Madam, - Since An Bord Altnanais has in its wisdom made nursing a degree course, a number of would-be Irish nurses who did not get enough points in their Leaving are being forced to train in England (where they are readily accepted). I wonder if the public are aware that the pre-nursing courses run by the Colleges of Further Education are no longer counted as "points" for training? Yet we taxpayers subsidise these courses!
I understand that about 15 years ago the Australians made the mistake of making nursing a degree course; they soon realised they were having to import nurses as they were losing their own dedicated would-be nurses, so they have reversed their decision.
I know about the heartache this is causing. I have a grand-daughter who wants to nurse and did her work experience in Tallaght Hospital. But she did not get enough points in the Leaving Cert. - Yours, etc.,
ANN YOUNG, Killadreenan, Newcastle, Co Wicklow.
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Madam, - Like Perdita Quinlan (July 17th) I cannot understand why, with the shortage of nurses, we continue to turn away so many who want to do nursing here. I am aware over the years of the big number who were refused entry to this profession, despite having the required academic qualifications and a keen interest in pursuing this career. Why? In whose interest was it to restrict the numbers qualifying? - Yours, etc.,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.