NMBI recognises that January has been an extremely difficult month for our registrants.

Nurses and midwives continue to work on the frontline in our healthcare services as we bid to flatten another curve in this pandemic.

Record numbers of people contracted the illness in January; and record numbers of people have needed treatment in our hospitals including in our ICUs and in nursing home settings.

NMBI registrants continue to show tremendous resolve in the face of this new wave of the global pandemic and the NMBI wants to acknowledge and thank all those who have worked so tirelessly to care for patients in every healthcare setting.

Our thoughts continue to remain too with those who have contracted Covid-19 on the frontline.

In particular, we at NMBI wish to send our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of nurse Solson Payyappillil Saviour, a father-of-one, who lost his battle with Covid-19 this month. Solson was described by his former colleagues as someone who was always “full of life”.

Gowran Abbey Nursing Home in Co Kilkenny said that he “lost his personal battle” with Covid-19 at Wexford General Hospital where he worked.

Solson, originally from India, had worked at Gowran Abbey Nursing Home in Kilkenny for three years before taking up a position at Wexford GH.

NMBI, through its function of setting and monitoring standards for education programmes, has actively been engaged with the partners in education, the policy makers and health care partners to ensure that the integrity of the education programmes for our students is maintained during these challenging times.

NMBI also wishes to acknowledge the ongoing difficult and challenging work environment for our nurses and midwives. Mindful of these challenges, NMBI have extended the date for annual renewal of registration to Sunday 28 February 2021.

NMBI appreciates that nurses and midwives continue to demonstrate the values of compassion, care, and commitment in providing services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At all times, the overall benefit to the patient must be served in these emergency situations. The Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives stipulates that “nurses and midwives have a distinctive responsibility to uphold the quality and safety of the healthcare environment”.

However, the current pandemic has challenged the lens through which some decisions have to be made. At any time when concerns are raised about the practice of a nurse or midwife, the context and circumstances that prevailed at the time will always be taken into consideration.

The Department of Health in the recent Procedural Values for Decision making in a Pandemic July gov.ie - Procedural Values for Decision-Making in a Pandemic has identified a framework for decision making that NMBI will include in their considerations.

This would be particularly so in the context of the challenges generated during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Decision letters issued to overseas applicants since March 2019 are to have the period of recognition extended, NMBI has announced.

Decision letters are given to applicants trained outside Ireland who need to successfully complete a compensation measure before NMBI can recognise their qualifications. Many need to travel to Ireland to complete compensation measures such as aptitude tests.

“Under normal circumstances a decision letter is valid for 12 months from the date of issue,” says Nadia Dagash, Director of Registration at NMBI.

“We have taken the decision that due to the ongoing pandemic and the travel restrictions in place, the NMBI will consider all decision letters issued on or after 1 March 2019 valid until further communication is issued to applicants and stakeholders.”

The move by the NMBI has been recognised by the Department of Justice for visa purposes.

“All of our overseas applicants who had a decision letter issued to them from 1 March 2019 were emailed today and informed of the extension,” said Nadia Dagash.

“NMBI will keep the issue under active consideration, in line with developments related to the pandemic.

“However we have also decided today that due to these circumstances, we will give three months’ notice of any further changes to all those holding decision letters issues since March 2019.”

The decision does not apply to any decision letters issued prior to 1 March 2019.

As we publish, more than 59,000 registrants have successfully renewed for 2021 and we thank everyone who has done so.

NMBI has extended its deadline for renewal from 31 January to 28 February this year to allow registrants more time based on the current Covid-19 pressures that the professions are facing. If you have not renewed your registration yet, we would encourage you to do so. You are likely to have been contacted by email to provide you with some additional assistance in undertaking the renewal process.

As this is the first year of the new system, NMBI was aware that registrants’ engagement with the process would be new and we have tried to make the process as user-friendly as possible.

The annual renewal of registration process for 2021 includes, as well as paying the registration renewal fee, the collection of employment-related information. It is the first time that this type of information has been collected by NMBI and it will be used to report on health-care professional resourcing levels.

The information gathered will allow NMBI to quantify the number of practising nurses and midwives for the first time and deliver required statistical data to the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Department of Health and other stakeholders.

We regret that some registrants have experienced difficulties when using the new system. We are aware that there have been some difficulties and have provided additional support mechanisms to assist registrants. These include a user guide; a video and the capacity to email NMBI outlining the problem that has been identified.

We acknowledge that our helpline is also extremely busy, and we understand the frustration of registrants who have had to wait to get through. We would advise those experiencing difficulties to email regservices@nmbi.ie with their queries and we will respond to their queries as soon as possible. To help us handle registrants’ emails efficiently, we would appreciate if the following information is included in the email:

• Name
• Personal Identification Number (PIN)
• Detailed description of the query or issues experienced
• Please send the email to regservices@nmbi.ie only (please do not send to multiple inboxes) to allow our staff to answer registrants’ queries in the shortest time-frame possible.

We remain committed to engaging with our registrants and all our stakeholders. There is an ongoing review of the current user experience.

The Government has taken a decision to suspend placements of student nurses and midwives.

The decision centres on releasing qualified staff from supervisory duties to allow them to assist colleagues in dealing with the latest wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Further information is expected in the coming days.

You can read the initial Government statement here.

There have been a number of changes to the Board of NMBI for 2021. NMBI wishes to thank all those who have served on the Board and wishes to warmly welcome the new Board members.

The newly appointed Board members are:

1. Ms Aine Lynch
2. Mr Joseph Shalbin Kallarakkal
3. Ms Marian Vaughan
4. Ms Siobhan McArdle
5. Ms Louise Collins
6. Dr Cyril Sullivan
7. Dr Conan McKenna
8. Ms Anne Marie Duffy

In addition, the following three members will be re-appointed to the Board:

1. Dr Louise Kavanagh McBride
2. Ms Lorraine Clarke-Bishop
3. Dr Laura Sahm

The following Board members’ terms of office ended last year on 5 December

1. Mr Pat Dolan
2. Mr Martin Higgins
3. Mr Dermot Manning
4. Ms Karen Canning
5. Ms Breda Liston
6. Mr Liam Minihan

NMBI is inviting calls for expressions of interest from registrants and members of the public to fill vacancies on the following committees:

• Audit and Risk Committee.
• Midwives Committee.
• Registration Committee.

Details of these vacancies and how to apply are on our website.

Please share this link with anyone who you think may be interested.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 12 February 2021.

Every year a number of places on degree programmes are reserved for mature students. An applicant must be 23 years of age or older by 1 January of the year of entry in order to apply.

NMBI sets criteria for Mature applicants which includes that they must sit an assessment test for admission to a Nursing of Midwifery programme.

Mature applicants must be successful in the assessment test for the current year before being considered for an offer but success in the test does not guarantee an offer of a place. The assessment test is year specific and results may not be carried forward to a future year (unless a deferred entry has been granted by a HEI).

The assessment comprises three separate tests which are:

• Verbal Reasoning: This test measures the ability to understand written passages and the logical evaluation of an argument.
• Numerical Reasoning: This test measures the ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical data.
• Job Simulation: This exercise attempts to identify your likely response when presented with scenarios typical of what could occur in a job situation. It measures a range of skills and qualities required in the student nurse role, ranging from taking care of someone, through to taking responsibility in a situation. In this test you will be required to read through a number of scenarios and then choose which action you would take, based on the information presented in the scenario. You will be given a list of possible actions and will be required to select only ONE.

The Public Appointments Service (PAS) is no longer administering the assessment test on our behalf. Instead, mature applicants must apply directly here to NMBI to take the tests. The CAO will remind all mature applicants about the NMBI assessment test in an email after the 1 February deadline.  

Registration for the assessment tests will be provided directly on the NMBI website.

The online tests can be taken any time during the testing window which opens on 22 April 2021 at 10am and closes on 28 April 2021 at 1pm. Applicants taking the tests will be supervised using a remote proctoring system.  

You can register and complete the tests at a time and place convenient to you during this testing window.

NMBI will provide familiarisation material for applicants from 15 April 2021 to help you prepare for the tests and to ensure that you are comfortable with the testing format. Practice tests will also be made available in advance of taking the tests.  

Further information can be found on the careers section of our website. 

NMBI supports the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine(s) by registered nurses and registered midwives as provided for in SI 698 of 2020 and SI. No.8 of 2021, and underpinned by medicine protocols, developed, approved and signed off nationally by the Health Service Executive.

This legal framework is supported by the Scope of Nursing and Midwifery Practice Framework (NMBI, 2015) and the Guidance to Nurses and Midwives on Medication Management (Section 4 Medication Protocol) (ABA, 2007).

NMBI wishes to draw registrants’ attention to the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy and NMBI Principles in this area. Ireland was the first country in the world to publish such a strategy. You can read it on this link here.

The Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (‘the Code’) published in December 2014 contains many principles consistent with the objective of Action 8(b) to “prohibit the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland”.

Principle 1 – Respect for the Dignity of the Person. This principle is drawn from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948) which recognises the inherent dignity and equality of human beings.

Principle 1, Value 1 provides that Nurses and Midwives respect each person as a unique individual.

Value 4 provides that Nurses and midwives respect each person’s right to self-determination as a basic human right. In respecting the right to self-determination, the requirement of informed consent is key. Except in exceptional circumstances, it is a violation of patients’ rights to treat them without their consent. It is presumed that all adults have capacity to make healthcare decisions. Capacity is understood as the ability to understand, deliberate, and communicate a choice in relation to a particular healthcare decision at a particular time.

Furthermore, Value 5 under this Principle states that Nurses and midwives respect all people equally without discriminating on the grounds of age, gender, race, religion, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, disability (physical, mental or intellectual) or membership of the Traveller community.

Principle 2 of the Code relates to Professional Responsibility and Accountability, with Value 4 providing that Nurses and midwives advocate for patients’ rights. Standard of Conduct 6 under this principle states You should act as an advocate on behalf of patients who require you to do so to ensure their rights and interests are protected. 

Principle 3 – Quality of Practice. Value 4 under this principle requires Nurses and midwives use evidence-based knowledge and apply best practice standards in their work. Standard of Conduct 4 further adds that You should be kind and compassionate in your practice.

All registered nurses and midwives in each area of practice (clinical, education, research, administration, or management) should adhere to the Code’s principles, values and standards of conduct.

The National LGTBI+ Inclusion Strategy consultation found that: “for LGBTI+ people to enjoy access to services on an equal basis with other people, mainstream services will need to ensure that they apply a LGBTI+ lens to service provision. This will firstly involve reviewing existing services to ensure that LGBTI+ people are visible and included. This may require services explicitly to signal that they are inclusive of LGBTI+ service users. Secondly, in some instances, it may not be enough for services to signpost that they are open to LGBTI+ users. In such instances, services may need to adapt provision to ensure that LGBTI+ people can access them on an equal basis with other users. Where LGBTI+ people have particular needs or where outcomes are poorer for them than for other groups, mainstream services may need to bring forward positive action measures specifically targeted to LGBTI+ related needs” (DOJ, 2019).

Following a public consultation: the Nurses and Midwives (Education and Training) (Amendment) Rules 2020 (S.I. No. 501 of 2020); the Nurses and Midwives (Recognition of Professional Qualification) (Amendment) Rules 2020 (S.I. No. 502 of 2020); and the Nurses and Midwives (Register of Nurses and Midwives) (Amendment) Rules 2020 (S.I. No. 503 of 2020) have been approved by the Minister.

Visit the NMBI website for more information.

Public Health Measures

Extended Level 5 restrictions are in place until 5 March. You can see the measures in place here.

We are experiencing an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases in Ireland.

Covid-19 Vaccination Programme

Since 29 December, the HSE has been giving the vaccine to people in the highest priority groups – frontline healthcare workers, and people living in long-term care facilities who are aged 65 or over.

The Covid-19 vaccine will offer you protection from Covid-19. Getting a Covid-19 vaccine should also protect you from the serious complications of Covid-19. The aim in offering the vaccine to the population is to protect people and reduce the illness and deaths caused by this virus.

We encourage everyone to read about the Covid-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – gov. ie is a good place to start, and you can find Covid-19 information materials on the HSE website.

Public Health Information

As always, for the most up to date information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to the gov  ie and HPSC website. Clinical and professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on the HPSC website where you’ll find up to date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.

Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

News Round

A round up of the latest news stories including:

• Nurse Bernie is first with vaccine
• Young Cork nurse develops paperless nurse management system
• Academics explore issue of Nurse Loneliness

Nurse Bernie is first with vaccine

A nurse at St James’ Hospital in Dublin has become the first healthcare worker to get both Covid-19 jabs.

Bernie Waterhouse received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine last week. She had her first does on 29 December.

Bernie says she will continue to wear a mask at work as it is still not clear whether or not the vaccine stops those who have taken it from still spreading the illness.

You can read her story here.

Young Cork nurse develops paperless nurse management system

A 25-year-old nurse from East Cork has developed a paperless nurse management system.

Ali-Rose Sisk in a graduate from UCC and had been working in London until last March when she returned home to help in the battle against the first wave of Covid-19.

Her SafeCare software, involving the digitisation of almost everything which used to be on paper, is already being used.

You can read her full story as told the Irish Examiner here.

Academics explore issue of Nurse Loneliness

The online website Oncology Nursing News has interviewed academics behind a study of the loneliness experienced by some nurses.

For more on the study, its findings and possible solutions, you can read the interview here.

We know from our work with registrants that sharing experiences can help others. We also like to highlight careers and different career paths in the Nursing and Midwifery Professions.

That’s why we would love to hear from you. We want to focus on you and your profession in our monthly editions of the NMBI eZine.

If you or your team would like to participate, please complete the questionnaire below and email it to communications@nmbi.ie. 

Please include a picture or pictures of you.

In this issue we speak to Bernie Moran, a Practice Nurse at the Scally McDaid Roarty GP Practice in Letterkenny. Co Donegal.

Our interview with Bernie

Why did you choose a career in nursing/midwifery?

It sounds clichéd but I simply enjoyed helping and caring for people. Two of my sisters were nurses and I suppose I looked up to them and admired what they did.  My sister Mary worked voluntarily as a nurse in Calcutta with Mother Teresa and that had a profound effect on me. It was never a conscious decision, for as long as I remember it was always the career I knew I would pursue. It is also a career that allows great flexibility. I took time out when my children were born and only returned three years ago to work as a practice nurse. It was very daunting but one of the best decisions I ever made. 

Was this your first career choice and what would you do if you weren’t a nurse/midwife?

Yes this was always my first career choice. If I didn’t get to do my nurse training I would have kept trying until I succeeded.

How do you believe you have made a difference as a nurse/midwife?

Simply showing kindness and going the extra mile for your patients makes a huge difference to them. It is often the little things that patients remember the most.

Do you have a memory in your job that really stands out?

I recently received three letters from patients thanking me for the care they received during their appointment with me in the GP practice. This really stands out for me on personal level, that the patients felt so appreciative that they took the time to write to me.

How has Covid-19 changed nursing? Are there any positives that you will take with you?

Covid-19 has changed the world forever. On a practical level, in my role as a practice nurse it has resulted in less patient contact and more telephone consultations/telephone triage. I miss the face-to-face contact.

On a positive note, it has made us all slow down and appreciate what really matters, family and our health. It has made us all realise the value of meeting up with friends for a coffee and a chat, which we may have previously taken for granted.

If you could, what advice would you give to 19 year-old you, starting out?

I would advise them to enjoy their training, work hard and give their best to the job, but know that the system is far from perfect, so try and focus on all the good you can do, not on what you didn’t get to achieve in any given day. Treat every single patient the way you would want your family member to be treated. It is often the simple things that make the biggest difference to the patients experience. And once you qualify, travel and see the world if you can. Nursing provides great work/travel opportunities, so see the world, live your best life, it’s not a rehearsal.

If you were given one million euro to spend on health, how would you spend it?

One million is not a huge amount to make any substantial difference. I think I would abolish all carparking charges for staff. It is crazy to think you should have to pay to park at your workplace.

It’s post-pandemic and you’ve just won a holiday to anywhere in the world! Where would you go and why?

I would love to go to a spa in Switzerland without my phone (or any internet connection) and just live in the moment. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, eat healthy food and connect with nature.

Back to reality…. You’ve a week to spend on holidays in Ireland. Where would you go and why?

My mother is 91 and we were supposed to take her to Center Parcs last March before the lockdown, so I would love to go there with her and my sisters as originally planned.