Have you completed your nursing course in Kenya or outside and
want to be a registered nurse in the country? You have to
register through the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) to be certified. Once you
register as a nurse in Kenya, it becomes easier to secure a job.
Besides, the nursing workforce’s licensing and registration in the
country allow the equitable sharing of the personnel. Also, it helps to
regulate the nursing graduates and ensure they perform their duties with
professionalism. In this article, you will understand the requirements and
procedures to register as a nurse in Kenya.
Requirements
to Register as a Nurse in Kenya
Nurses
Trained in Kenya
As a nurse trained in one of the nursing schools in Kenya, you require the
following for your registration and licensing;
·
National ID or passport
·
Two colored passport size photos
·
National Council of Kenya (NCK) Examination Result Slip
·
Kenyan academic certificates
·
Evidence of having undertaken at least 60 hours of continuous
professional development
·
A valid professional certificate.
Besides, the nurses trained in Kenya are divided into four
categories that determine their requirements before starting the registration
process. This includes;
·
Graduates upgrading from KRCHN (B) to BScN can start the
registration directly without an internship.
·
RN/M to BScN graduates need to proceed for 15 weeks self-sponsored
internship in community health nursing.
·
RN to BScN graduates needs to undertake a 27 weeks of self-sponsored
internship in midwifery and community health nursing.
·
Basic BSN has to complete a one-year internship (self-sponsored or
MOH).
You need to complete your internship before registration because
it one of the subjects in passing the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) Licensure
Exam.
Nurses
Trained Outside Kenya (TOK)
If you went to a nursing school outside Kenya and you want to get
a Kenyan nursing certificate, you require the following;
·
Birth certificate
·
National ID or/and passport
·
Two passport size photos
·
Valid practice license
·
Original professional certificates
·
Curriculum vitae
·
Original transcript
·
Kenyan academic certificates
·
Copies of College Certificates
·
A valid professional certificate
·
Registering board verification
·
Evidence of having undergone at least 60 hours of continuous
professional development
Steps
to Register as a Nurse Trained in Kenya Online
Once you complete and pass your National Council Licensing Exam,
you can apply for registration and licensing online after getting your results.
You can register manually or digitally, though the online application is the
more efficient.
1.
Log in to the NCK
The first step for your registration process is to login into the
National Council of Kenya online service portal. Then, click on ‘Create
account’ to proceed.
2. Choose
a Category
Once you get to the registration page, select the category of a
student or a practitioner. If you are a student, provide your index number, ID
number, and email address. On the other hand, as a practitioner, give out
your registration number, ID number, and email address.
3. Provide
Personal Details
Give in your details such as name. Ensure you give out the correct
details and also set up a unique password. Once you finish, click on the Save
button.
4. Go
to the Registration and Licensing Page
Click on the ‘Registration and licensing tab.’ Once the page
opens, press the ‘Application for practice license.’
5. Fill
in the Required Details
You are expected to provide your work experience and academic
qualifications. Give out any nursing experience you have gained before and the
nursing training programs you have attended. Besides, provide the knowledge of
the rules and other NCK licenses you might have.
6. Upload
Documents
Upload your national ID, passports, exam result slip, and all
other documents required for your registration. Also, ensure you place each
document in its respective place.
7. Select
an Examination Centre
Choose one of the examination centers provided.
8. Provide
the Transaction Details
You are required to pay a practice license fee of Ksh. 1000
through the following bank account: Cooperative Bank – Kibera Branch –
01136098613400 or Barclays Bank – Queensway Branch – 094-8023954.
Provide the transaction number in the payment slip and the date
you paid, which is the date you deposited the money in the bank.
9. Submit
your Application
You can now submit your application to register as a nurse in
Kenya. Also, print the application notification.
10. Collection
of the Certificate
Usually, the license is out after 30 days. You will receive a
notification for collection through your Email or text. You are expected to
collect your license in person from the NCK offices. Besides, you should carry
proof of identification.
Steps
to Register as a Nurse Trained Outside Kenya with NCK
1. Contact
NCK
You need to contact the NCK body about your registration and
provide the required documents. You can reach out through the following means
NCK Phone numbers: +254207854665, +254207854669, +254721920567, and
254733924669. NCK Email: info@nckenya.org
2. Verification
Once you submit the copies to the NCK, wait for them to verify
your eligibility. The body will contact the training school and body of
nursing/ midwifery in the country you attend. If the NCK is satisfied, you will
be invited for an oral interview by the Registration and Licensing Committee.
3. Sit
for the Exam
You will need to sit for a written licensure exam. Also, make sure
you pass the exam.
4. Internship
To register as a nurse in Kenya with NCK, you will need to undergo
a clinical placement for up to 24 weeks.
5. Submit
your Application
Once you pass the licensure exam and complete the internship, you
can submit your registration and license application. Afterward, wait for your
application to be reviewed.
While submitting your application, you need to pay a license fee
of Ksh. 2000. Besides, nurses trained outside Kenya are required to pay Ksh.
5000 for their registration process. The payments should be made as a deposit
under the account name: Nursing Council of Kenya. Use the following accounts to
make the payments:
·
Cooperative Bank: 01136098613400
·
Barclays Bank: 094-8023954.
6. Certification
Once your application is successful, you will receive your practice license after 72 hours and your registration certificate after four weeks. You should collect your certificates as a person from the NCK offices and provide proof. From there, you can work in any of the hospitals in Kenya.