by Linda Straker
- Notice re certified nursing education programmes in Grenada, released 22 November
- People who complete programmes at uncertified institutions may be unable to practice
- St George’s University and T A Marryshow Community College programmes are council-certified
People who participate and complete any nursing education programme at institutions in Grenada which are not certified by the Nurses and Midwives Council of Grenada could find themselves unable to practice in the profession.
A public notice disseminated by the Government Information Service (GIS) and signed by Nester Edwards, Chair of the council, advises people interested in nursing programmes at any institution in Grenada, to find out its legal status.
“The Nurses and Midwives Council of Grenada wishes to advise the public of its responsibility under section 7 (I) of the Nurses and Midwives Registration Act No. 15 of 2003, to certify suitable nursing schools in Grenada, together with the buildings, teachers, facilities, and curriculum,” said the notice of 22 November.
“Therefore, before registering for any nursing education programme in Grenada, the public is advised to enquire whether the programme is certified by the Nurses and Midwives Council of Grenada.”
Besides certifying suitable schools, other functions of the council which comprise several medical professionals, are to verify overseas training institutions qualifications in nursing and midwifery that will be recognised for purposes of this Act; prescribe continuing professional education for nurses and midwives who are registered under this Act; specify the functions of different classes of nurses and midwives and to prescribe qualifications for teachers of nursing and midwifery.
The council’s membership are:
- the Chief Nursing Officer as chairperson;
- the Chief Medical Officer;
- the Director of Nursing Services;
- the Director of the Nursing School;
- the Chief Community Health Nurse;
- 3 members nominated by the Grenada Nursing Association;
- one member nominated by psychiatric nurses;
- one registered nursing assistant;
- one registered midwife;
- one registered medical practitioner.
Research has confirmed that only the nursing programmes offered at St George’s University and T A Marryshow Community College are certified by the council.
Section 17 of the Act states an application for the approval of institutions for the training of pupils shall be submitted to the Board in the prescribed form and be signed by an officer of such institution, duly authorised by the institution.
If programs are not certified it is the responsibility of the government to shut down those programs. Easily done. Demand they pass certification criteria or close their doors. Period.