Administrative manual regional examination for nurse registration nursing councils

Administrative Manual for the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration for Nursing Councils in CARICOM Member Countries

ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL FOR THE REGIONAL EXAMINATION FOR NURSE REGISTRATION FOR NURSING COUNCILS IN CARICOM MEMBER COUNTRIES

REVISED: July 2014

Administrative Manual for the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration for Nursing Councils in CARICOM Member Countries Š Caribbean Community Secretariat, 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher.

Published by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Turkeyen, P.O. Box 10827 Georgetown, Guyana

ISBN 978-976-600-365-4 (Pbk) ISBN 978-976-600-366-1 (CD-Rom)

Endorsed by the Nineteenth Special Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) - Health, held at PAHO/WHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C., USA, 27-28 September 2014.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………………………..................

1

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2‐3

Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3

Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3

Roles and Responsibilities of Committees……………………………………………………………….

4

Roles and Responsibilities of Nursing Councils………………………………………………………..

5‐6

Roles and Responsibilities of the Examining Body…………………………………………………...

6‐7

Guidelines for Pre‐testing of Test Items……………………………………………………………………

7

Guidelines for the Conduct of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration………

7‐8

Candidates for the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration……………………………..

8

Supervisors and Invigilators……………………………………………………………………………………..

8

Appeals Process……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

9

Resits……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

9

Security Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………………………

9

Remuneration………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

9

Model for the Conduct of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration…………….

10

i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The revision of this Administrative Manual would not have been possible without the input of several organisations and individuals.

(i) The Regional Nursing Body for its continued visioning of nursing within the CARICOM Region, and for the commissioning of the revision of the Administrative Manual for the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR).

(ii) The CARICOM Secretariat for the resources and guidance during the revision stages.

(iii) The General Nursing Councils of the Region for their interest and commitment to the process of Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR).

(iv) The nursing faculties of the various educational institutions for their dedication to the process of nursing education and for their involvement in this initiative.

(v) The technocrats who persevered to the realization of this document.

It is hoped that the contributions from the various individuals and organisations would guide the successful implementation of the CXC Managed Regional Examination for Nurse Registration in CARICOM Member States and Associated States.

1

INTRODUCTION

The concept of a Regional Examination for Nurse Registration originated in 1972 with the Regional Nursing Body’s objectives, firstly, to introduce reciprocity for Registered Nurses among countries of the Region; secondly, to improve on the system of examination procedures for nurses, including the introduction of objective procedures; Thirdly, to establish a pool of qualified nurses as Regional Examiners.

In 1976, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) agreed to participate in the preparation of a regional system of examinations for nurses, further, in 1978, the Regional Nursing Body (RNB) agreed with the recommendation that a regional examination for nurses be expeditiously explored.

At the Twentieth Caucus of Ministers of Health and the Council of Human and Social Development in September 2011, it was agreed that the RENR would be managed by CXC.

The rationale for a CXC‐ managed Regional Examination for Nurse Registration is compelling and well established. First, the epidemiological profile and intervention measures to deal with them are similar across the Region. Therefore an examination that assesses these competencies will ensure nurses are equipped with the essential skills for practising nursing in the Region.

Secondly, the establishment of a standardized system of assessment of nurses across the Region would ensure the evaluation of the requisite competencies of graduates of schools of nursing across the Region.

Thirdly, a common regional system of registration will ensure portability of qualifications across the Region which is in keeping with the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME) and the movement of people and their families. In addition, this initiative creates an opportunity for the Regional examination for Nurse Registration to be internationally benchmarked and validated to ensure equivalency with best practice worldwide. This aspect is critical as it will strengthen the competitive advantage of nurses in the Region in light of the demand for qualified nurses worldwide.

The Nursing Councils of the Region have the legal responsibility for nursing education, registration and licensure and are tasked with a number of activities critical to the successful education and practice of nurses within the Region. The Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR), 2

developed and administered in CARICOM since 1993 signified a significant milestone in the achievement of reciprocity and similar standards of education among participating CARICOM countries.

A number of consultations were held with the relevant stakeholders, namely, RNB, Nursing Councils and CXC. Training in item writing was conducted by CXC, in preparation for the Region’s first CXC managed RENR.

PURPOSE This Administrative Manual establishes guidelines to govern the conduct of the CXC managed Regional Examination for Nurse Registration in CARICOM Member States and Associated States.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Manual are to –

(i) State the functions of the National Nursing Councils (NCs), the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and Committees in the management of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration;

(ii) Describe the Model for the administration of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration;

(iii) Set the administrative procedures to guide National Nursing Councils, associated committees and personnel in the administration of the RENR;

(iv) Set guidelines for the conduct of candidates during the examination; and

(v) Provide other relevant information concerning the RENR.

3

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEES Examination Committee This main Technical Committee will be composed of representatives recommended by the Nursing Councils. The curriculum vitae of the nominees will need to be accompanied by referees and a letter of recommendation from the Nursing Council. The eligible nominees will form a pool and be active for three (3) years. A term of office shall therefore be three (3) years except in the case of the Chief Examiner and one other member who shall remain on the Committee for five (5) years to ensure smooth transition and continuity of the processes among new membership.

This Committee will – (i)

Set the examination;

(ii)

Review the scripts; and

(iii)

Recommend the cut scores for the individual examinations.

There will be a Chief Examiner selected by CXC from among the members of the technical committee, who will be the final arbiter for setting and scoring of the examination. A moderator will be selected by CXC, who will provide final comments on the individual examinations. These officials will be governed by CXC’s confidentiality and conflict of interest rules.

Awarding (Standards) Committee This Committee will be composed of the Chairs or Designates of the Councils and the Chair of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB). It will be responsible for standards including the final agreement on the examination results and its release. The Committee will address other matters such as irregularities in the examination and special circumstances of candidates who require such consideration and will have such authority in general. This Committee will also be governed by CXCs confidentiality and conflict of interest rules.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF NATIONAL NURSING COUNCILS:

The National Nursing Councils will –

(i) Submit to CXC the list of examination centers; (ii)

Recommend the selection of examination sites according to CXC specifications;

4

(iii)

Submit to CXC candidates’ registration information six (6) weeks prior to the RENR;

(iv)

Store question papers according to CXC specifications;

(v)

Recommend persons to perform the functions of supervisors and invigilators;

(vi)

Confirm receipt of question papers from CXC for storage;

(vii)

(viii)

Provide all appropriate materials other than the question papers, for example, clock and extra pencils;

Return question papers and mark sheets within four (4) days after the examination to CXC;

(ix)

Recommend persons to participate in item writing and to sit on the Examination and Awards Committees;

(x)

(xi)

(xii)

Convene annual meetings of the Regional General Nursing Councils to clarify and address issues of concern at national and regional levels with respect to the examination;

Maintain responsibility for the appeals process. Appeals must be made through the Nursing Council within four (4) weeks of the release of the examination results by the Council; and Establish the criteria for and verification of candidates for taking the RENR. Criteria will include the following.

(xiii)

Successful completion of all training institution Examinations (theory and practical);

(xiv)

Successful completion of all practicum hours as defined and approved by the Nursing Council;

(xv)

(xvi)

Candidates will be required to successfully complete the standardized practical examination as specified by the Nursing Councils;

Disseminate examination results.

5

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTED EXAMINING BODY The examining body will perform the following:

(i) Write Test Objectives for the Examination based on the Blueprint for the RENR; (ii)

Develop the Table of Specification for the Examination;

(iii)

(iv)

Prepare and assemble the Regional Examinations for Nurse Registration through its Examination Committee;

Prepare Guidelines for Pretesting of Items;

(v)

Submit items to Nursing Councils for pre‐testing;

(vi)

Edits test items for the item bank;

(vii)

Management the test item Bank for the RENR;

(viii)

Assembles the Examinations Committee from among the pool of nominees submitted by the Nursing Councils;

Assembles the Awards Committee comprising of Chairs of Nursing Councils or their representative and Chair of RNB or representative, to determine the acceptable standard for the Examination;

Train persons recommended by National Nursing Councils of participating countries as Supervisors and Invigilators for the examination;

(ix)

(x)

(xi)

(xii)

Submits results of the examination to the Nursing Councils for publishing/issuing within thirty (30) business days of the completion of the Exam;

Analyses performance of test Items on the examination;

(xiii)

Manages the test Item Bank for the RENR;

(xiv)

Generates various reports from the examination that will facilitate monitoring and evaluation processes;

Will be responsible for reviewing scripts of candidates who appeal their results on requests of the Nursing Councils;

(xv)

(xvi)

Prepares manual with guidelines for candidates writing the examination; and

(xvii)

Prepares a practice manual for candidates writing the examination.

6

GUIDELINES FOR THE PRE ‐ TESTING OF TEST ITEMS All nursing education institutions shall pre‐test items using final year students. It is recommended that the most efficient manner of pre – testing these items is to set up a “Mock Examination” for the students. The structure of the Mock Examination would be the same as that of the RENR. This procedure has the advantages of pre – testing the items throughout the Region as well as giving the students the experience of writing an examination that parallels the RENR. The pre – testing of items will be facilitated by the National Nursing Councils.

CXC will forward items for pre – testing to National General Nursing Councils and the Councils will administer the examination. Pre – tested items will be sent back to CXC for analysis and banking.

GUIDELINES FOR THE CXC MANAGED REGIONAL EXAMINATION FOR NURSE REGISTRATION

The preparation of the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR) will take place on an annual basis. The examination will be offered twice yearly in October and April and will be conducted over a one (1) day period, with Paper 1 being administered in the morning and Paper 2 in the afternoon. The Regional Examination for Nurse Registration is a criterion referenced examination.

Participating countries will comprise of Member States of CARICOM and Associated States.

The Blueprint developed by the RNB and Regional Nursing Councils will guide the preparation of the CXC managed RENR. The examination shall therefore be conducted in accordance with the protocols for examinations as specified by the contracted Examining Body.

CANDIDATES FOR THE REGIONAL EXAMINATION FOR NURSE REGISTRATION

Each candidate must present a picture ID to the supervisor/invigilator on the day of the examination. This may be in the form of the training institution ID, passport picture or a driver’s license. If a candidate fails to present any form of identification, he or she will not be permitted to enter the examination room and the matter should be addressed in accordance with CXC protocols.

7

SUPERVISORS AND INVIGILATORS National General Nursing Councils will recommend persons to serve as supervisors and invigilators for the examination and the CXC will provide training for these persons. Supervisors and invigilators must be present at the examination site at least thirty (30) minutes before the commencement of the examination. They must be professionally attired and must not be intrusive. No tutors/lecturers are allowed at the examination site.

APPEALS PROCESS Councils will maintain responsibility for the appeals process to include – (i)

(ii)

Appeals must be made to the Nursing Council within four (4) weeks of the release of the examination results by the Nursing Council; Payment of the prescribed fee must be made to cover administrative and review costs for Nursing Council and CXC;

(iii)

Council will submit a request for review of the scripts to CXC;

(iv)

CXC will submit the result of the review to the Council; and

(v)

Candidates will receive results of the review process within four(4) weeks of the submission of the appeal.

RE‐SITS Candidates will be given a period of five (5) years to re‐sit examination papers.

SECURITY PROCEDURES National General Nursing Councils must satisfy the CXC requirements for security and organization.

If the Council cannot meet CXC requirements, the CXC will refer the examination to its national agents to follow their established practices. The Council will have financial responsibility for any problem such as replacement of papers if security is breached while it is in charge of storage of the examination papers.

8

REMUNERATION The CXC will receive remuneration as stipulated in the contract, for which CXC will provide the Councils with an invoice after the final submission of registrants. The Councils are expected to set fees to manage their administrative costs.

9

SCHEMA FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE CONTRACTED MANAGEMENT OF THE REGIONAL EXAMINATION FOR NURSE REGISTRATION (RENR)

CENTRE IDENTIFIED BY NURSING COUNCIL AND VERIFIED BY CXC

CENTRE SUBMITS NAMES OF CANDIDATES TO NURSING COUNCIL FOR REGISTRATION FOR EXAMINATION (ONLINE)

NURSING COUNCIL VERIFIES THE CANDIDATES

NURSING COUNCIL ISSUES ACCEPTANCE AND COLLECTS FEES

‐Reviews candidates’ transcripts and other documents

CANDIDATE CLEARANCE

CANDIDATE SCREENING

CXC ISSUES EXAMINATION PACKAGES TO NURSING COUNCIL

CXC ISSUES EXAMINATION SCHEDULE AND RULES TO CANDIDATES

CXC REGISTERS CANDIDATES FOR EXAMINATION NURSING COUNCIL FORWARDS APPROVED CANDIDATES TO CXC

NURSING COUNCIL OVERSEAS CONDUCT OF EXAMINATIONS NURSING COUNCIL RECEIVES AND SECURES EXAMINATION PAPERS AS PER AGENCY POLICY

CXC GRADES SCRIPTS

(APRIL/OCTOBER)

SENDS FEEDBACK TO NURSING COUNCIL

EXAMINATIONS COMMITTEE

CXC RECEIVES CANDIDATES’ SCRIPTS

ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

NURSING COUNCILS MANAGE APPEALS PROCESS CXC REVIEWS CANDIDATE SCRIPTS

NURSING COUNCIL ISSUES RESULTS TO CANDIDATES/CENTRES

‐Collects fees / request review of scripts/issue feedback of appeals

10

CXC ISSUES RESULTS TO NURSING COUNCIL