that registered nurses must demonstrate when caring for people of all ages and across all care settings. They reflect what the public can expect nurses to know and be able to do to deliver safe, kind and effective nursing care.

They also provide a benchmark for nurses from overseas wishing to join the UK register, as well as for those who plan to return to practice after a period of absence.

The proficiencies are grouped under seven platforms, followed by two annexes. Together, these reflect what we expect a newly registered nurse to know and be capable of doing safely and proficiently at the start of their career.

Key components of the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of registered nurses are described under each of the seven platforms. We believe that this approach provides clarity to the public and the professions about the core knowledge and skills that they can expect every registered nurse to demonstrate.