PCN warns: Polish nursing training lower than EU standards

The Standing Committee of Nurses of the EU (PCN) is concerned about the directives on Recognition of Professional Qualifications in the EU and more specifically the Polish situation.

In a letter sent to DG Internal Market - Commissioner Bolkestein, to DG Enlargement - Commissioner Verheugen and to DG Sanco - Commissioner Byrne, the PCN expressed its concerns about nursing qualifications in Poland and their potential recognition under the accession arrangements.

The expert "peer review" of the European Commission reported that in the case of Poland, which has the largest nursing workforce of the candidate countries, there were serious deficiencies in relation to training and education in comparison with EU standards.

The PCN suggests in its letter the introduction of bridging courses to enable nurses trained in previous years to obtain EU recognition.