Most concerns about nursing care are best resolved locally, with the hospital or clinic. But serious concerns about a nurse’s safety or conduct can be raised with the nursing council.
Imagine your mother was given the wrong medicine twice, and when you asked, the nurse responsible was dismissive and altered the records. You want to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.
What nursing councils deal with
- Serious or repeated clinical mistakes
- Dishonesty, such as falsifying records
- Abuse, neglect or exploitation of patients
- Serious criminal convictions
- Health problems that make practice unsafe and are not being managed
What they don’t usually deal with
- Compensation or refunds
- General complaints about hospital services
- Minor or one-off issues better resolved locally
Other routes to try
- The hospital or clinic’s complaints team
- Patient advocacy or liaison services
- Health service ombudsman or regulator of services
- Police, if a crime may have been committed
How to raise a concern
- Find your country’s nursing council website
- Use its online concern or complaint form
- Include the nurse’s name, workplace, dates and what happened
- Attach any evidence you have
- Keep a copy and note your reference number
Frequently asked questions
Will the nurse know I raised it?
Usually yes, because they need to respond. Ask the council about confidentiality.
Can colleagues raise concerns?
Yes. Nurses also have a professional duty to raise concerns about unsafe practice.
But I don’t want the nurse to lose their job
Councils focus on public safety, and many cases end with support or conditions rather than removal.
Your next step: If you have a concern, first write down the dates and facts while they are fresh.
Sources: Nursing and Midwifery Council (UK), Ahpra, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
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