Review of Training Curricula for Health Sector to be Completed Next Month

The Ministry of Health is conducting a review of the training curricula in the health sector to correct disparities that may exist in the training programmes for the various fields within the sector.

The review is being conducted with the assistance of the National Curriculum Committee and should be completed by November 2004.

Health Minister John Junor, who made the announcement at the 31st annual conference of the Jamaica Enrolled Nurses Association on October 27 at the Sunset Beach Resort in St. James, said that enrolled nurses stood to benefit from the revision process as they would be able to improve their skills, while earning credits towards pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in Registered Nursing.

“As soon as the revision of the enrolled nurses` curriculum is done, modification to the registered nurses programme will be continued. The aim is to restructure the registered nurses programme so that it becomes a BSc. programme,” he informed.

“Enrolled nurses who participate in the revised enrolled nurses programme will automatically qualify for this BSc programme, while earning the opportunity to transfer credits for some courses”, he further informed.

In pointing to other opportunities available for enrolled nurses to upgrade their skills, the Health Minister made mention of the “mature clause” introduced by the Nursing Council of Jamaica in 2002, which allowed nurses with at least five years experience and a pass in Mathematics, to enter the midwifery and registered nurses training programmes. He encouraged the enrolled nurses to make use of all available training opportunities, emphasizing that training was crucial to their ability to deliver good service.

Approximately 150 enrolled nurses from across the island attended the conference, which was being held under the theme: ‘Time of reflection, renewal and recommitment’.