I call on the Minister for Health to review the system of recruitment of student nurses as the present system is cumbersome, inefficient and expensive for the applicants.
The nursing profession is a vital link in our health system. Selection and training should receive the same attention as that for third level education institutions. It is unfair, and expensive, for a young person who has decided to train as a general nurse to have to apply to the 17 nursing hospital schools and undertake 17 interviews in order to obtain a place. As interviews regularly clash between hospital schools, applicants can be placed at a disadvantage as they then have to make decisions on the hospital schools to which they submit applications.
The Minister and An Bord Altranais must establish a central applications system where potential students can be assessed. The system should incorporate asking applicants to indicate their choice of hospital schools in order of preference.
It is important that the selection system identifies the presence of the unique attributes that are essential in a good nurse. Under no circumstances should a points system be introduced.
The Seanad adjourned at 8.55 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 27 May 1993.