[baby dal]

I think it is a dream of every Filipino nurses working abroad to work and live with their family back home. To serve and heal your own countrymen will be the utmost job satisfaction one could ever have as a professional nurse. It will be a very long way to reshape this trend of professional nursing in the Philippines. I hope if we start this cry of change the next generation of nurses will uphold and continue these ideals.

[2b_usrn]

i notice that filipinos loves to use words like ... countrymen, serve the people, serve my country and all that "political sound - like" words...

our president really influences us that much eh??

discipline, unity and knowing our OWN identity (not trying to be like someone else) will lead us all to success

[ulyza]

Though there is a "stereotype" on reasons why filipinos take up nursing -which is to work abroad some still prefer to stay in the Philippines. But before judging those who went outside the country we must put our selves on that persons slipper.

There are lot's of issues why filipino nurses want to go out of the P.I.. Is it just ONLY because of the "higher income" they'll have being in other countries??

As nurses we are taught to do assessment first,that could be applied in this situation. Ask them where are their parents at?Most would answer the country where they plan to go. THerefore, besides from intentions of having higher income, there is much deeper reason why. It's because he/she wants to be with his parents or relative or loved ones.

Though this my not be the topic I just take the opportunity to express my thoughts regarding that matter.

Anyway, my own opinion on how can nursing/health care system in the Philippines become better**** There are a lot of nursing school in the country that offers nursing course and lots of filipino are taking up nursing course believing they could go to other countries in just a snap! Because of that,some doesn't take their studies seriously. Phil. NLE passing result shows proof on this. Thinking Nursing not just a passport but as a VISA to go to US and other countries.

This is what to be change! The government especially the secretary of education should be more keen in approving colleges and universities with nursing course. If possible, they should limit number of nursing students allowed to study in a particular school. You know why? I'm a batch 2007 graduate and most of my batch mates are unemployed. why again? Most hospitals are freeze hiring. Then why not give your service for free? Believe it or not I tried asking some if they want VOLUNTEERS and they know I'm a REGISTERED nurse,their answer was NO!!!WHY??!! I Don't know!!!They are very unhesitant to deny an unconditional offer without even asking for my credentials etc.etc..Applying as volunteer is even harder than applying for a job??!!I can't believe it!

Nursing wage is really low. But there are lots of different cases in hospitals in the PHilippines. If the main purpose is to master nursing skills, Philippines is the place. Most of patients here are very cooperative.

The salary of nurses,therefore,should be increased. Giving nurses very low income is very UNFAIR!!! Compare this profession to other field,why can a call center agent get a P13k as starting when they use their voice in working?a computer programmer P20k when using their finger tips in working? And a nurse P150-200/day P4k/mo starting when we use almost all our senses in not just working but giving service. We even have to pass a licensure exam be executing this profession. It's not just Unfair But Unhumane!!!
(Wages of other profession may be more or less-sited just an example)

____________________________________
"If you can't do everything that's not a reason for you to do nothing"

[nurselove]

Originally Posted by crossbow

Can you imagine the voting power, the nurses have if you form a political bloc!! Even if you get the promise from politicians. One can call a press conference and say" we will not vote for you again", if they renege on their promise. What would the headlines say? "President turns down 100,000 nurses" How would that look on that politician's image. The Philippine media can be very vicious especially to Politicians.

[woknblues]

interesting concept.

It seems to me that the situation is dire. And hopeless as it is in it's current state. I would recommend attacking the problem from outside the country, rather than inside. One thing I have learned about The Philippines is that amazingly, their government is more corrupt than mine (American). So, I would use the voice that you can get from earning dollars (or Euros or whatever foreign currency you earn). I say this because sadly, politicians care more for money and about money, more than any other medium of communication. So in effect, my suggestion is not directed at "In Country" Filipinos, but rather the legions of OFW's and expatriates of the Philippines who should in my opinion, spearhead the efforts to evoke change. After all, they are the ones supporting the "booming" (haha) economy that GMA loves to champion as a result of her own doing and influence.

What and how? I haven't got that far yet. But just pumping whatever extra cash you have at the end of each month back home will never change the country. For your families back home, who can blame you for doing it? Nobody. I would.

Also, American politicians are approachable by way of telephone and email. If you are a "Fil-Am", or as we call you in America, an "American", I suggest you start organizing yourselves with the many health care organizations that are in America, and look at ways to improve the state of health care in the United States (a disaster from the average John Smith or Juan Dela Cruz in America's point of view, if you can believe that) by increasing the numbers of Foreign trained Nurses. Easier said than done, but remember, politicians in my country will PICK UP THE PHONE. Not all, but some. I have called and spoke with my congressman about issues (unrelated to nursing) twice in my life. Both times after the call, I was helpfully referred and endorsed to a program or committee to look into / attend, etc. And once, his secretary even called up a month after and followed up with me!! Get Filipino/Filipina nurses earmarked the next time they open the green cards up. Again, easier said than done, but if that is not your goal, you will never acheive it.

Inside the country? Find the institutions that have the ability and courage to stand up to corruption. Elect politicians at all levels based upon what they have done, not just their promises/popularity. EDSA every week until you get what the heck you want. It is only through your tireless efforts that change will occur. Throughout Philippine history there have been martyrs. The time has never really been more critical for more. I am not talking literally here, but metaphorically, of course. Hold your people to the highest standard, and accept no less. Persecute irresponsibility and mediocrity. Don't settle for second best, or "at least you tried".

That's all I have for now.

[badtrip_27RN]

We have a lot of critics right here. hehehe. Regardless of whatsoever laws to be implemented with regard to the nursing profession here in the PI...it still falls back to us. PI is known to be one of the worst corrupt government officials and with this alone reason...we (filipinos), can't do anything to make things better because government and people need to works as a team.

Politics should get serious with the unemployed nurses and soon to be nurses on where the world they will place them. With the sharp increasing numbers of filipino nurses, our problem should be the second priority next to food shortage.

Not to deviate from the topic and get serious with politicians...it is really a great advantage for the nurses to have trainings before leaving the new nurses on the field all by themselves. Nursing exams, books and theories are not enough...exposure or experiences are really necessary to be called a professional nurse. Human lives are at stake here, not a mere animal. And for the nurse in-charge, be patient and try to understand the trainees...everyone starts at zero. You can no longer learn if your brain is already fed up of knowledge. Its like an empty barrel, try filling it a little each day...you'll find sooner your trainees to be really one of your colleagues.

[N0rthst4r]

Originally Posted by cosmosbgirl

i wish i knew how the pna worked. hehe. i think they're the organization that could best address or jumpstart this concern. it will have to start from the individual members, then the top officers, then lobby all the way to the higher powers-- the gov i think. i, for one, have no clue what the pna is doing, or if they are doing something. this outcry has been there for years, they by now should know what issues to address.

include me in the list of those who blame the government. that's why most of us see no hope and would jump at the first opportunity to go abroad..

It would be my pleasure to air my views regarding the first higlighted statement. Ive been an RN for the past 8 years but until now, i didnt receive anything from PNA. Ive been a PNA-Cebu chapter member since then but until now, i was not able to receive a single magazine or even a cheap newsletter that can tell me whats going with the PNA!!

Worst was that, ever since i became a member of this respective association, i still got a despicable ID card made of "cartolina" with my 1x1 ID picture pasted at its left upper portion and was handed to my wife without being laminated for protection. I am not talking about the PNA National but it seems that theyre still the same.

This (PNA) association should be the one to gather all our concerns, sum it up and bring it to the concerned government agency. We are paying them yearly dues, but what about the rest of those money we paid? Is that how expensive the issued ID that they cannot spare something that will benifit its members? I dont even read a single article wherein you can read "PNA helping a deported Phil. RN" or "PNA helps family of a deceased Phil. RN who got into an accident or whatsoever that that thier member will be proud of. Well, I hate the fact thinking about it but whether you like it or not, a lot of hospitals in the Philippines requires us to be a member of the most beloved PNA. May they have a worthy feast of all those money being collected from its members like me...


On the 2nd highlighted statement, as most of us viewed that it is the government's fault, no it's not but i rather accept the fact that majority of those who has to be blamed are no other than.... ourselves because in the first place we are the one who put them into that position!

Keep on posting guys...


" There is only one thing that the devil needs to triumph, and that is when people stop doing something for the benifit of other people".

[spongebob6286]

some of the hospitals here would require PNA card as one of the requirements.. we paid php300 for membership.. i wonder where will the money go! if only they could make the seminars free for nurses! what i only got is an id made of oslo paper colored green. our names werent also printed! you'll be the one to put the details! i havent also received any journals in snail mail or e mail.. i havent heard of any programs or problems being addressed by their organization! what is going on with them? why are they still existing??!!

[suzanne4]

Now use this vented up anger in coming up with constructive solutions to make changes. Changes do not need to be major, actually can ge things done with very small changes, but as long as they are headed in the right direction.

Perhaps publishing or putting together a list of each and every program that offers the RN program there and then the NLE passing history of the school. That will surely open some eyes and perhaps you can get the local papers to publish this as well. It will make people take notice and this is what you want to see.

I will be more than happy to post it here altogether so that it is available as a start for all of you.
----------------------------------
But you need to do the work for it. Just think of starting small, and for the politicians that are not helpful or are receiving kick-backs, they do not need to be reelected.

Just remember to start small and with the number of graduates over there, you can really accomplish things. Do not wait for someone to do something for you.

[Hoss]

YOU HOLD THE POWER TO CHANGE THE PNA...Vote, Vote, Vote...choose an aggressive slate of "Can Do" officers and attend your PNA convention...Get active, not just angry!!....

Originally Posted by N0rthst4r

It would be my pleasure to air my views regarding the first higlighted statement. Ive been an RN for the past 8 years but until now, i didnt receive anything from PNA. Ive been a PNA-Cebu chapter member since then but until now, i was not able to receive a single magazine or even a cheap newsletter that can tell me whats going with the PNA!!

Worst was that, ever since i became a member of this respective association, i still got a despicable ID card made of "cartolina" with my 1x1 ID picture pasted at its left upper portion and was handed to my wife without being laminated for protection. I am not talking about the PNA National but it seems that theyre still the same.

This (PNA) association should be the one to gather all our concerns, sum it up and bring it to the concerned government agency. We are paying them yearly dues, but what about the rest of those money we paid? Is that how expensive the issued ID that they cannot spare something that will benifit its members? I dont even read a single article wherein you can read "PNA helping a deported Phil. RN" or "PNA helps family of a deceased Phil. RN who got into an accident or whatsoever that that thier member will be proud of. Well, I hate the fact thinking about it but whether you like it or not, a lot of hospitals in the Philippines requires us to be a member of the most beloved PNA. May they have a worthy feast of all those money being collected from its members like me...


On the 2nd highlighted statement, as most of us viewed that it is the government's fault, no it's not but i rather accept the fact that majority of those who has to be blamed are no other than.... ourselves because in the first place we are the one who put them into that position!

Keep on posting guys...


" There is only one thing that the devil needs to triumph, and that is when people stop doing something for the benifit of other people".