CNN code of conduct: a voluntary code of professional conduct for community nursery nurses working in community and primary care settings

Community Practitioner, Feb, 2008

This code was revised by the Unite/CPHVA CNN Professional Forum in October 2007.

1 Applicability

1.1 To enable a person to work unsupervised with children, it is recommended by the Unite/CPHVA that this code be introduced in all NHS organisations.

1.2 CNNs are working unsupervised with children and families in their own homes, clinics, schools, family centres, and nurseries providing one-to-one sessions or client group activities, and therefore need a professional framework in which to work.

1.3 This code should be read in conjunction with other Unite/CPHVA guidelines. (1,2,3)

1.4 This code is for all CNNs who are working in primary care or community health settings.

1.5 This code covers those CNNs who work unsupervised with:

* Children aged up to eight years

* Young people aged eight to 19

* Adults, providing them with health promotion initiatives and advice.

2 Purpose

2.1 The purpose of the code is to:

* Ensure client safety and public protection

* Identify boundaries, competencies and responsibilities

* Agree communication and accountability frameworks

* Protect CNNs from inappropriate delegation of activities.

3. Educational standards

3.1 A CNN is not a qualified registered nurse.

3.2 Any nursery nurse who is working in the community or in primary care should have attained one of the following:

* NNEB, now replaced by the diploma in childcare and education (DCE) awarded by CACHE and the HNC in childcare and education (Scotland)

* Level 3 BTEC national diploma in early years, awarded by EDEXEL

* NVQ/Scottish NVQ level three in early years and education, awarded by City and Guilds, CACHE, EDEXEL and the Open University.

3.3 The Qualification and Curriculum Authority recommend these qualifications as providing CNNs with the necessary theoretical and practical training in child development.

3.4 CNNs are trained and competent in aspects of parenting and health promotion that equips them to work with parents and young people, to enable these clients to enhance their health and that of the family unit.

3.5 CNNs may train in leadership, mentorship and assessor skills to enable them to lead other CNNs.

4. Professional development

4.1 It is expected that CNNs will continually update their knowledge and skills through a lifelong learning approach in conjunction with the Knowledge and Skills Framework.

4.2 All CNNs' practice and training will be competency based, with ongoing supervision from a relevant professional.

4.3 At all times, a CNN should not undertake any activity that they do not feel competent in, or that is outside their area of practice and knowledge.

4.4 The employer should at all times acknowledge the strengths and limitations of a CNN's expertise within a competency framework. (1)

4.5 There is essential training that all employees should undertake. The new CNN may need support to identify what is expected and must ensure they attend these sessions. (2)

5 Trustworthiness

5.1 It is expected that a CNN will behave in a way that upholds the reputation of their position within the team they are attached to, and follow local policies, protocols, guidelines, standards and staff charters that set out what the organisation expects from all employees regardless of the position they hold.

5.2 A CNN must not promote or endorse any products, but must provide information about a range of products to enable the client to make informed choices. Where it is necessary to advise a specific product, the CNN must ensure that the advice is based on research evidence or best practice, and is not for their own commercial gain.

5.3 A CNN must refuse any gift, favour or hospitality that might be interpreted as an attempt to obtain preferential consideration from them.

5.4 A CNN must neither ask for nor accept loans from clients, or from their relatives and friends.

6 Risk management

6.1 At all times, a CNN must adhere to local risk management and lone working policies and procedures.

6.2 When faced with professional dilemmas, a CNN must first consider the interests and safety of the clients.

6.3 If a CNN has reason to believe that a colleague may not be fit to practise for reasons of conduct, health or competence, they have a duty to report this to a senior person and follow local policies. It is recommended that the CNN seeks advice and support from their professional organisation or union when confronted with this issue.

7 Confidentiality

7.1 A CNN's line manager (NMC registrant or other professional) has a responsibility to ensure that clients are aware that information is shared between members of the team.

7.2 A CNN must guard against breaches of confidentiality by protecting information from improper disclosure at all times, and must follow all local policies.

7.3 A CNN needs to be aware of the local Caldicott policy and Fraser competency guidelines, and have training in these and adhere to the procedures.

7.4 A CNN must only disclose information outside the immediate team if:

* It can be justified as being in the public interest (usually where disclosure is essential to protect the client or someone else from risk or significant harm)