The Antigua & Barbuda Nursing Council has joined the debate about the registration of the American University Antigua (AUA) by expressing its displeasure with claims being made by the National Accreditation Board.
The words “peeved, perturbed and very unhappy” were among the many used in a statement issued yesterday by the Nursing Council to express its sentiment on the matter.
“The council would like to air its utter disgust with the Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) for totally ignoring the professional body that is responsible for regulating nursing as well as the nursing profession as a discipline by not involving it in the registration process, especially as it relates to the training of nurses,” the communiqué read.
The council was responding to statements made just days ago by executive director of the National Accreditation Board Glenford Joseph, who said the body had registered the American University of Antigua’s School of Nursing, and was in the process of registering other disciplines. That statement was prompted by a report that the university had not been accredited by the board.
The government has also attempted damage control, by denouncing the report and stating that the university is operating with its full confidence and support and that graduates of AUA’s College of Medicine continue to be eligible for licensure here.
The picture changed however when the Nursing Council issued the statement, indicating that it has been sidelined in the registration process, especially as it relates to the training of nurses.
The council also accuses the accreditation board of violating its own regulation, which stipulates that it will consult with various professional disciplines in decision-making.
