RCN calls for language and skills testing within European Law

Published: 09 September 2011

Nurses entering the UK from the EU must have adequate language skills and up to date training in order to practise safely according to the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) response to the Government’s Green Paper, ‘Modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive’

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr. Peter Carter said:
“Nursing is a global profession and individual health professionals have every right to seek recognition and employment in another EU country. However, patient safety will always be the top priority for nurses and other healthcare workers, so it is important that where certain standards and criteria are set, they are met by all staff, regardless of their background.

“The RCN believes that regulators, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), should be able to test for language competency and that this requirement should be anchored in European law. UK nurses are required by the NMC to re-register every three years and must demonstrate that their skills are up to date. Conversely, if a nurse from the EU has not kept their skills up to date or worked for a number of years as a nurse, the NMC is still required to register them. Equally, there is a responsibility placed on employers to ensure that the language skills of all staff are of a high enough level to allow them to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. Therefore, we would like to see checks in place to ensure continuing levels of competence for all health professionals.

“This is not to discriminate against nurses from any particular country, but rather to ensure that the highest standards of care and patient safety are maintained and that any barriers to that effect are removed.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. You can read the full response to the ‘Modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive’ http://www.rcn.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/395420/RCN_MRPQ_Green_paper_briefing.pdf
2. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
3. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations