red_jeans

Hi kris24tine! how long did you receive the renewal forms from the time you faxed your letter? I sent my letter of request through Fedex last July, and until now I haven't yet received the renewal forms. My license expired last October 2010, and until now I'm having a hard time with their renewal process. Can I know if the renewal forms require identified SSN?

you're very much welcome sephine! i deeply understand your concern. financial aspect really matter... you're under the same agency with elai_rn. you can probably ask her also. wish you all the best! :)

you may also check this link ... https://allnurses.com/philippine-nursing/schools-2nd-coursers-160831.html i hope this can help you. :)

Hi lovelly! You're in the same situation with my cousins. They just went back to the Phil. to take up Nursing. They'll be starting this month. If you're a second courser, might be better to research for schools that can credit the subjects you took with your first course. I think it's available in this site... just try to search it. Do you have dual citizenship? Nursing schools here have additional school requirements for US citizen and with dual citizenship students. FYI, there are nursing schools that offer International Nursing Program. It's much expensive compared to the regular nursing program. There were even schools that will give you US diploma (Arellano University - http://www.arellano.edu.ph/inp/), you'll take 2-3 years here and another year in Alderson-Broaddus College of West Virginia, U.S.A. Other schools which I think are much better, are University of the East and Trinity University of Asia. You must also consider the school's passing rate, because I believe that reflects the quality of education they provide. But if you have limited financial resources or you prefer living in the provinces, yes you may consider nursing schools in the provinces. There are also good standing schools in Northern Luzon.

Hi sephine! I'm sorry i can't reply with your pm yet. Anyway, I wasn't the one who had the medical exam... it was Ms. Elai. I'm still contemplating with their offer since I also have other offer from other hospital (which I personally prefer since it's my specialization). Their salary offer was quite ok, and if you would like to specialize in Cardiac Nursing... I think PSCC is a good option since it's one of the best hospitals in KSA that caters to cardiac patients. It's a JCI accredited hospital, and so if you have plans transferring to the US/Canada/UK.. it would we a plus credential to your work experience. But if you have other options like Bahrain as you have mentioned, it was just right to weigh your options. If you're not in a hurry, yes you might as well wait until next year. Can I know under what agency you are with that PSCC application?

ahhh, i see. I thought we're of the same recruitment agency. Anyway, wish you all the best in PSCC! :)

Hi elai_rn! I'm under petra agency. How about you? But I'm still contemplating with their offer for some reason. I haven't returned to their office yet. Yah, my friends also told me that PSCC is ok. With regards to their salary offer, probably it's their basic salary (not so sure of that).

Hi judeamaria! I think we had the same interview! Were you considered for PSCC?

Hi sephine! Are you now working in PSCC as ccu nurse? or are you still processing for it? Can I know under what recruitment agency you are? I also got an offer there as CCU nurse, they told me that the salary for Specialty Nurses I (that includes CCU nurses) is SR 4,036 and for Specialty Nurse II (also for CCU nurses - just don't know how they classify it) is SR 5,103. I'm still contemplating with their offer...

They are offering high salary rate (30-35k) for nurses with active USRN license. The position is mainly responsible in reviewing medical claims (for HMOs). Their detailed job description was posted in one job posting website - workabroad.ph.

Were you able to renew your AR RN license? I have the same dilemma. I just sent a letter to their BON and tried to request for paper renewal process, and also inquired if foreign nurses are eligible to renew RN license even without SSN (coz that's what their online renewal process require).

It’s a known-fact nowadays that it’s really hard to get a clinical experience in the Phil. Most of the hospitals are on freeze hiring. Though there are lots of BPO companies hiring nurses, gaining your clinical experience first must be your priority (that is if your goal is really pursuing your nursing career). Try to be on volunteer work or somehow still find a hospital wherein you can develop your clinical skills. I’m quite regretful that you chose to have your vacation and left your casual work. Meanwhile, while gaining more clinical experience, you can probably start processing your papers for work abroad in 1-2 years. It will be easier for you to apply for a job abroad if you have enough competency. Papers you need to process, and on when you will start processing will all depend on which country you’ll be applying. Best of luck on your nursing career! J

I’ve worked as a Cathlab RN for more than 5 years. Truly, it’s one great nursing specialty, specially if you can experience to assist both on Cardiology and Radiology procedures. You’ll learn in every procedure you assist. Expect the unexpected, and you have to learn to work under stress as patient’s response to procedure is unpredictable. I agree with matt and CCL_RN. In our hospital, nurses are either circulating nurses, scrub nurses or Cathlab Tech. We are trained to do all such positions, and are rotated on a weekly basis. As a new Cathlab RN, it would be helpful if you have good understanding of the Cardiovascular System – specifically coronary arteries, heart valves, hemodynamics and EKG. With months of experience, you’ll develop that “clinical eye”, wherein you can easily distinguish the arteries, which part is stenosed and what sizes of balloons or stents will be deployed. This is helpful particularly if your doctors are open to suggestions of nurses. It’s also important that you know how to protect yourself from large amount of radiation. Some hospitals conduct Radiation Safety Seminar for cathlab associates. Be reminded with TDS principle, Time-Distance-Shielding. When it comes to medications and supplies, be familiar with your E-cart. It would be easier for you to respond in emergency cases if you know where the supplies/equipments are. Be involved in your department’s inventory, that can help you. Mostly used drugs are the ff: inotropics (Dopamine, Dobutamine, Levophed), calcium channel blockers, anti-anginal, diuretics, nitrates, magnesium sulfate, calcium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, and sedatives. Be friends with the different types of catheters, stents, balloons, and wires as well. On-call work is also stressful. Despite that, I find it rewarding specially when your team successfully revived a patient after heart attack, giving him a new life … with a new heart. High level of maturity is a must for a Cathlab RN. I believe that it’s a great experience wherein you’ll be able to perform mixed nursing specialties – critical care nursing, med-surg nursing, emergency nursing, out-patient nursing (for some benign cases), and a lot more. Best of luck on your career as a Cathlab RN!!! :)