[newguard]

Hi, I need your help with some info.
Red Cross is offering training something like first aid and disaster nursing. Is there any other institution or organization that offers training that is related to nursing?

[lawrence01]

Originally Posted by newguard

Hi, I need your help with some info.
Red Cross is offering training something like first aid and disaster nursing. Is there any other institution or organization that offers training that is related to nursing?

In my opinion, I think you should concentrate on finishing school and all it's requirements first. After school, focus on studying for the local boards then afterwards you have all the time in the world to do all the trainings you want. The first pertinent training should be CPR/BLS (you will be required to do this anyway before you graduate). Just make sure that your school invite the Phil. Red Cross to do the training. No need to hurry on other trainings (aside from CPR/BLS) because you should also consider your time-frame. (I think you said you're still on 3rd yr). You would want to use the certificates and BLS ID cards that comes with it too you know and most expires only after 2 years. This is also why the mandatory BLS training is on the last months of graduation. If you'll be working in Phil. hospitals the BLS/CPR is the min. requirement and most local hospitals conducts their own trainings on first aid, disaster planning, etc.. Heck, most E.R. doctors in local hospitals will re-train you even in BLS/CPR even if you have the card from Red Cross. Other petinent trainings are the ACLS, PALS, ECG reading. THe Philippine Heart Center uses the American Heart Association Program but not sure if they are really credited by AHA or if foreign hospitals will credit these. We better ask Suzanne about this.

Just my two cents.

[suzanne4]

Any of the certifications that you get there will need to be repeated here. If your goal is to work in the US, please just wait until you get here.
If you are in your thrid year now, by the time that you get over here, they will have been expired. All are good for only two years, then you need to re-certify.

And I definitely would not bother with any of those programs that you see popping up across Manila, that say that they will give you training for working in the US. That training means absolutely nothing when you get here, the facilities are interested in actual work experience, if you have any. These course will do nothing for you, other than take money from your pocket. They do not mean one thing in the US.

[lawrence01]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Any of the certifications that you get there will need to be repeated here. If your goal is to work in the US, please just wait until you get here.
If you are in your thrid year now, by the time that you get over here, they will have been expired. All are good for only two years, then you need to re-certify.

And I definitely would not bother with any of those programs that you see popping up across Manila, that say that they will give you training for working in the US. That training means absolutely nothing when you get here, the facilities are interested in actual work experience, if you have any. These course will do nothing for you, other than take money from your pocket. They do not mean one thing in the US.

NewGuard, I hope this answers your questions and many nurses' questions regarding training here in the Philippines.

[newguard]

yes I'm still a third year student.

Originally Posted by suzanne4

...they will give you training for working in the US..

Thanks to both of you for the info. I heard something like that before. Never thought it was just sales pitch. Thanks again.

[mizukichan]

i also had been thinking of getting some special training here in the Philippines which is related to nursing, of course. it is not a practical decision to take the training here in the Phils. when your goal is working in the US so i am having second thoughts about it....

but regarding to working as a nurse in the US... i recently graduated and passed the local board exam last december 2005 and currently having my review in NCLEX at this time... ummm.... is it okay for me to work outside without having any job experience here in the Phils????

[lawrence01]

Originally Posted by mizukichan

i also had been thinking of getting some special training here in the Philippines which is related to nursing, of course. it is not a practical decision to take the training here in the Phils. when your goal is working in the US so i am having second thoughts about it....

but regarding to working as a nurse in the US... i recently graduated and passed the local board exam last december 2005 and currently having my review in NCLEX at this time... ummm.... is it okay for me to work outside without having any job experience here in the Phils????

Lets put it this way.. when your goal is to work in the US it has been said time and again by Suzanne that the US hospital who would be employing you will be re-training you anyway and they don't recognize the training (and the certificates that goes with it) done here in the Philippines. Even local hospitals here does their own training.

But if you want to have the "experience" of the training course and you have the funds for it then you may. It just won't be recognized and wouldn't matter much to would be US Hospital employers. In short it's not a requirement for US Hospitals and it won't also be asked during your interview in the US Embassy (if your doing CP).

Actual "working experience" recognized by SOME US hospitals are if you were actually employed in a local hospital (wage earner) and most local hospitals only give credit/or proof of "working experience" if you sign a contract to the hospital for at least 2 years. Working experience will also not be asked during the interview in the US embassy. Only agencies ask for volunteer work, etc..

You may do more research on diff. nursing forums. and ask actual nurses who already were interviewed in the US embassy or have gone direct employment. Don't take my word for it. Ask around. Goodluck.

[xhail]

For me, the lure of these "trainings" is to have some confidence in performing various nursing procedures. But as stated, for credentials, it is pretty much useless.

[mizukichan]

thanks lawrence01... you really are a big help...
right now... i am focusing on reviewing for the NCLEX-RN so i am setting that "going to work/training" topic thing aside for now... thanks

i do agree with xhail... i can gain confidence in performing nursing procedures through these "trainings" but then again i am having second thoughts about it....

enough for that now... what is important at this moment is TO PASS THE NCLEX-RN... so wish me luck....

[xhail]

what i am concerned about is that having some "experience" might give you a little edge compared to that of a person having none. of course i dont know how hospitals hire in the US. for example, there are two applicants for a particular postion, say OR nurse. Of course whoever will be chosen will be trained. but i am thinking that the one who had some kind of experience might be easier to train.

does this make sense?