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Time and again we have said that
the nursing leakage controversy, if not addressed properly, will
affect the reputation of the nursing profession and the nursing
licensure examination in the Philippines. Hence, as early as July
2006 we called for a retake of the examination to erase the stigma
that the controversy created. Our call was premised on public health
and safety not only for American health-care consumers but to all
patients including our patients here in the Philippines.
Unfortunately, except for a few officials, our entire government
would rather engage in politics rather than resolutely address the
issue.
The Commission
on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools’ (CGFNS) decision to
withhold the VisaScreen certificate to all 2006 NLE examinee
unless they go for a retake of Tests 3 and 5 is a case in point.
Today, we were
informed that the American Nurses Association (ANA), as early as
March 2, 2007, made a pronouncement that “all passing applicants
of the June 2006 Philippine nurse licensure exam wishing to be
considered for entrance into the United States to practice nursing
should be required to retake a new and different nurse licensure
test and obtain a passing score.” Further, it said: “Given the
extent to which the June 2006 exam was compromised, there are
significant questions as to whether the exam can be considered a
reliable test of nursing knowledge.” Moreover, as early February
28, 2007, ANA has written PRC expressing the same.
Unfortunately,
the Professional Regulation Commission has kept mum about this
development. Certainly, this is not without precedent; their
response to the leakage when it was first brought to their attention
is similar.
It is now
crystal clear that the leakage issue will drag to the detriment of
the June 2006 examinees, the nursing profession and the entire licensure
examination system in the country if the President will not
undertake sweeping changes in the PRC.
Moreover,
despite the fact that it is election season we call on her to stop
playing politics. Public health and safety transcends political
expediency.
Equally
important there should be no double standards when health and safety
needs of patients are at stake. Filipinos are not second-class
citizens. We should not discriminate between Filipino and American
patients. If US authorities recognize the need of ensuring the
health and safety of its citizens we first and foremost should
uphold such. Let us not dwell in this dichotomy, rather let us renew
our commitment and affirm that health is a universal right for all
and this is made possible by ensuring the integrity of our health
professionals.
RENE M. TADLE
President
UST Faculty
Association of the College of Nursing
ANGELO S. BRANT
President
Binuklod na Samahan ng mga Student Nurses
EARL FRANCIS R. SUMILE
President
League
of Concerned Nurses
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