Exploiting the nurses

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It was providential that some nursing school graduates and passers in board examination, had finally worked up the courage to expose something that had been causing them and their parents and guardians so much worry and inconvenience even after they had qualified.

This is the practice – unknown to many, except those who had children or relatives who are affected – of hospitals who charged them what seem to be exorbitant fees for serving as “trainees” or volunteers for at least two years before they can be given certificates that would allow them to seek employment abroad. For several years now, this has been going on, and the graduated – and qualified nurses – go through it, because they desire to find well-paying jobs abroad.

There is something very unusual in this practice. The hospitals may argue that they are providing the nurses with the experience and additional training, as well as, eventually, the precious certification that they have already gone through the volunteer service. In all other professions, including those of law, medicine, education, engineering, architecture, passing the required bar or board examination is sufficient to enable one to practice with their peers. Why is there such a requirement as volunteer work, for which one must pay the ones they serve and who take advantage of their services?

Among those who are quite vocal about this requirement are the parents who, after spending so much to have their children finish the nursing course, then take the board examination, find out that there is this “addendum” to their studies. After believing that their financial cares would ease after graduation and qualifying in the board examination, they find that they have to go through more years of supporting them through yet another training, for which they have to pay!

At least there is now a move in Congress to pass a bill that would penalize such hospitals, who take advantage of the skills and services of the young nurses, and also make money out of them. Let us hope this bill will be passed soon, and the hospitals concerned exposed.*