Guide for Nurses and Midwives

Purpose of this Guide

This Guide helps nurses and midwives understand the legal requirements for practicing in South Sudan under the Nurses and Midwives Bill, 2025. It explains registration, licensing, professional rights, and responsibilities in simple language.

Target Audience:

• Registered Nurses
• Registered Midwives
• Enrolled Nurses and Midwives
• Student Nurses and Midwives

Why the Bill Matters

This N&M Bill establishes the legal system that regulates the profession in South Sudan. It ensures patient safety, professional accountability, standardized training and qualifications, and legal recognition of nurses and midwives

Key Message

You must meet THREE legal requirements to practice:

1. Be REGISTERED with the Nursing and Midwifery Council 

2. Obtain a VALID PRACTICE LICENSE 

3. Renew the license every THREE YEARS 

Types of Registration

The Council provides THREE types of registration:

1. Full Registration:
Allows for indefinite period of practice

2. Temporary Registration:
Allows for practice up to one year

3. Specialist Registration:
Allows for practice in specialized fields of nursing and midwifery

Documents Required for Registration

Applicants must submit:

• Application form

• Proof of identity documents

• Training certificate/diploma/degree

• Proof that applicant is fit to practice from previous registration body (where applicable)

• Certificate of good professional conduct from previous registration body (where applicable)

• Payment of registration fee

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for registration, you must:

• Graduate from an accredited midwifery/nursing training institution

• Demonstrate professional competence

• Provide recommendation from training institution or employer

How to Register and Get a License to Practice

Step 1.

Graduate from an accredited midwifery/nursing training institution

Step 2.

Apply for registration with Council using prescribed form and pay fee

Step 3.

Submit required documents: qualification, ID, good conduct, recommendation

Step 4.

Council reviews application including verification of training and supporting documents

Step 5.

Registration approved and name entered in the professional register

Step 6.

Apply for Practice License: submit license application and pay fee

Step 7.

License issued >>> valid for three years

Step 8.

Begin practicing legally using Professional Title

Rights of Registered Nurses & Midwives

Once registered you have the right to:

• Use the Professional Title:
– Registered or
– Enrolled Nurse and/or
– Midwife

• Apply for a License to practice

• Have your name listed in the National Professional Registry

• Do training and acquire Specialist Qualifications

Responsibilities of Nurses & Midwives

You must:

• Maintain valid registration and license

• Follow professional standards

• Provide safe and ethical care

• Respect patient rights

• Maintain competencies by continuous professional development

Validity of License

Important facts:

• License validity: 3 years

• Must be renewed before expiry

• Can be suspended or revoked if professional misconduct occurs

Suspension or Revocation

The Council may suspend or revoke a license if:

• Fraudulent documents are used

• Professional misconduct occurs

• Criminal offences occur

Appeals Process

If you disagree with a Council decision:

Step 1.
Appeal to the Minister of Health

Step 2.
Appeal to the Court

The Court decision is final.

Trainees & Auxiliary Personnel

Student Nurses and Midwives:

• Must register through their training institutions

• Must practice under supervision

Auxiliary Nurses and Midwives:

• Cannot practice independently

Quick Professional Checklist

Before practicing ask yourself:

1. Am I registered?

2. Do I have a valid license?

3. Is my license still valid?

4. Am I practicing within my training?

Final Message

Professional Regulation Protects:

• Patients

• Nurses and Midwives

• The Health System

Together we strengthen the Nursing and Midwifery profession in South Sudan.