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New regulations requiring overseas-trained nurses, including those from English-speaking countries, to take a language test before registering will exacerbate nursing shortages, the nurses' union says.
The Nurses Organisation said the rule could also put public health and safety at risk.
NZNO industrial services manager Cee Payne said the country was heavily dependent on overseas-trained nurses.
"About a third of our nursing workforce is overseas-trained, one of the highest proportions in the OECD, and currently most come from the United Kingdom.
"With the global shortage of nurses, it is already difficult to attract and retain overseas-trained nurses, especially as our salaries and conditions are not competitive in many parts of the health sector."
She said that by asking English nurses to pay another $295 and sit several examinations could be the tipping point for them to decide to go to Australia or the United States rather than coming here.
"We believe that nursing communication skills are best assessed in the workplace," Ms Payne said.
"Further reductions in nursing numbers could compromise efforts to deliver safe care in our hospitals, particularly in those sectors such as aged care."
She said employers already had a difficult enough job filling rosters and retaining experienced registered nurses without further obstacles being put in the way.
- NZPA
