PNA vs institutionalizing practical nursing program
By Katherine Evangelista
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 20:14:00 06/18/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) on Wednesday declared its opposition to the proposal of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to "ladderize" the nursing curriculum to institutionalize the practical nursing course Wednesday.
At the same time, the PNA called on schools offering practical nursing to be "honest" and not "mislead" prospective students into believing there is a high demand for practical nurses abroad when there is none.
I realized that there is a problem with the Commission on Higher Education (ChEd). First, they cannot close down low performing nursing schools and now they plan to ladderize the LPN program. Are they stupid? The LPN program should be abolish. They are misleading LPNs in their career.
If the state requires the CES, then one is going to need a local license to be able to get that and in the Philippines there is no legal exam. So going for the training in the Philippines is not going to be accepted across the US, especially since many of the schools are not even approved by your government.
That is the most important point. I hope Pinoy nurses heed this. So many states require CES (CVS for NY) that it really limits a nurse's ability to work in the long run.
We are seeing very unscrupulous schools sell their students to come to the US under the H2-B visa; this sets them up immediately for immigration fraud and deportation as well as the fact that it is 100% illegal per the US government. Next is the issue of the schools being involved in the recruitment process, this is also a no-no by any reputable company.
I've had long discussions with deans of nursing schools. I can tell you that as far as the organized deans of nursing schools are concerned there is a complete prohibition of what you are discussing. This is in all actuality an exception rather than the rule. What you have are nursing schools that are very new which are doing this. You will be disturbed to discover, however, that these newer schools have been funded by American companies to manufacture nurses. This goes into something that I would like to see the new administration combat and that is ethical business practices in foreign countries... but I digress.
For Pinoys who are aspiring nurses, however, it is important to stick with established and accredited schools. The schools should have an established campus rather than residing inside of old office buildings. The class size should be manageable (less than 100 students per class) and the lecturers should have clinical experience for the subject they are teaching (this goes for review schools as well).
Since there is so much fraud and corruption here, aspiring nurses MUST do their homework and not go to the nursing school with the best marketing gimmick.
Not one of these programs is being recognized n the US as being an approved school. And the Philippine government does not recognize them as well either. And several are not brand new either. We are even seeing programs that have suddenly appeared in both Texas as well as Los Angelese that offer programs here and then clinical time in the Philippines. They are not approved by either state, and unfortunately are owned by Filipinos as well.
They can advertise all that they want, but they are still scamming students.
The programs that are in the Philippines or the LPN program may be owned by Filipinos, but they also are American citizens that are just more interested in making a buck from those that do not understand what is happening. Same way that even though the NCLEX exam is offered directly in Makati, that are offering trips to Saipan to test, so they can make more money on these as well.
They need to be closed down period. With over 500,000 unemployed RNs in your country and the fact that the LPN is not accepted ther for licensure, then also not accepted in other countries as well. A local license is a necessity for the other countries and unable to obtain that in the Philippines.
The programs that are in the Philippines or the LPN program may be owned by Filipinos, but they also are American citizens that are just more interested in making a buck from those that do not understand what is happening. Same way that even though the NCLEX exam is offered directly in Makati, that are offering trips to Saipan to test, so they can make more money on these as well.
They need to be closed down period. With over 500,000 unemployed RNs in your country and the fact that the LPN is not accepted ther for licensure, then also not accepted in other countries as well. A local license is a necessity for the other countries and unable to obtain that in the Philippines.
What I am seeing here in the Philippines is that these places are owned legally by Filipinos but the funding is coming directly from American companies and non-Filipino Americans at that. I've met some of the financiers myself and have expressed my anger at the exploitation of Pinoy nurses by the schools.
Also, the NCLEX scams being run are insane. I cannot tell you how many times in the last 6 months I've had to explain to nurses that the savings of $150 to go to Saipan is NOT WORTH the trouble and cost of flying there rather than taking it HERE in Manila.
These companies/schools are flat out lying to the nurses and telling them that the Saipan test (because it is a territory/protectorate of the USA) is easier to pass.
NCLEX is NCLEX is NCLEX!!!
NCSBN and Pearson Vue were projecting that more than 30,000 would take in Manila this year and they got much less. I think that it is because of this Saipan siphon.
Oh! While we are on this topic.
NURSES!!! ONLY Pearson-Vue can provide ATT and do your Exam scheduling!!!! If anyone is claiming to do it "directly with State Boards" or "Registration for NCLEX Direct" and are NOT using Pearson-Vue services then they are just going to STEAL YOUR MONEY!
I understand how much of a strain it is since most do not have credit cards and bank accounts and that some places use thier own accounts to help you sign up. I understand the need for that. However, make SURE that they are using Pearson Vue. If not then run away!!!
It is nice to see Hushdog's answer especially as related to the many scams.
I'm surprised to hear people say that LPN's are not transferrable to America, I expected otherwise.
From my point of view, I believe that the truly best approach to nursing is to go from LNA/CNA (Licensed Nurse Assistant/Certified Nurse Assistant) to LPN to RN.
When I decided to enter nursing just about 7 years ago I applied to various places to become an LNA and was repeatedly refused. I was told "go get a RN, you won't be happy here." So I did.
Now I've experienced a variety of nursing in the past four years. Since I entered nursing at the height of the US shortage it is probably fair to say that I got about twelve years experience in four years. I've gone through medical/surgical, through a fast-track Adult Intensive Care Unit program, and am now a Clinical RN Manager running an occupational health clinic in industry.
When I run into someone who wants to try nursing I recommend to them that they start as LNA or CNA (they are essentially the same). Why? Because as LNA one learns to 'handle' patients, one develops a touch, and learns the real basics and gains a true level of comfort in the physical handling realm.
Then I suggest that as they work as LNA they attend college (which many can do here part-time) and become a LPN. Why? Because since they now are very comfortable 'handling patients' now the transition to actual nurse responsibilities as LPN is very comfortable. Now they can easily move to the next level and become familiar with both their role and that of the RN as they work essentially for the RN (at least here in the US).
Then I suggest that while working as LPN they return to college part-time and do a transitional program (which is available here) and graduate as ADN (Associates of Nursing) which is sufficient to sit for the RN NCLEX.
Then as RN they are comfortable 'handling patients,' they are comfortable in the medical setting, and they can very easily and comfortably transition to RN.
If they then want a BSN, go and get one, or bypass that and get a Master's degree.
Now some here might scoff at my measly ADN thinking that the BSN is oh so much better but wait a minute please. I went to a very tiny community college here in the country. But my school's overall, multi-year NCLEX pass rate was over 97%.
In the entire country of RP from data looking at NLE (NCLEX) pass rates, out of the then 310 schools ONLY four achieved this pass rate. Do you still think that my ADN is insufficient?
I almost paid a terrible price for my rapid gain of experience. I was literally 'thrown into the fire,' because they so desperately needed new hot bodies. On the day I decided to quit ICU I did so because on returning home after my 12 hour overnight shift I felt odd, and took my BP: 215/115! My rapid gain of experience was so stressful it almost killed me. Though I enjoyed ICU nursing, after leaving and moving to a sub-specialty my BP has averaged 116/66. In America some nursing can be dangerous.
So now I can look back (hindsight is always best) and see that my original plan of moving from LNA to LPN to RN was in fact, the best and safest way. My lack of gradual gaining of experience could have killed me. Had I gone the route that I intended I'd probably still be at the ICU.
So I think that LPN is a desirable way to go, if and only if the quality of the graduate LPN is such that the NCLEX LPN exam overall pass rate is >80%! If this does not occur, I agree with the negative sentiment.
For the rest of my views, if you are interested, please see my new post entitled "The State of Nursing Education in RP and the state of Nursing world-wide"
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
What you have to realise is the Philippines do not recognise LPN and therefore impossible to gain a license and experience. There are as far as I am aware no bridging programs in the Philippines to RN
I sure hope the Philippine government, especially CHED, would try to look into this matter. Most nursing graduates nowadays are jobless, what then would be the job offered for LPNs here in the Philippines?! Nursing Assistants are usually Registered Midwives or High School/College Graduates
I just have a quick question about this LPN in the Philippines
My fiance currently received her LPN in the PH. Now I was wondering, since I am apply her for a fiance visa will she be able to work as a LPN here in California? Also, will she be able to enter a bridge program ex. LPN to BSN?
Jay, the only possibility I can think of would be after she has become a citizen because then she is no longer obligated to have a license from PH.
I do know of a woman who did that, but not in CA so the rules may be different.
California BON is fairly helpful if you can get past the first line of people who answer the phones. Can't blame them since they get floods of calls every day though.
Anyway, I would call them directly and explain the situation and see if there is a way for her.
I sure hope the Philippine government, especially CHED, would try to look into this matter.
CHED has lost its ability to fine or shut down unaccredited schools or Local Board review centers because of corruption and you think they can do anything about LPN programs?
Don't hold your breath.
Until the Philippine government completely changes this is going to continue to be a problem.
i did see the point of most answers contradicting this program. but i just have a question, what if a filipino is already a permanent resident and have decided to take this sap (school away program), a phil. based distance learning with a phone call away instructors to follow up w/ the student. granted that student will pass the nclex-pn, will he/ she be able to work here in us? unbiased opinion pls!!!
CHED has lost its ability to fine or shut down unaccredited schools or Local Board review centers because of corruption and you think they can do anything about LPN programs?
Don't hold your breath.
Until the Philippine government completely changes this is going to continue to be a problem.
They have the ability to do it (because they have the mandate to do it!).. they're just not doing it due to red tape..
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
check with your bon re practical nursing program requirements. practical nursing requires minimal # direct care hours-- how is this distant eduation program going to provide that education with own staff?
most states require program to be approved by bon in order to grant licensure.
i am not aware of any practical nursing program located outside the us that is approved by a state board of nursing to provide training in the us.
if the country providing training does not have a licensing exam for such training, doubt eduation would be accepted by [color=#2200cc]cgfns international
(a) the board will conduct licensing examinations at least twice a year, and more often when necessary. a list of examination dates will be published annually.
(b) an application for the licensing examination, without a transcript, may be submitted during the last term of the nursing program. the applicant will be scheduled for the subsequent examination.
(d) a copy of the transcript validating program completion shall be filed at least 2 weeks prior to the testing dates. (e) the board will not proctor an applicant for another state board. the board will not permit an applicant for commonwealth licensure to be proctored by another state board.
21.158. qualifications of application for examination.
additional applicant qualifications are contained in section 5 of the act (63 p. s. 655). every applicant for examination as a licensed practical nurse shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is 18 years of age or older, is of good moral character, has completed at least 12 years of education with diploma in public, parochial or private school, or its equivalent as evaluated by the department of education; and has satisfactorily completed a course in practical nursing prescribed and approved by the board in a school, hospital or other institution of not less than 1,500 hours and within a period of not less than 12 months.
Hushdawg
644 Posts
That is the most important point. I hope Pinoy nurses heed this. So many states require CES (CVS for NY) that it really limits a nurse's ability to work in the long run.
I've had long discussions with deans of nursing schools. I can tell you that as far as the organized deans of nursing schools are concerned there is a complete prohibition of what you are discussing. This is in all actuality an exception rather than the rule. What you have are nursing schools that are very new which are doing this. You will be disturbed to discover, however, that these newer schools have been funded by American companies to manufacture nurses. This goes into something that I would like to see the new administration combat and that is ethical business practices in foreign countries... but I digress.
For Pinoys who are aspiring nurses, however, it is important to stick with established and accredited schools. The schools should have an established campus rather than residing inside of old office buildings. The class size should be manageable (less than 100 students per class) and the lecturers should have clinical experience for the subject they are teaching (this goes for review schools as well).
Since there is so much fraud and corruption here, aspiring nurses MUST do their homework and not go to the nursing school with the best marketing gimmick.