Nurses’ views needed on proposed changes to education standards
Posted 15 July 2022 - 10:00
NMC consultation looks at relaxing entry requirements, whether students need specific setting placements, and whether some knowledge or skills criteria could be dropped
Nurses are being asked for their views on education standards for the profession, including whether course providers can relax entry requirements.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched a 10-week consultation on proposals to alter regulations following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU).
Feedback needed on entry requirements and placements
The NMC said it no longer has to follow EU regulations on education requirements, and is asking registrants across the UK to give feedback on the proposed changes. These include creating ‘more inclusive’ entry requirements for nursing degree courses, and offering more flexibility around simulated learning.
Nurses can also give their views on whether they think students need to have specific setting placements, and whether all knowledge or skills criteria are necessary, or if some can be dropped.
Proposed changes aim to offer educators more flexibility
‘It’s essential that our education programmes are organised and managed in a way that allows nursing and midwifery students to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver safe, kind and effective care,’ said NMC executive director of professional practice Geraldine Walters.
‘We believe our proposed changes will allow educators the flexibility to organise and deliver courses at the cutting edge of nursing and midwifery education.’
The online consultation is open until midday on 21 September 2022.
The NMC said in a statement: ‘We’re also consulting on whether to remove EU requirements for students to undertake placements in specific settings, and remove any knowledge and skills requirements that were previously included in the educational programme standards, where these are now already included in our standards of proficiency.’
Views also needed on English language requirements
The consultation follows another that was launched last month on whether the NMC should impose less stringent language requirements for overseas nurses.
The move was triggered by concern that qualified internationally trained nurses are being prevented from practising in the UK – amid widespread nursing shortages – because they cannot pass overly difficult English tests.
However, others argue that standards need to be high as aptitude in English is vital for communicating with patients and colleagues, and to ensure high-quality and safe nursing care.
Respond to the NMC consultations
Consultation on pre-registration programme requirements – (deadline: midday on 21 September 2022)
English language consultation – (deadline: 11.59pm on 12 August 2022)
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