Local Employment

ikehoundz · Jul 20, 2007

i want to apply in local hospitals..can u give me ideas about the hospitals in metro manila? how long does it take local hospitals to employ applicants? i really don't know anything about it..please help..

suzanne4, RN · Jul 21, 2007

Please take the time to do a search here. Jobs are very limited for nurses, especially new grads, in the Manila area. Getting a job offer should be a priority; as far as benefits, I would not even focus on those at this time. Many actually have to start off as volunteers, and do not even get paid.

ikehoundz · Jul 23, 2007

oh my..so i really have to start as volunteer? My classmate told me that some hospitals are really hiring..i still have to verify that news though..

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jul 23, 2007

Hi gelikoi,

I have not been working in the Philippines for a long time but I think the advice I can give you will still apply to your situation. First, kudos to you for wanting to work in the Philippines despite all the things that are said about working there. I personally think that having a few years of work experience under your belt will come in handy when you decide to work overseas not only because of how beefed-up your resume will look but also because of the confidence you would have earned from actually practicing your bedside nursing skills.

On to my advice: I think you should do all the footwork! Gather the addresses of all hospitals near your area and personally fill out application forms or drop resumes. It doesn't hurt to do that, maybe one of the hospitals you visit will sense your determination and will give you an interview.

Also, the way Philippine society works, it's always who you know that gets you where you want to be. Utilize your relatives, family friends and such and figure out who knows which head honcho in any of the different hospitals in your area. To be honest with you, that was how I got my first nursing job at the Philippine General Hospital during the early 90's. I am pretty sure I would have still gotten an interview but my application would not have been processed expeditiously had I not known somebody at the hospital who can look out for my interest.

Also, while many people have settled for working without pay just to get experience, I think it is not a good idea to do so unless you are really desperate. It sounds like the hospitals have a need to fill staffing positions in many places but this is the administrators' way of keeping profits to themselves. The practice will continue if nurses continue to allow it to happen.

That's all I can say. Good luck!

ikehoundz · Jul 30, 2007

thank your for replying. uhm, i tried what you've said and it wasn't easy. I have to spend quite a some of money for printing and travel expenses. I still have to submit at least 10 applications and if nothing happens, i don't know what i'm going to do. it's like all of the hospitals are on freeze hiring status. i am desperate but i don't think i can manage to work without pay and worse, pay the hospitals for the volunteer thingy. well, i wish i could but i lack resources right now so i'm up for anything that will save me from working and paying at the same time. it is so hard but i have no choice. =( i think all that i learned in college were useless because i can't get hired if i can't supplement them with actual training.

i also browsed ads in broadsheets and i found out about the ministry of health in KSA. they really have good offer and they don't require experience. I really want it but the problem is that they require one to be 22 years old and above. my 22nd birthday is still 6 months away which means i am not qualified. They also accept BSN graduates without license as long as you're a muslim. and guess what? i am not so i'm back to zero again..hahai..

lenjoy03, RN · Jul 30, 2007

Employment is really your problem ha! hmmm... You already had many application? That is really something... There is only one Hospital I know that gives allowance even if your still a trainee. 6 months probationary nurse, (doing everything alone but not medicating). Medication is done with preceptor. here I am again.. Its Makati Medical Center.

ikehoundz · Aug 1, 2007

yeah ill be applying there too. thanks for the info.. what about you?

stephensonwater · Aug 1, 2007

is MMC still open for hiring or the bulk of applicants already occupied all the slots?