The Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, RCSI Aptitude Test for Overseas Nurses is an alternative to the current adaptation/assessment model for assessing the competence of overseas educated and trained nurses and midwives.
It is based on a two assessment methods. It was developed following an extensive review of the national and international literature, and following a national survey and consultation with stakeholders in Ireland. The assessment/test received approval by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, the professional regulatory body.
“Aptitude test means a test limited to the professional knowledge of the applicant made by the competent authority of the State with the aim of assessing the ability of the applicant to pursue a regulated profession in the State …”
(Statutory Instrument SI no. 139 of 2008)
In Ireland registered nurses are accountable healthcare professional practitioners working within a scope of practice. Fundamental to safe patient care is competent registered nurses and midwives.
The principles and values underpinning the Aptitude Test include:
- The priority to ensure patient and public protection.
- The assessment must assure the NMBI that the assessment methodology will determine whether or not candidates meet the standards for safe, effective and competent practice in order to be eligible to register with the NMBI.
- Providing a robust, fair, objective, valid and reliable assessment methodology.
- Providing a responsive efficient, effective, economical and equitable assessment for all candidates.
- The competencies for entry to the NMBI Register will inform this assessment.
- The assessment structure and process will support the candidate to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competencies that are determined by the Board in terms of the Registration Requirements and Standards.