Topics

Joint Board of Teacher Education
National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training
Nursing Council of Jamaica
University Council of Jamaica

Joint Board of Teacher Education www.jbte.edu.jm:1104

National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training

The Nursing Council of Jamaica was established in 1952 and operates under the Nurses and Midwives Act of 1964. It is the regulatory body which controls the training and practice of nurses, midwives and assistant nurses. Additionally, it registers or enrols these persons when they have successfully completed the Council's qualifying examinations. General nurses, midwives and assistant nurses trained abroad, who are seeking employment in Jamaica have to meet the requirements set by the Council before registration.

Some Functions of the Council

Establish standards for education, practice and conduct of registered nurses, midwives and enrolled nurses.
Set entry requirements for candidates to pursue nursing and midwifery programmes.
Approve all educational programmes, including curricula and training institutions for nurses, midwives and assistant nurses.
Evaluate education/training institutions on a regular basis.
Administer the qualifying examinations for nurses, midwives and assistant nurses.
Provide counselling and advice on professional standards and conduct for action through hearings.
Undertake relevant studies and research.

Membership of the Council

The Council consists of fifteen (15) members appointed by the Minister of Health, with representatives from professional organizations and the general public.

Committees

The Council's work is carried out through various committees such as:

1. Management

2. Research

3. National Examination

4. Evaluation

5. Enrolled Assistant Nurses

6. Biennial Renewal of Licences

7. Nursing & Midwifery Practice

8. Disciplinary & Penal Cases

9. Examinations for Nurses & Midwives Trained Abroad

10.Registered Midwives

11.Registered Nurses

12.Publication

13.Legislative

Schools of Nursing and Midwifery

The following schools of Nursing and Midwifery have been accredited by the Nursing Council:

Basic General Nursing

1) Kingston School of Nursing, 50 Half-Way-Tree Road,

Kingston 10

2) Kingston School of Nursing, Cornwall Regional Hospital,

Montego Bay, St. James

3) Excelsior Community College's Department of Nursing, 137

Mountain View Avenue, Kingston

4) Northern Caribbean University's Department of Nursing,

Mandeville, Manchester

5) University Hospital School of Nursing, Mona, Kingston 7

Basic Midwifery

1) Kingston School of Nursing, Victoria Jubilee Hospital (V.J.H),

Kingston

2) Kingston School of Nursing, Cornwall Regional Hospital,

Montego Bay, St. James

Post Basic Midwifery

Schools listed above and the University Hospital of the West Indies School of Midwifery

Assistant Nursing

1) Knox Community College, Spauldings, Manchester

2) Montego Bay Community College, St. James

3) Portmore Community College, St. Catherine

4) Excelsior Community College, Kingston 3

Nursing Programmes/Certificates Available in Jamaica

a) Basic Training in General Nursing

General Nurse - Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Certificate

b) Post-Basic Training in General Nursing

Midwifery - Certificate

Nursing Education - Certificate or BScN in Nursing Education

Nursing Administration - Certificate or BScN

Public Health - BSc in Public Health

Family Nurse Practitioner - MScN

Mental Health/Psychiatric - MScN

Nurse Practitioner - MScN

Nurse Anaesthetist - Certificate or BSc

Critical Care Nurse - Certificate

Accident & Emergency - Certificate

Operating Theatre Nursing - Certificate

Masters in Public Health - M.P.H

Heath Management - Certificate, BSc

Clinical Nursing - MScN

Midwifery Programmes

a) Basic Training (Direct Entry)

Midwifery - Certificate, duration two years

b) Post Basic Training

General Nursing - Certificate or BScN

Administration - Certificate

Paediatrics - Certificate

Management - Certificate

Assistant Nursing

Basic Training Programmes

a) Assistant Nurse - Certificate, duration is 18 Months

b) Post Basic Training

Psychiatry - Certificate

Gerontology - Certificate

Theatre Technique - Certificate

BIENNIAL RENEWAL OF LICENSES

This is the renewal of licenses every two years for nurses and midwives to practice in Jamaica according to the Nurses and Midwives Act and Regulations.

The Purpose of re-licensing is to ensure that: -

a) all nurses and midwives maintain their competencies,

b) the public receives safe, effective and ethical nursing care.

Renewal of licenses came into effect January 1, 2002. In order to be relicensed, nurses and midwives must show proof that they have obtained a minimum of sixty (60) contact hours of continuing education during the two year period.

The employers of persons without a current license will be guilty of an offence under the Nurses and Midwives Act 1964 and will be liable for a fine for each person employed.

It is illegal for a nurse or midwife to practice without a license.

The Nursing Council of Jamaica

The Towers, 6th Floor

25 Dominica Drive,

Kingston 5

Telephone: (876) 968-2642, (876) 960-0823, (876) 926-6042

Fax: (876) 968-7229

E-mail: nursgcouncilja@mail.infochan.com

University Council of Jamaica www.ucjamaica.com