Over 300 nurses seen to get jobs

The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (Dole-7) introduced on Tuesday another project that will give employment to registered nurses whose parents or siblings lost their jobs because of the global economic crisis.

The labor department, together with the Professional Regulations Commission, Department of Health and representatives of local government units gathered to discuss the NARS (Nurses Assigned in Rural Service) project.

The Department of Budget and Management allocated P541 million for the implementation of the project.

A total of 360 nurses from the 72 municipalities in Central Visayas are expected to be employed when the project starts on April 11.

Of the total, 155 nurses will be hired from Cebu province, 85 nurses from Bohol province, 100 from Negros Oriental and 20 from Siquijor.

The beneficiaries were identified through the National Statistical Coordination Board’s City and Municipality level Small Area Poverty Estimates in 2003.

At least five nurses from each of the beneficiary local government unit will be trained for six months in the district hospitals in rural areas.

They will receive a salary of P8,000 per month from Dole.

Exequiel Sarcauga, assistant regional director of Dole-7, said they will try to convince the LGUs to also give out P2,000 additional salary for the nurses.

Sarcauga said the project will also serve as a training ground for nurses who lack experience.

After six months of training, the nurses will be given certificates.

Eligible to avail of the program are those unemployed nurses from the municipality identified as the beneficiary and whose family is affected by the global financial crisis. The nurses can apply online at www.nars.dole.gov.ph. /Correspondent Carine M. Asutilla, Cebu Daily News