GLOBAL NURSE
July – September 2023

ENGLAND

The challenge of getting more people into nursing

 

Nurse educators and employers are facing the challenge of significantly increasing the number of nursing professionals, even as interest in the profession appears to be declining. The NHS Long Term Workforce plan outlines ambitious targets to expand nursing training, reform nurse education, and implement various initiatives for retention and recruitment.

In total, £2.4bn was pledged over five years to increase intakes for health courses. The plan stated that by 2031-32, nursing training places will almost double from 29,860 to 53,858, and 28% of future nurses will train via apprenticeship degree courses, compared to 9% now.

While the workforce plan is focused on England, all UK countries will be looking to train more nurses in the future to meet the rising demand for health services.

Source: Nursing Times

INDIA

INC introduces foreign language as an optional subject in BSc Nursing/GNM program

 

In a bid to adapt to the evolving global landscape and promote internationalization in education, the Indian Nursing Council (INC) issued a significant notification, announcing the addition of foreign languages as an optional subject/course in BSc Nursing and GNM programs.

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a range of foreign languages, including but not limited to French, German, Greek, Latin, Irish, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese, among others. This diverse array of language options ensures that students can select a language that aligns with their interests and career aspirations.

Indian Nursing Council’s decision to introduce foreign languages as optional subjects in BSc Nursing and GNM programs reflects a progressive approach towards preparing nursing students for the challenges of a globalized world. By embracing linguistic diversity and promoting internationalization, the INC is empowering the future nursing workforce to make a more significant impact on the healthcare sector worldwide.

Source: Nursing News India

16%

drop in applications to
nursing courses for 2023
in the UK.

Source: Nursing Times

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5000+

Filipino nurses joined
the UK register in
2022.

Source: Nursing Times

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40-80%

of nurses experienced psychological
distress globally since the start of
the pandemic.

Source: Nursing Times

 

PHILIPPINES

Philippines to lower bar for nurses as low pay drives many abroad

 

Under the plans announced by the Department of Health, nursing graduates who have not passed the board exams would be granted a temporary license to help fill 4,500 urgently needed positions in government hospitals. To qualify for the temporary license, graduates would need to receive a grade of at least 70 percent in the exam, which usually requires 75 percent to pass.

For decades, the Philippines has been one of the biggest sources of nurses worldwide. The Department of Health estimated in 2021 that 316,000 licensed Filipino nurses, or 51 percent of the total number of those qualified, had migrated overseas.

Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has argued the recent change is necessary as hospitals are reducing their bed capacities due to being unable to meet nurse-to-patient ratios.

A Department of Health spokesperson told Al Jazeera the changes would be implemented soon, and it is also looking into “other pathways that are legally allowable and can be pursued to augment the health workforce with underboard nursing graduates”.

Source: Al Jazeera

CANADA

Ontario hospital nurses awarded average raises of 11% over
two years

 

Ontario hospital nurses will be getting raises of what their union says amounts to an average of 11 percent over two years, with the arbitrator citing a staffing crisis and high inflation.

It's the first contract since the nurses and other broader public sector workers were subject for three years to a wage restraint law known as Bill 124, which capped increases at one percent a year.

Nurses and government critics have blamed Bill 124 for making it more difficult to recruit and retain nurses, particularly while they were on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This decision is a first step to righting past wrongs, and bringing hospital nurses' compensation up to where it should be,” ONA President Erin Ariss wrote in a statement.

Source: Registered Nurses Association of Ontario

NEW ZEALAND

Nursing Council changes to competence assessment

 

Over the last year, the Nursing Council has been working on a new competence assessment for internationally qualified nurses, and these changes will take effect in December 2023.

Internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) applying to the Council in December 2023 will, at the direction of the Council, undertake the following objective examinations of competence.

An online theoretical exam that tests nursing knowledge, taken at an accredited exam center overseas or in New Zealand.

A two-day orientation and preparation course followed by a clinical examination known as an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). The 3-hour OSCE tests clinical and professional skills. The orientation, preparation, and OSCE will take place in person in New Zealand at an accredited center.

Source: Nursing Council of New Zealand

45%

growth rate is predicted for
nurse practitioners in the
U.S. by 2031.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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6%

increase in demand for RNs in the
U.S. is predicted to happen between
2021 – 2031.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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158,430

nurses reported employment
in Ontario for the year
2023

Source: College of Nurses of Ontario

 

USA

Texas earns a healthy rating as the second-best state for nurses in the United States

 

Nurses are in great demand throughout the nation and can make significant impacts in a state like Texas, which was just named the No. 2 best state for nurses in a study by Forbes Advisor. Texas currently employs more than 231,000 nurses, the second-highest number in the country behind California's 325,620 nurses. Florida rounds out the top three with more than 197,000 nurses employed.

There are several factors to keep in mind when considering a career as a nurse, but one has been in a lot of recent discourse: the salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says nurses in the U.S. earn a median salary of $81,220 per year. A nurse's annual salary in Texas is $74,540 - lower than in places like Florida and California. However, the adjusted cost of living can make Texas more attractive for nurses.

Source: Forbes

Testimonials from INSCOL Alumni

" I got my visa within 15 days of file submission. INSCOL provides you with transparency & complete guidance to make your nursing career successful in Canada."

Harleen Kaur
Punjab, India
Community Mental Health Multidiscipline
Niagara College, Canada
Sep'23 intake

 

“If you are a nurse and wish to work as a registered nurse in Canada, don’t wait for a second opinion, go to INSCOL.”

Rakhi Justin Sudha
Kerala, India
Nursing Leadership & Management
Seneca Polytechnic College, Canada
May'23 intake

“Approved in just 3 Days! Thanks, GOD, for leading me to INSCOL, which is affordable and very responsive.”

Arlyn Palaganas De Guzman
Dubai, UAE
Nursing Leadership & Management
Seneca Polytechnic College, Canada
May'23 intake

 

 

Home of INSCOL

The Consul General of Canada in Chandigarh visited our facility in July

The Consul General of Canada in Chandigarh, Mr. Patrick Hébert, honored us with two visits to INSCOL Chandigarh. The purpose of these interactions was to engage in stimulating discussions, covering a wide range of topics, including the latest industry trends and future challenges and opportunities.

During his second visit, Mr. Hébert graciously joined us as a guest speaker for the INSCOL foundation program (IFP) held for students enrolled in the September 2023 intake at Niagara College and Seneca Polytechnic College. He provided valuable insights into Canada's rich history, important geographical aspects, and cultural nuances. Undoubtedly, his suggestions will greatly contribute to the growth and development of these aspiring Global Nurses.

Delegates from Niagara College, Canada visited our facilities in Chandigarh & Kochi

Representatives from Niagara College, Canada, paid us a visit at our facilities in Chandigarh and Kochi, India. The delegation included Dipal Patel - President NCSAC, Gayatri Desai - Global Business Development Administrative Officer, Holly Catalfamo - Senior Director, Global Engagement, Karan Salgotra - Manager, Global Business Development South Asia, Lorainne Gomez - Housing and Settlement Advisor, Nikhil Gupta - Director of Business Management NCSAC, Scott Slaney - Director, Global Business Development, and Stefan Johnson - Professor, School of Business.

They engaged with the students accepted into the September 2023 intake of nursing programs at Niagara College and offered valuable guidance for their upcoming journey. In addition, the delegates shared Niagara goodies along with a wealth of useful information. It was a unique opportunity for the students to address important doubts and questions with the delegates, and they made the most of it.

Chandigarh +91-977-913-1308

Dubai +971-569-926-982

Kochi +91-812-994-4544

Manila +63 927-527-7834

Toronto +1-905-673-1234

Cebu +63-927-567-6603

www.inscol.com