EDITORIAL

Declaration of RP as NCLEX testing site a triumph for Filipino nurses

The recent declaration of the Philippines as an international testing site for the Filipino nurses wanting to find employment in the United States is viewed by Filipino communities in the US as a momentous achievement of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA).
The PNAA, with the backing of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, spearheaded the Philippines’ bid as a testing venue through its Task Force on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Led by Ms Filipinas Lowery, the other members of the Task Force were Leo Felix Jurado, Lolit Compass, Seny Lipat, Rosario May Mayor and Reynaldo Rivera. Filipino nurses are saying it was a historic win for the PNAA and more Filipino nurses can now work in the US.

The approval of the Philippines as an NCLEX testing site is also considered a big win for the country. Then, too, the PNAA achievement could be associated to the rising political clout of Fil-Americans in the US.

But for the PNAA, winning the nod of the US National Council of State Boards for Nursing (NCSBN) for the Philippines was not a walk in the park. It took years of dogged persistence and group mobilization to gain the NCSBN’s approval.

Undaunted by roadblocks to its aspirations, the PNAA Task Force plodded on and for this, a certificate of recognition was presented by President Arroyo to the association during a reunion with leaders of the Filipino communities in Northeast United States at the Waldorf Astoria Towers, said the New York Times.

The citation hailed the PNAA for “undauntingly carrying on the cause, in spite of the long wait and disappointments, never giving up hope, but instead soliciting partners and supporters, traveling regularly to the Philippines and back, campaigning vigorously for success. For showing the true spirit of commitment, reflecting that the measure of generosity and compassion, dedication and professionalism, thus facilitating the ways and means for better opportunities for career advancement in the healthcare industry of the United States.”

According to the PNAA, there are around 90,000 Filipino nurses in the United States. Every year 12,000 to 14,000 Filipino nurses migrate to the US.


Attention applicants: March 9 is career service examinations

This is for civil service test applicants: The Civil Service Commission in the Cordillera is now accepting applications for the career service examinations paper and pencil test (PPT) for professional (second level) and sub-professional (first level) on March 9. Deadline for application is on Feb. 8 at the test center is Baguio City.

Application forms are available at the CSC at regional and field offices where these could be filed. Forms could be downloaded from the CSC website: www.csc.gov.ph. Application forms may be reproduced provided the same format is followed. Application requirements: CS Form No. 100, Revised 2007, four latest and identical (1 1/2” x 2”) I.D. pictures with full name tag that includes the surname, first name and middle initial taken within three months before the date of filing of the application. Pictures that are scanned, photocopied or computer-enhanced are not accepted. Name tag should not be computer-generated.

Other requirements: any valid IDs such as driver’s license, SSS ID, current office ID, postal ID, BIR ID, or valid passport which contains the applicant’s picture, signature, birth date and signature of the authorized head of the issuing agency. Photocopy of the same should be attached to the approved application form to serve as reference for room examiners on the day of the examination and examination fee of P350.

Applicants must also be at least 18 years of age on the date of filing of application, must be Filipino citizens of good moral character and have not been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or of disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness or addiction to drugs.

Applicants must have not been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian positions in the government. Applicants with pending administrative or criminal cases may take the examination and will be conferred the eligibility if they successfully pass the same.

However, this is without prejudice to the outcome of their pending cases. Applicants must not have taken the same level of CS examination in less than three months or has not failed the same examination for four times beginning Oct. 7, 2002.

Those who have already passed the same or a comparable level of examination like licensure examinations given by the Professional Regulation Commission and the Bar examination) need not apply.