Gov’t starts recruiting 10,000 nurses

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), started recruiting 10,000 registered  nurses for its “RN HEALS” program on Monday.

Interested applicants can file their papers at the DOLE website.

Those who will be hired will be sent to various government hospitals nationwide and will receive a monthly allowance of P8,000.

“Preferably newly registered nurses or yung mga walang experiecnce at yung funding gagamitin natin dito ay galing sa DSWD,” said DOLE Undersecretary Criselda Uy.

DOLE will accept applications for the program until February 4.

“Siyempre priority iyung living within the nearby deployment area kasi nga hindi naman malaki yung mabibigay sa kanila na rate,” Uy said.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona earlier said that the project aims to make essential health services available to all Filipinos

RN HEALS, an acronym for Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement And Local Service, is expected to address the shortage of skilled and experienced nurses in 1,221 rural and far-flung communities.

Nurses will undergo training and development, Ona said.

He added that a certificate of competency and employment will be given by the DOH, DSWD, and the Professional Regulation Commission to those who will satisfactorily complete requirements.

While on deployment, the nurses will be given an allowance of P8,000 a month by the DOH while the local government unit where they are assigned shall supervise them, ensure their safety and security, and provide modest board and lodging, according to the DOH.

LGUs are also encouraged to provide additional allowances and benefits worth at least P2,000 for these nurses. – ABS-CBN News Channel