Chicago, IL (October 23, 2001) -
The National Council of State Boards of
Nursing (NCSBN) Board of Directors recently approved a new position
statement regarding international nurse immigration at their October
2001 meeting. NCSBN supports the lawful entry of nurses from foreign
countries to practice nursing in the U.S. and its territories provided
they meet current federal qualifications for entry and achieve state
or territorial licensure to practice. At the October 2001 meeting, the
NCSBN Board underscored the need for public protection through nursing
regulation in a time of nursing shortage and re-affirms its commitment
to support the lawful entry of international, qualified nurses to the
United States (U.S.).
"Both domestic and international nurses need to comply with
standards of approved/comparable
education, hold a verified valid and unencumbered state license
and be proficient in their written and spoken English skills," said
Kathy Apple, NCSBN Executive Director.
Any reduction in these standards may lead to an increase in
errors, risk of patient harm, and decreased public confidence. The
organization continues to support the education and U.S. state
licensure of practical/vocational nurses, registered professional
nurses, and advanced practice nurses, both domestic and international.
NCSBN opposes the implementation of any expedient solutions that
may lead to the inefficient and unsafe delivery of nursing care
because of its adverse impact on the public.
The mission of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is
to lead in nursing regulation by assisting Member Boards, collectively
and individually, to promote safe and effective nursing practice in
the interest of protecting public health and welfare.
For more information about the National Council of State Boards of
Nursing, visit our World Wide Web site:
www.ncsbn.org
