How to become a registered nurse in Ireland?

A Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Registration in Ireland

1. Nursing Career in Ireland

There has been a tremendous increase in demand for healthcare professionals in Ireland after the launch of a new healthcare system called Health Service Executive (HSE) which ensures the provision of healthcare to minorities, children under the age of 6, pregnant women, and individuals with low income. This initiative taken in 2005 opened employment prospects for many healthcare professionals including nurses. So, internationally qualified nurses who wish to work and settle in Ireland can achieve their dream by obtaining the Ireland nursing license.

You can also find information about nursing registration for other countries given below:

2. Nursing Registration Process in Ireland

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing licenses and maintaining standards to ensure the provision of quality care by the nursing and midwifery professions in Ireland. The registration process is divided into two parts: the qualification recognition stage and the registration stage, which are explained step by step in the following sections.

2.1 Qualification Recognition Stage

In this phase, you will create an account on MyNMBI by providing your personal details. This includes answering questions to determine your classification as G1, G2, or G3. Next, you will upload all the required documents (listed in Section 2.3), review your provided information for accuracy, and pay a fee of €350. Once submitted, your application will be visible on the portal, with real-time updates available regarding its status.

NMBI will review your application, carefully scrutinizing the documents for validity and authenticity, and will also perform an ID check. G1 applicants will undergo only an administrative assessment, whereas G2 and G3 applicants will be required to complete both administrative and qualification assessments.

You will receive an email with the outcome of your qualification recognition, which could be one of three possibilities:

  1. your qualifications are recognized;
  2. a compensation measure is required for successful recognition of your qualifications; or
  3. your qualification recognition is refused. You can either accept the decision or file an appeal.

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2.2 Registration Stage

The second stage is the registration process, during which you will log into MyNMBI and answer questions related to your English language competence. You will need to upload evidence of your official OET or IELTS scores. Additional questions about your registration application will also be asked. You will receive another list of documents to upload, including the declaration form, and will be required to pay the registration fee of €145. The formal review of your documents will then be conducted by NMBI staff to verify their genuineness and authenticity before a decision is made regarding your registration. You will receive an email with a provisional decision of registration or provisional decision of refusal.

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2.3 Required Documents

NMBI required documents for both qualification and registration stages are listed below:

a. Identity Documents

  • Passport or national ID

b. Educational Documents

  • Degree/Diploma in Nursing
  • Academic transcripts
  • Detailed syllabus/Transcripts of your nursing program

c. Work Experience

  • nursing experience certificates

d. Professional Registration

  • Registration certificate
  • Good Standing Certificate
  • Valid proof of English proficiency

e. Police Clearance Certificate

  • Criminal background check/ Police Verification

f. Health Declaration

  • Medical Fitness Certificate

Note: If your documents are not in English, you need to provide translated versions of certificates by a recognized and qualified translator with an official stamp and signature.

3. English Proficiency Test for Ireland Nursing

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) accepts the following English language test with minimum scores given in the table below:

 English Language Requirements

English Test*Test TypeOverall Test Score 

Each Skill Score

(A-E 0-500)

OET (Nursing)

 

OET on Paper

OET on Computer      (in venue only)

NAListening

Grade B/ 350-450

Reading

Grade B/ 350-450

Writing

Grade C+/ 300-340

 

Speaking

Grade B/ 350-450

IELTS/

UKVI IELTS

Academic

 

IELTS Paper Based7 

Any 3 components 7

Any 1 component 6.5

*Ireland does not accept combining/clubbing results/OSR in IELTS/OET@Home for nursing registration.

4. OET Preparation for Nurses

For OET Nursing preparation, including resources, guidelines, and mock tests, please read the following articles:

5. Scope of Nursing in Ireland

Being an internationally qualified nurse in roles such as General Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, Midwife, or Clinical Nurse opens up numerous career opportunities in Ireland.

  • You can work in various healthcare settings, including public hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, or community centers. Nurses in Ireland can earn up to €50,000 annually, with the potential for even higher earnings in specialized roles.
  • Flexible work arrangements are available, allowing you to work part-time or full-time on contracts while pursuing further education to develop professionally and academically.
  • Specialized fields such as geriatric care, midwifery, and mental health offer opportunities to gain diverse and valuable experience.
  • Additionally, you can contribute to fostering a positive and collaborative healthcare environment by being part of supportive, multidisciplinary teams.

6. FAQ for Nursing Registration in Ireland

How long does the nursing registration in Ireland take?
The duration of the nursing registration process in Ireland depends on several factors, including the timely submission of your application, completion of the OET/IELTS test, uploading of relevant documents, and the time taken for the NMBI to make a decision. The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Can I appeal the refusal decision by NMBI?
Yes, you can appeal a refusal or compensation measurement decision by NMBI.

Is there any classification for nurses for registration in Ireland?
Yes, G1,G2 and G3 are three classifications for nurses for registration processes.

Can I retake and combine scores from two sittings in OET for an Ireland nursing license?
No, NMBI does not accept One Skill Retake IELTS, or OET combined score from two sitting, or any test taken at home including OET@Home.

If you need any more information about registration for nursing in New Zealand, feel free to contact us!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes and serves as a guideline for application of nurses. It is not intended to replace professional consultancy or to represent any medical council or regulatory body. Always consult the official websites for the most up-to-date information and specific guidelines related to your individual case.

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