Nurses in limbo to renew licences as NCJ still not reconstituted

 

Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases at hospitals, the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) has revealed that several of its members have been facing difficulties renewing their licences as the Nursing Council of Jamaica (NCJ) has not been reconstituted since last September's general election.

 

The council is responsible for issuing nursing licences.

 

Scores of nurses have been complaining of being unable to renew their licences, while newly qualified nurses have not been able to receive their licences.

 

NAJ President Patsy Edwards Henry told Radio Jamaica News on Wednesday night that she is aware of the complaints. 

 

"As with every board, prior to election the board is usually dismantled and then after election the board is reconstituted. What is happening with the Nursing Council of Jamaica is that they are having some challenges in getting the board back together and as a result of that, I know that there have been delays in persons getting their licence; and we must understand that for any nurse to practice in Jamaica, they must have a current licence," she outlined.   

The issue also has implications for retired nurses who want to respond to Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton's appeal to offer their services as regional health authorities struggle to maintain adequate staff numbers amid the spike in COVID-19 cases.

 

The NAJ President explained that efforts are underway to resolve the issue with the Nursing Council of Jamaica. She said the registrar of the Council has advised that "once persons need verification, they either come into the council, call or write a letter, and once they have the required document, a letter of verification will be given to that individual for them to be allowed to practice."