A training programme for nurses being run by the Western and Mid Western health boards and by Dublin's Beaumont and Ballinasloe's Portiuncula hospitals is to be extended to several more areas this year.
The registration/diploma programme in general nursing is to be introduced in Dublin's Meath, Adelaide, St James's and St Vincent's hospitals, in Cork's Mercy hospital, and in the South Eastern and North Western Health Board areas.
The psychiatric programme, piloted by the Western Health Board last year, is being extended to St Vincent's Psychiatric Hospital in Fairview, Dublin.
Participants in the programmes are not part of the working staff in hospitals. On successful completion, they are eligible for registration as nurses with An Bord Altranais and are awarded a diploma in nursing by the associated third level institute.