On Tuesday, 8th February, MNI (Migrant Nurses Ireland) officials met with the CEO of NMBI (Nursing And Midwifery Board Of Ireland), Ms. Sheila McClelland, Ms. Carolyn Donohuoe, the head of education of NMBI, other officials of NMBI, and the Honorable Indian Ambassador Mr. Akhilesh Mishra to discuss various issues pertaining to the registration of overseas nurses.
Varghese Joy, Convenor, Rajimol Manoj, treasurer, and Vinu Kaippilly, national membership coordinator represented MNI in the meeting. MNI officials had met with the CEO of NMBI, in December, in the presence of the Deputy General Secretary of INMO, Mr. Edward Mathews, and requested NMBI to take measures to address the delay in registration. As a result, NMBI had advertised 10 Grade-4 registration officers’ posts. Though this helped to decrease the delay in registration to some extent, the delay still persists.
In addition, MNI officials pointed out the issue of NMBI asking candidates for various certificates even after they have received their decision letter. It creates a big predicament for candidates to produce certificates from their country of origin while they are in Ireland while appearing for aptitude test/adaptation.
Another issue raised in the meeting was about the expiration of IELTS/OET when a candidate fails on aptitude/adaptation and applies for a second time. The IELTS/OET expires during the time period of processing their application. CEO promised to examine the matter and to take measures to address them. The CEO also offered to work in collaboration with Migrant Nurses Ireland to address the issues pertaining to the registration of overseas nurses. The Honorable Indian Ambassador also offered every help from his office and the Government of India in order to resolve this issue.