INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETED AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETED AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OVERVIEW Please read this booklet carefully before completing any part of the application form. Failure to do so may delay your application process. This Information Booklet is for applicants who trained as a nurse or midwife outside the Republic of Ireland and who are now considering applying for registration as a nurse or midwife with An Bord Altranais (Nursing Board, Republic of Ireland). An Bord Altranais An Bord Altranais (Nursing Board for the Republic of Ireland) is the National Competent/Regulatory Authority, established under statute, for nurses and midwives in the Republic of Ireland. It was established by the Nurses Act, 1950. It was re-constituted and its functions were re-defined and expanded by the Nurses Act, 1985. An Bord Altranais continues to operate under the provisions of this Act The main functions of An Bord Altranais are to: establish and maintain a register of nurses and midwives ensure compliance with minimum standards specified by the EU set and monitor requirements and standards for registration and post-registration education programmes for nurses and midwives approve and monitor such programmes approve the third level institutions and clinical placement sites where such programmes are delivered inquire into the conduct of a registered nurse or midwife on the grounds of alleged professional misconduct or alleged unfitness to engage in such practice by reason of physical or mental disability specify standards of practice give guidance to the professions of nursing and midwifery enhance high standards of nursing and midwifery. Underpinning these functions is protection of the public and patient/client safety. The titles midwife and nurse are protected titles in the Republic of Ireland and cannot be used by anyone who is not registered with An Bord Altranais. An Bord Altranais Register An Bord Altranais maintains ten Divisions of the Register: Registered General Nurse (RGN) Registered Midwife (RM) Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability (RNID) Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN) Registered Childrens Nurse (RCN) Registered Public Health Nurse (RPHN) Registered Nurse Tutor (RNT) Registered Nurse Prescriber (RNP) Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner (RAMP). Programmes in the Republic of Ireland Leading to Registration In the Republic of Ireland all programmes leading to registration must have An Bord Altranais approval. Some such programmes are at pre-registration level; some are at post-registration level; and others are offered at both pre and post registration levels.

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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETED AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

All programmes are specific to the Division of the Register and each programme has an indicative content; a set of competencies; and an associated scope of practice. There is a published specific set of Requirements and Standards for each programme leading to Registration with An Bord Altranais: refer http://www.nursingboard.ie/en/publications_current.aspx Pre-registration nurse/midwife education and training is at third-level-education Honours Degree level (National Qualifications Authority Level 8). Entry to the pre-registration programmes is at university honours degree requirement. Division General Nurse Childrens Nurse Psychiatric Nurse Intellectual Disability Nurse Midwife Public Health Nurse Nurse Prescriber Nurse Tutor Advanced Nurse Practitioner Advanced Midwife Practitioner Whilst there are two national languages in the Republic of Ireland (Irish and English) English is the primary language of expression in most parts of the country. The business of An Bord Altranais is always conducted in English unless a request is made to conduct business in Irish. MAKING AN APPLICATION Educated and Trained in Division for which Application is Made In order to apply for registration in a Division of the Register it is necessary for you to have been educated and trained in that Division. For example, if you were educated and trained as a General Nurse only, and yet have gained considerable experience working as a Childrens Nurse, you will not be eligible to register in the Childrens Nurse Division of the Register unless you can demonstrate the appropriate educational preparation. Application for Registration in more than One Division of a Register In order to be considered for registration in a specific division of the register, the applicant must have been educated and trained in that division. An applicant who has applied for registration in more than one Division of the Register must meet the requirements for each Division applied for. A second registration is dependent on the applicants primary registration. For example, if an applicant initially completed a general nursing programme and subsequently completed a midwifery programme, the applicant must, if she/he wishes to apply for registration as a midwife, apply for registration in both the General Nurse Division and the Midwives Division of the Register. Hours of instruction undertaken during both the programme leading to primary registration and the programme leading to a secondary registration can be combined, if necessary and relevant, to enable a decision to recommend adaptation or Each programme has specific clinical/practical and educational preparation requirements and applicants must be already registered as a nurse/midwife with An Bord Altranais. Pre-Registration Programme Duration 4 years Post Registration Programme Duration

4.5 years combined with General Nursing 4 years 4 years 4 years 18 months for applicants with RGN 1 year for applicants with RGN

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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETED AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

registration. However, if a second registration is requested, it is not possible when calculating hours to utilise the same hours a second time (i.e. the hours can only be used once). Applications Not Considered by An Bord Altranais Application should not be made from the following: State Enrolled Nurse only State Certified Nurse only Licensed Practical Nurse only Vocational Nurse only USA Associate Degree only Nurses Aide only Non-EU trained nurse or midwife who has not been engaged in the practice of nursing/midwifery during the five years prior to the application date An applicant who undertook only the June 2006 examination in the Philippines Bulgarian qualification of feldsher only (EU/2005/36 Directive Article 23a) SEN / SCN / LPN / Vocational Trained / USA Associate Degree: Where an applicant with any one of these courses has undertaken further courses leading to registration as a first-level nurse or midwife, then the application may be considered. EU-Trained Applications where the Programme was Part of Secondary School Education: A programme that was part of a Secondary School education is not acceptable on its own for registration. Sufficient further studies/experience is required as compensation. It is essential to specifically reference the Articles of Directive 2005/36/EU regarding the situation for different countries. With due regard to the above, the following steps should be taken in the application process. APPLICATION REQUEST FORM When you have fully read and understand the contents of this Information Booklet, complete the Application Request Form http://www.nursingboard.ie/en/apply_forms.aspx The name that will be used for registration purposes is as per the applicants birth certificate. Please be aware that it is this name that will be used by An Bord Altranais in generating your Personalised Application Form. In the event that the applicant wishes to be registered in another name, the acceptable evidence of such name change will be a marriage certificate or name change by deed poll or other legal document. In any event please ensure that you use the name exactly as it appears on the Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate or Deed Poll or other legal document (whichever is applicable to you). The address to which you want the Personalised Application Form to be posted and that will be used by you for the duration of the application process should be where you are residing. It should not be a third-party address or a care-of (C/O) address. An Bord Altranais will deal directly with the applicant or an agency. Such an agency must hold a current license issued by the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation in the Republic of Ireland. Refer: http://www.djei.ie/aboutus.htm Communication will not occur with any other individuals or agencies. This Application Request Form together with the appropriate non-refundable fee must be completed in full by you and posted to: An Bord Altranais Registration Department 18-20 Carysfort Avenue Blackrock County Dublin Republic of Ireland. For Fee details refer: http://www.nursingboard.ie/en/fees_methods_payments.aspx

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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETED AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

The Fee is non-refundable. Only one fee will be required regardless of how many Divisions you apply for at the same time. When the Application Request Form and Fee have been satisfactorily processed, a Personalised Application Form that contains a specific Reference Number will be issued. This Reference Number must be quoted in all communications. NB: PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION REQUEST FORM UNTIL YOU HAVE FULLY FAMILIARISED YOURSELF WITH THE FULL CONTENTS OF THIS INFORMATION BOOKLET AS THE FEE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED DECIDE ON THE GROUP TO WHICH YOU BELONG You must decide to which group you belong: NON-EU Trained Applicants An applicant who trained in a non-EU Country and is applying for any registration in any Division of the Register. Such applications will have to undergo a full educational assessment. OR EU-Trained Applicants who meet the with the European Directive (EU Directive 2005/36/EC of The European Parliament and the Council) An application for General or Midwifery registration that meets with the European Directive (EU Directive 2005/36/EC of The European Parliament and the Council). Such applications may receive registration without having to undergo an educational assessment. OR EU-Trained Applicants who do NOT meet the with the European Directive (EU Directive 2005/36/EC of The European Parliament and the Council) NOTE: An application for General or Midwifery registration that does not meet with the European Directive (EU Directive 2005/36/EC of The European Parliament and the Council) plus application for a Division of the Register other than General or Midwifery will have to undergo a full educational assessment.

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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETED AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED You must check the documents that will need to be submitted related to the group to which you belong, as follows: Document Applicants who meet Directive EU Trained Applicants who do NOT meet Directive Non EU Trained Applicants who do NOT meet Directive If relevant

Personalised Application Form with photograph Certified copy of Birth Certificate Certified copy of passport page showing photograph and number. Certified copy of marriage certificate / divorce certificate / deed poll Transcript of Training: Form A: Main Programme Transcript of Training: For all other nursing/midwifery programmes Professional Employment Reference: Form B Certificate of Current Professional Status: (CCPS) Form C Evidence of English Competence: Form D Graduate Nurse Programme/Transition to Nursing Practice: Form E

See Note

Note: If you are EU trained you must contact the Regulatory Body/Competent Authority in the country where you trained and enquire as to whether your education/training or clinical practice experience entitles you to Registration with An Bord Altranais in accordance with European Directive 2005/36/EC. In the event that your Regulatory Body/Competent Authority confirms that you are entitled to such registration, please ensure that you arrange for a Certificate of Current Professional Status to be forwarded directly to An Bord Altranais from your competent authority. The Certificate of Current Professional Status must confirm compliance with European Directive 2005/36/EC. In this instance, you will not be required to furnish Form A - Transcript of Training or Form B - Professional Employment Reference. Standards Required Regarding Documentation Personalised Application Form with photograph Must be solely completed by the applicant in English. Must be sent directly by the applicant. Name printed & Reference Number must be on the reverse of the photograph. Form must be fully completed must be signed. If there is an issue regarding identity, a satisfactory explanation must be provided in writing. If there is a gap in the work history, an explanation must be given & signed. Certified copy of Birth Certificate The copy must be certified as a true copy of the original by an acceptable person, for example: lawyer, notary public or member of the police or post-office (UK) or other as agreed Certified copy of Passport page showing photograph and number The copy must certified as a true copy of the original by an acceptable person, for example: lawyer, notary public or member of the police or post-office (UK) or other as agreed Certified copy of Marriage Certificate / Divorce Certificate / Deed Poll The copy must be certified as a true copy of the original by an acceptable person, for example: lawyer, notary public or member of the police or post-office (UK) or other as agreed Transcript of Training: Form A Form A and Transcript must be sent directly to An Bord Altranais from source, by the university/college/school/hospital/health care institution where the programme was undertaken.

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A detailed signed transcript of training must accompany Form A to include: title of programme start and finish dates theoretical clock hours and content clinical practice clock hours & areas of practice. Clinical practice means direct-patient/client care. Clinical laboratory hours are counted as theory. Both sides of Form A must be fully completed. Form A must be signed and dated with an official stamp/seal. The envelope/s containing Form A and Transcript must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. Other Programmes If you have completed other relevant nursing/midwifery programmes that you wish to be considered in support of your application, a signed transcript for each should be submitted to An Bord Altranais, directly from source, to include: title of programme start and finish dates theoretical clock hours and content clinical practice clock hours & areas of practice Clinical practice means direct-patient/client care. Clinical laboratory hours are counted as theory. The envelope/s containing the transcript/s must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. If a college/university/training school fails to provide information in the transcript in clock hours, it will be necessary to request this information again in order that an accurate calculation of hours can be made. This will delay the process. Professional Employment Reference: Form B The reference should be sent directly from the current/most recent practice-related employer. If the current/most recent post is less than twelve months duration, a second reference is required from a previous employer. The reference should be completed by the Director of Nursing/Midwifery or the Matron or the Nurse/Midwifery Manager. If this is not possible an explanation should be provided by the applicant and attached to Form B. In exceptional situations, references signed by the Human Resources Department or by a Doctor will be acceptable, where the Doctor is designated as the Head of Section or Department where the nurse/midwife is employed. A reference or references must be sent directly to An Bord Altranais from source. The envelope/s containing the reference/s must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. Certificate/s of Professional Status: Form C At the date of application, you must hold a current registration in another jurisdiction. If you hold or have held registration in other countries/states or jurisdictions, a Certificate of Current Professional Status must be forwarded by each Regulatory Body/Competent Authority. If you worked as a nurse/midwife in other countries/states or jurisdictions, a Certificate of Current Professional Status must forwarded by each Regulatory Body/Competent Authority. A Certificate of Current Professional Status must be sent directly to An Bord Altranais from source. The envelope/s containing the Certificate of Current Professional Status must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. A Certificate of Current Professional Status must be sent directly to An Bord Altranais by the Regulatory Body/Competent Authority.

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If there is a gap of six months or more between date of programme completion & date of registration in the Country where you undertook the programme, please provide an explanation. English Competence Non EU Trained Applicants: Form D English is the primary language of expression in the Republic Ireland. Therefore, proof of English language competence (International English Language Testing System: IELTS) is required in cases where English is not the first language or the primary language of expression. English language competence is required at a level that supports communication and enables the applicant to practise nursing/midwifery safely and effectively in the Republic of Ireland. Each nurse/midwife has a professional responsibility to have a standard of English language competence in order to: Communicate safely and effectively with patients/clients and their families in one-to-one and group situations Assist patients/clients to communicate their needs and make informed decisions Recognise and alleviate barriers to effective communication Communicate effectively with other members of the health care team Establish and maintain accurate, clear, objective and current patients/client records within a legal and ethical framework. The Test Report form showing evidence of English language competence (IELTS) must be sent directly to An Bord Altranais from source. The envelope/s containing the IELTS document must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. The Test Report form must be submitted to An Bord Altranais directly from the Test Centre where the test was undertaken the Test (see Form D). An Bord Altranais must be nominated as a recipient for the test results with their Test Centre. Only Test Report forms that have been forwarded by the Test Centre directly to An Bord Altranais will be accepted. The test must have been undertaken no more than two years prior to the date of application or the applicant must provide evidence of having worked full time as a nurse or midwife in an English-speaking environment since having completed the test. The latter will be assessed on an individual basis. Evidence of competence is required through completion of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test. (Further information on the test may be obtained on www.ielts.org Applicant must achieve an overall bandscore of 7.0. A score in excess of the minimum requirement in some or all of the components of the test will be required to achieve an overall score of 7.0. Listening 6.5 Reading 6.5 Writing 7.0 Speaking 7.0 Overall Score 7.0

Whereas you may sit the test as often as you wish, the above scores must have been achieved at only one sitting of the IELTS test. Results from more than one sitting cannot be amalgamated. Even in situations where evidence of English competence is not required by An Bord Altranais, it must be noted that prospective employers may assess the English language competence of a nurse/midwife. Graduate Nurse Programme/A Transition to Nursing Practice: Form E A Graduate Nurse/Midwife (GNP/GMP) programme (Form E) alternatively called a transitional, preceptorship or internship programme, a co-op work experience programme, undertaken on completion of undergraduate studies. If you have completed such a programme, details must be sent to An Bord Altranais, directly from source ( the university/college/school/hospital/health care institution where the programme was undertaken) to include a signed transcript of training. It must be verified as having been a preceptored programmes and must detail the following: title of programme start and finish dates theoretical clock hours and content clinical practice clock hours & areas of practice Clinical practice means direct-patient/client care.

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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WHO COMPLETED AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME OUTSIDE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Clinical laboratory hours are counted as theory. The envelope/s containing the transcript/s must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. If a college/university/training school fails to provide information in the transcript relating to the clock hours, it will be necessary to request this information again in order that an accurate calculation of hours can be made. This will result in a delay. Post-registration Supported Learning Programmes Further relevant Programmes/Continuing Professional Development (CPD) may be considered in an educational assessment and may be sent by applicant when forwarding the Personalised Application Form. Examples may include relevant Certificates, Higher Diplomas, Bachelor and Masters Degrees or relevant CPD attendances. Translations The envelope/s containing the document/s must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. An Bord Altranais takes a copy of the document and sends to the applicant for translation. The translation must be carried out by an official translator and stamped to that effect. It must be stapled to the document that was sent for translation and both forwarded directly by the official translator to An Bord Altranais. The envelope containing the documents must have proof of postage, franked or stamp or seal or courier identity or name & address of sender. The cost of translations is the responsibility of the applicant. Document Expiry The application date is defined as the date an applicants full fee payment is processed by An Bord Altranais. At the date of application, the applicant must hold a current registration in another jurisdiction. The reference/s, if acceptable, is/are valid until the file is assessed or closed. The Test for English Competence must have been undertaken no more than two years prior to the date of application. If the test was undertaken longer than two years prior to the date of application, there must be evidence of the applicant having worked full-time as a nurse or midwife in an English speaking environment since having completed the test. If at twelve months following application, all documentation required to assess the file has not been received, the file is closed. Where the file has been assessed and the outcome is other than to register the applicant, then the file is kept for twelve months following the date on the decision letter, following which the file is closed. Discrepancy between Documents If there is a discrepancy regarding documentation or if there is a significant difference between the information received from the one source, then clarification will be sought from the official source. Identity Checks You must complete an identity check in regard to all documentation and if there is an anticipated discrepancy in any aspect of your identity you must write a detailed explanation of this and staple to the front of your completed Personalised Application Form. Examples of Identity Checks include: The date of birth on the birth certificate and passport and application form plus any other documents where the date of birth is present must correlate. If there are any discrepancies a clear detailed explanation must be provided.

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The photograph on the passport and application form plus any other documents where a photograph is present must correlate. If there are any discrepancies a clear detailed explanation must be provided. If there is likely to be any discrepancy in the name between different documents, a clear detailed explanation must be provided. The name that will be used for registration purposes (unless otherwise agreed) is as per the applicants birth certificate. In the event that the applicant wishes to be registered in another name, the only acceptable evidence of such name change will be a marriage certificate or name change by deed poll. TIMEFRAME FOR AN ASSESSMENT When all documentation has been satisfactorily received, a final outcome should be reached within thirty working days. OUTCOME OF THE ASSESSMENT The outcome of an assessment may be to: a): Register the applicant because he/she meets the EU Directive/An Bord Altranais Requirements and Standards b): Refuse Registration because he/she does not meet the EU Directive/An Bord Altranais Requirements and Standards c): Require that the applicant must successfully complete a period of adaptation and assessment as a pre-requisite to registration with An Bord Altranais. Refer: http://www.nursingboard.ie/en/apply_registration.aspxx d): Require clarification/further information Please note that if there are anomalies or if insufficient information is submitted then clarification/further information will be required, which will significantly delay the processing of your application. The onus is solely on the applicant (except in specific circumstances) to ensure that all documentation is submitted and where necessary to follow-up regarding any clarification or further information required. WARNING It is an offence under the Nurses Act, 1985 to use the name or title of nurse or midwife while in the Republic of Ireland unless you are registered with An Bord Altranais. If it is discovered during the application process that you have provided fraudulent documentation, we will not continue the application process and you may be prosecuted. If you are successful in gaining registration with An Bord Altranais, and it is subsequently discovered that any part of your application was fraudulent, we may remove your name from the Register. In addition, you may be prosecuted. As the outcome of the application process cannot be predicted, you are strongly advised not to travel to Ireland or purchase airline tickets before or during the application process. Please Note If an applicant has any query, the most effective and efficient way of having it dealt with is to send an email to registration@nursingboard.ie. Please do not call in person to our offices unless in exceptional circumstances and then only with a definite appointment. In all communication, please always quote the reference number. An applicant may appeal a decision. Refer: http://www.nursingboard.ie/en/registration_appeals_proc.aspx An Bord Altranais has no role or responsibility regarding visas/permits. An Bord Altranais has no role or responsibility in organizing a period of adaptation and assessment or in assisting with attainment of employment. If not already living in Ireland, it is strongly advised that an applicant does not travel to the Republic of Ireland or purchase a travel ticket without having a confirmed placement for the period of adaptation and assessment.

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Useful contacts An Bord Altranais Overseas Registration Department 18-20 Carysfort Avenue Blackrock County Dublin. Republic of Ireand. Tel: 00353 1 2669777 Fax: 00353 1 6398515 Email: registration@nursingboard.ie Web: www.nursingboard.ie Employment Permits Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Davitt House, 65A Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. Telephone: +353 1 4175333 LoCall: 1890 201 616 Fax: +353 1 631 3268 E-mail: employmentpermits@djei.ie http://www.djei.ie/aboutus.htm

Visa Office Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2. Republic of Ireland. Tel: Locall: 1890 551 500 Web: www.inis.gov.ie

IELTS www.ielts.org

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