With record-keeping featuring as prominently as ever in the new NMC Code of Conduct, Amanda Andrews and Bernie St Aubyn examine the importance of keeping your notes up to date, not only to protect your patients, but also to stay on the right side of the law... While keeping good records is an essential professional and legal requirement of being a nurse, we all know that in reality it is a job that many of us — at one time or another — have put off for later. Good records promote continuity of care through clear communication; demonstrate the quality of care delivered; and provide the evidence necessary for any legal proceedings. Conversely, poor records have a negative impact on care delivery and clinical decision-making (Inan and Dinc, 2013).