RCN welcomes more rigorous standards for European nurses

Published: 24 January 2013

For immediate release: 23 January 2013

RCN welcomes more rigorous standards for European nurses

The RCN today (23 January) welcomed a vote in European Parliament which recommended improvements to the regulation of nurses working throughout the EU by introducing language checks and more rigorous competency requirements.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said: “There is much to be pleased about in today’s vote. A number of the measures echo what the RCN has called for and will improve patient safety across the EU.

“We are encouraged by the recommendation to allow regulators to introduce language checks on EU health professionals. This will ensure that health care staff can communicate with their colleagues and patients. Another positive is the alert system, which will prevent health professionals prohibited from practicing in one member state from working in another.

“However, we’re disappointed to not see greater support for a minimum 12 years’ general education requirement before commencing nursing studies. This would have brought member countries in line with the UK.

“We fully support the right for nurses to use their skills around the world, but patient safety must be the top priority. We hope today’s vote will be a good starting point to ensure all patients receive the same high quality care.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

2. 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 organizations.