Public health nurse graduates ‘in no man’s land’

Up to 60 newly qualified public health nurses due to take up roles in a range of vital primary care services are in “no man’s land” over fears their promised jobs may no longer exist.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation confirmed it has contacted Róisín Shortall, minister of state with responsibility for primary care, after being inundated with crisis calls over the issue.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Liam Doran, INMO general secretary, said under a 2004 agreement, already qualified nurses are guaranteed a two-year primary care contract if they complete a 12-month higher diploma in public health nursing.