About Us

The General Nursing council of Saint Lucia is a statutory body established under the Registartion of Nurses and Midwives Ordinance No.12  of 1966.

Purpose

The Main purpose of the Ordinance and function of the Council is to

• Monitor and evaluate the training of nurses
• Regulate the practive and professional conduct of persons registered under the Ordinance;
• Advise the Minister of Health on nursing matters.

Composition of The Council

The Council is made up of nine members:

• The Chief Medical Officer or his nominee and the Chief Nursing Officer who are ex-officio members;
• Two persons other than medical practitioners appointed by the Minister
• Four nurses at least two of whom shall be nurse-midwives elected by
  the Saint Lucia Nurses Association;
• One medical practitioner appointed by the Medical Association of Saint Lucia

Tenure of Office

Members of the Council, other than ex-officio members, shall hold office for three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment or re-election.

Committees of the Council

Five standing committees have been established to assist in the work of the Council.  A member of Council shall serve on each of the following Committees:

Standing Committees:

Education - Facilitates the continuing education of nurses, midwives and nursing assistants based on indentified training needs.  This committee also recommends approved trainers.

Examinations - Facilitates the development, administration and evaluation of registration examinations

Standrads - Develops and monitors compliance with standards of nursing practice and education.

Legislation / Rules and Regulations - Ensures that legislation regarding nursing practice education and regulation are current; and revises the by-laws of the Council as appropriate.

Ad Hoc Committees

Disciplinary - Conducts investigations and makes recommendations relevant to formal complaints of professional neglicence, malpractice or unethical professional conduct of registered and enrolled nurses.

Appeals - Investigates appeals filed for review of the results of examinations coudncted by the council or decisions taken with respect to applications for registration.  A formal application and the payment of the relevant fees are required.

Meetings of Council

The Council conducts monthly general meetings, standing committee and other extraordinary meetings as required.

Registration

Persons who wish to practice nursing in St. Lucia are requrired to register with the General Nursing council in accordance with the Ordinance No. 12 of 1966.  The completed application form, supporting documents and evidence of payment of the required non-refundable application fee must be submitted to the office of the Council for review.

Click here for more information on Registration

Renewal of License to Practice

All nurses, midwives and nursing assistants are required to renew their licenses annualy no later than 31st March every year.

Failure to do so shall result in suspension of a licensure to practice in St. Lucia.

Requirement for Employers to Verify Current Licensure Status of Employees

All employers are required to verify with the Council the licensure status of all new applicatns for posts as nurses, midwives or nusring assistants.

In addition, employers shall submit to the Council proof of licensure all nursing personnel on staff by January 31st of each year.

Examinations

The Council conducts examinations for registration of professional nurses and midwives:

• The Regional Examinations for Nurse Registration is administered in April and October each year.
• The Midwifery Examinations is usually administered in october of each year.

Mandatory Continuing Education

Effective 2004, all nurses, midwives and nursing assistants will be required to show proof of contining education in order to maintain a license to practice in St Lucia.  Information regarding aproved trainers and training programmes may be obtained from the Office of the General Nursing council of St Lucia.
Issued: GNC / Oct. 2002