Law Summary
Objectives and Curriculum Alignment
- The nursing licensure examination must align with the competency-based, community-oriented Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum revised and implemented nationwide by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).
- The curriculum aims to make nursing education responsive to the health needs of the Philippine population.
- Necessity to adopt an examination system that accurately measures competencies for safe and effective nursing practice.
Board Resolutions and Collaboration
- The Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN) requested the adoption of the Integrated Comprehensive Nursing Licensure Examination (ICNLE) beginning in 1994.
- ADPCN and the Board of Nursing collaborated on nationwide seminars and workshops to develop competency-based achievement tests.
Adoption of the Integrated Comprehensive Nursing Licensure Examination (ICNLE)
- The Board resolved to replace the existing licensure examination format with the ICNLE effective May 1994, after Commission approval and official publication.
- The existing examination subjects were consolidated and restructured.
New Examination Structure and Content
- The ICNLE consists of four (4) tests reflecting the major nursing goals:
- Test I: Promotive goals
- Test II: Preventive goal
- Test III: Curative goal (divided into A & B)
- Test IV: Rehabilitative goal
- This structure emphasizes integrated knowledge and application across different areas of nursing practice.
Implementation and Dissemination
- The resolution takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation, whichever occurs first.
- The resolution must be widely circulated among all Colleges of Nursing nationwide to ensure information dissemination and proper guidance.
Signatories and Approval
- Signed by the Board of Nursing Chairperson and Members.
- Approved by the Commissioners of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
This resolution modernizes the nursing licensure examination in the Philippines by focusing on competency-based assessments that integrate nursing goals, ensuring new graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge for professional practice.