THE Department of Health (DOH) is seeking the assistance of higher education institutions (HEIs) in upskilling Nursing graduates who failed in licensure examinations.
In a statement after signing a joint order with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said they are hoping HEIs will be able to help “underboard Nursing graduates” get hired as clinical care associates in public and private hospitals “as augmentation to the health workforce.”
He said the program also aims to help underboard nursing graduates prepare for the board exams.
Herbosa has proposed the issuance of temporary licenses to the flunkers with grades of 70 to 74 percent, to allow them to be employed in DOH hospitals. He said the program will be a temporary solution to the problem of nurse shortage in the country.
But according to the Professional Regulation Commission, the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 does not provide for the issuance of a temporary license to those who did not pass the licensure exams. In response, Herbosa said the DOH is determined to find solutions to the nursing shortage problem despite the “legal limitations.” — Gerard Naval
