PhRN
They say there are too many nurses in the Philippines. Let me speak as one of the them,although i am not saying these on their behalf. Let me just give you ideas or something you can relate to when it comes to Nursing in the Phil. I may have not experienced working to all hospitals but i think it is enough for me to hear the stories and the experience that i have been through to deduced these.
I can say that there are many available jobs for nurses because nurses’ knowledge, skills and attitude encompass all kinds of field. So whatever field the nurse is, they are of the same breed. In the nursing schools, it seems as if that all good human qualities are injected right into their heart.
Now, the predicament is that they say there is surplus of nurses here despite the fact that the hospitals are “understaffed”. What is behind this great irony? There is higher demand for nurses but they do not hire them as staffs.They just get the benefit of saving money for themselves. Why is it in healthcare, nurses are not motivated when it comes to compensation to work?Imagine the fact that they are not given the benefits and the salary mandated by the RA 9173 which is SG15 for entry level nurse. Come to think of it,they also have their own family to take care of. they hire less and exhaust these health care professionals. The result is certainly understaffing.It is a good thing though that Filipino nurses are very competent and resourceful so they are able to compensate even though they are presented with numerous patients and heavy workloads.
If you ask who i am referring to when I say “the
y”,i will tell you that “they” represents the local public and private institution whom we offer our services, whom we tolerate to exploit us because we are left with no option but to cooperate.
Another problem is as a graduate,you have to pay for your first professional experience disguised as the “trainings” or whatever it is called,may it be post grad training,skills enhancement training. Why did i say disguised?Because i remember this joke from 9gag saying “you mean I need to get experience before i get experience?”Funny thing though. You also have to undergo series of required trainings such as intravenous therapy to be “IV the rapist”, BLS or ACLS from AHA,etc. If you do not have money, it is like you really have no choice but to earn first and that is the sad truth. YOU.CAN.NOT.MOVE.WITHOUT.MONEY(unless you are lucky)
On the other hand, you may also render care as a volunteer. this will be one of the minor steps after grad and passing the board. Some do not guaranty a position in the nursing service though. But some still remains fair. it just takes time of working really hard, as well as proving that you are qualified for the golden spot.if you continue the work with satisfactory performance,surely you will be hired, not to mention the backer system proving the fact that it is not about what you know but who you know.:)
It is true that there are many work opportunities for nurses because the nursing profession is well rounded. Nurses are just too picky, and we cannot blame them.Most nurses would actually want the hospital or clinical setting to get the experience to get out of the country. You certificate of employment is your real passport. Good thing, there are other agencies who i think allow those who only have certificate of completion,training or volunteeriesm. My tita told me that experience is not required by the hospitals in US. It is just the agency that requires it. You only have to go to their country and look for a job. (On the other hand,however, the confidence that you gain from the legitimate working experience will help you when you set foot to their country. I am sure that Filipino nurses, if not all, most of them are asset to any institution that will hire them.) When it comes to travelling (with the sole purpose of travelling), RN’s end up being denied by the immigration because they assume that they will stay in their country for work.
it is just too sad that Pinoy nurses are not helped by their own government.they are even being held on their foot so they stay here whether they like or not. We cannot help but fall into the trap of the exploitation and we cannot do anything but to cooperate and submit to their flawed laws.the government cannot even implement the SG15 for the basic entry for nurses. they are not regularized or they are still J.O.’s until 5 years. From the ethical and moral standpoint,We cannot just go out and form a strike since we are too concerned for our patients regardless of how we are treated by them.(including their relatives.)
While it is true that there are nurses who wants to go abroad,it is likewise true that there are ones who intends to work here. In my conversations to many nurses, i have learned there ares till many of them who would rather stay to take care of the filipinos. of course,everyone holds their own principles in life.It is like the feeling is innate that they must be patriotic or nationalistic. We cannot say that it is “cliche” or they are “plastic”. Believe it or not,but it is true. they still exist.there are also those who continually prove that they can also be happy by just working here.
Whenever you see a nurse, it is important that we acknowledge their dedication and passion. They studied a lot and burned themselves with the books to read. upon being a registered nurse, they have not ceased to pour their blood and sweat out. they do not always celebrate holidays just like you do with your family or friends.Respect them for they are professionals. Be kind to them. Give them some slack. After all, they have dedicated their heart,mind and soul whenever they care for you.
Hats off to you,our dear Filipino nurses,wherever you are.happy nurses week!
🙂
Dated: november2013