A recent vote in European Parliament has recommended improvements to the regulation of nurses working throughout the EU through the introduction of language checks and more rigorous competency requirements.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has welcomed this move. Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “There is much to be pleased about in the 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 healthcare 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 were 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.”
