on 28/9/06 10:51 am, Harrison-Stone, Sue at [log in to unmask]
wrote:
> I am still uncertain why so many apparently differing opinions are being
> expressed by the NMC. Like Greta I long ago realised that the NMC is
> not there for just me as a nurse but is there to set standards and
> protect the public from unethical practises. However in setting the
> standards and processes it seems they are not consulting with the nurses
> of whatever branch of nursing these standards and processes are
> applicable. I have always felt that it is set by individuals who have
> little knowledge of the world in which we function and work. And they
> seem to have lost the vision of nursing and become excessively
> bureaucratic.
> I think Greta's comments about ensuring that nurses are regulated is
> important and to be welcomed BUT I then expect the NMC to act with the
> same level of professionalism, knowledge and understanding as well as
> common sense that they expect from the nurse on the shop floor. This
> seems to be lacking. At the moment confusion seems to reign supreme.
> Just as it was suggested we register our opinions about the very
> secretive possible sale of the RCN H'quarters is there any way we can
> respond to these issues with the NMC. I believe we have the RCN and we
> also have an OHA on a committee within the NMC so can they be activated
> into acting on our behalf? I don't think I have ever seen the RCN being
> proactive where OH is concerned but maybe they act behind the scenes.
> But if enough OHA's were prepared to stick their heads over the
> battlement could we put together some sort of proposal for the
> registration of OHA's? And express our displeasure at the NMC not
> allowing our branch of nursing to be recognised in its own right rather
> than some add on extra to community nursing etc. Out of interest what
> do HV'S do to register? Do they have the same problems or is it all
> clearly set up for them? I cannot believe that OHA's are seriously
> expected to re do their degrees when the failure of registration seems
> to be a Council who don't really know what to do with us or even what we
> do let alone have a know(by all the NMC staff)process in place.
> I would like to know if the educational establishments who undertake OH
> training are not flagging up these issues with both the students, the
> RCN and the NMC. The big educational establishments must have some
> weight or does the NMC only listen to its own voice. If that is the
> case no wonder all is confusion and bureaucracy.
> Regards
> Sue
Hello Sue and list
I am sorry to disillusion you but it is my experience that the educational
institutions have very little clout with the NMC (should that read NO
CLOUT???). I, along with other educators including Bashyr, Becky Elliot, and
Liz Griffiths, attended a meeting with the NMC in June. Jan Maw was also
present. For those who do not know Jan she is a part-time OHN educator and
RCN advisor. (I believe that Carol Bannister was out of the country at the
time). You may have seen this meeting reported in Occupational Health. I can
attest that Jan Maw did an excellent job in representing the interest of
OHNs.
Educators do understand the needs of OHN practitioners. Unfortunately they
do not write the rules, they do not always agree with the rules, they just
have to abide by the rules that the NMC make. This is essential if their
courses are to gain NMC validation and their graduates gain registration as
a SCPHN.
The article I wrote for Occupational Health in August 2006 gives an
overview of what the NMC require re OHN education. Most, if not all, OHN
education providers are required to offer joint courses for nurses working
in the public health setting including OHNs, School Nurses and Health
visitors. At present the NMC allow core units and "pathway specific" units
to be offered. The NMC do not wish any unit to be referred to as
"specialist units" even though they may currently be applied to a specific
pathway.
In the future, possibly within the next year, it appears to me that the NMC
will insist on all units being much more generic in nature. There will be no
specialist units on degrees preparing SCPHNs. For example there may be a
unit on legislation. OHNs, HVs, School Nurses will be given a common
lecture. Students from each specific pathway will then get together to
discuss how it applies to their area of practice. HV & School Nurses may
well look at child protection issues, OHNs may look at health and safety
legislation. Subscribers may be of the opinion that this could dilute each
of these current specialisms. Alternatively subscribers may feel this is a
more cohesive approach and is moving public health practice forwards.
David Maslen-Jones is an OHN who is an elected alternate registrant. I will
pass your email on to him, I am not sure if he is a subscriber to this list.
I can't speak for him but David may be willing to share his experiences with
subscribers.
If you are unhappy with what is outlined above then make your views known to
those who do have the power and influence. David may be one of those people.
Hope this is helpful
Anne Harriss
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