Aspiring nurses urged to explore other fields

A former official of the University of the Philippines-Manila yesterday advised those eyeing nursing courses next school year to earn dollars have to step back and explore other possible careers.

“If they want to take up nursing because they think they have the aptitude and inclination to become a nurse, irrespective of going abroad, irrespective of earning dollars, then go. We need nurses like that. In other words – take nursing for the right reason,” Dr. Josefina Tuazon, former dean of UP-Manila College of Nursing, said during an interview.

Tuazon, now a member of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Technical Committee on Nursing Education, noted that one should go to nursing school not because he wants to work in other countries.

According to Tuazon, there are still limited employment opportunities in many healthcare facilities abroad primarily due to the financial crunch. 

The United States, she cited for instance, had slowed down in the processing of nurses’ visas due to retrogression.

“If you are using nursing as a stepping stone to go abroad, then don’t take up nursing because this is not the right time. Employments are not going to be readily available and more importantly, in this profession, we don’t need people doing that,” she explained.

The past decade had witnessed the mushrooming of nursing schools – mostly substandard – in the Philippines, thus, saturating the industry. It is estimated that there are now close to 300,000 registered nurses who are either unemployed or underemployed.

Tuazon pointed out that this development had “compromised the quality of nursing care” in the country.

“What made nursing different – the reason the reputation was good – prior to this trend? Before, only those who had the inclination took up nursing. But now, there are students who were even forced to take up nursing to help in the family. That is not exactly the right characteristic, the right attitude, the right mindset for nurses to give (the) nursing (profession) a good name abroad or anywhere else,” she maintained.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday called on licensed nurses, nursing graduates and other job seekers with healthcare backgrounds to “go out-of-the-box” and look for other healthcare-related job opportunities.

In a statement, Baldoz gave assurance that there is an “array of non-clinical, yet, medical-related job opportunities as alternate careers in the healthcare industry” for them.

“With the fast-growing and innovative trends and advancements in the healthcare industry, I encourage you to go out-of-the-box, beyond the traditional clinical jobs, and explore other emerging medical and health-related careers that are needed by our labor market today,” she said.

Citing a report of the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), Baldoz claimed that the healthcare information outsourcing sector of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is now one of the “fast-growing sectors” that offer over 100,000 medical-related jobs to nursing graduates.

“With the growth trend in the healthcare information management outsourcing industry, healthcare careers now expand into various disciplines which open huge career opportunities for nursing graduates and allied medical professionals,” she explained.

 Nursing graduates can also consider working as clinical research associates who monitor and administer health and safety protocols and related study training to assigned work sites.

 “If they are into clinical review and decision making, they may consider a career as a Clinical Appeals Specialist who abstracts clinically relevant facts documented in the patient’s medical record, reviews clinical cases and responds to written medical appeals of patients and clients,” Baldoz added.
Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/aspiring-nurses-urged-explore-other-fields-160000685.html

When Sadness Takes It's Toll

     There comes a time when suddenly the things/events/people that make you happy could no longer spark a flame of joy in you. This day was one of those. But this day is one of a kind. This was the first time I woke up and instantly my brain tells me "You are not happy anymore". At that very moment I realized that indeed, I am no longer happy.

     I never thought that I would ever be in this situation because most of the times, I am responsible for convincing myself that I am sad by thinking of reasons and excuses that I am definitely sad. But early this morning was a different situation.It was like my brain also gave up on me, now convinced that I have the right to be sad. I guess I'm just tired. Tired of being alone, tired of waiting, tired of being patient, tired of thinking too much, tired of impressing  other people, tired of being on my own, tired of keeping things to myself, tired of crying myself at night, tired of convincing myself that I am happy. Simply put, tired of life. It becomes difficult for me to find happiness in simple things which used to make me smile. I guessed I've grown numb with all the things I've been through. What can I do, I believed and trusted too much. I envy those who have friends to turn on to in times of depression. They have someone to cry on to and share the pain with. They could go anywhere with friends and spend the time chatting and laughing, forgetting about the sad things brought by life.  I try to go on a walk to reflect on things but it still makes me sad knowing that walking alone with watery eyes makes me look stupid.

It took me an hour of crying and hushing myself before having the strength to write this note. But this is life, it has to go on. It has to.  I guess I cant go back to the old me, I could maybe, but it would take time. The pain, the sadness, the loneliness, they have taken their toll and pushed mo the point I never thought I would be in. Being numb..Being oblivious. Its hard for me as well, but its where my tired, weary emotions took me. I feel defeated, useless. I have the right to be numb, the right to do nothing, the right to not to think of how bad I hurt anyone. Give me this time, and I hope I could mend myself somewhere between those times. I cant be me anymore. I just can't.
The only genuine happiness I see is in the eyes and smile of my little cousins. Their smiles and laughter make me smile even just for a while. How I wish I was like them, young and care free, happy with small little things, do not think too much about the world, innocent and care-free.

"I feel that I should be in a place somewhere that would make me happy. But the sad part is, this is the reality. I am here putting myself together pretending to be strong just to get through this day."

Well Hello March!

     Two months have already passed by for the year 2012, but here I am still suck up in an unlikely situation. It's like nothing has changed since last year. But still, I thank God for giving me as job an article writer. The pay is not that good. I spend sleepless nights to write numerous articles, because if I do not, I would expect a lesser salary. As the old saying goes, "No work, no pay." 

     I have been always asking God to lead me to the right path, and I wonder if I'm currently doing what He wants me too. I've been asking Him for things that I really wish for such as being employed in the field of nursing.  Competition is really tough due to the fact that hundreds of thousands of unemployed nurses are also asking God for the same job I'm asking from Him. But, two days ago, I received a message from a reliable person that I am qualified for the nursing position I applied to. I have been waiting for days for that message to pop up on my phone but up to now, no good news yet. This leaves me waiting more anxiously with every passing day knowing that work should/ would have started this month of March. I'm still bothered whether I would be working as a nurse in the near future. On the other hand, lots of writing job opportunities with good salary proposals made their way through my Yahoo Inbox. But... I turned them all down with the idea that i would soon be working back at home this month. Now, I wonder if I turning them all down was a good move.

     Then, my second request, he granted it AGAIN! BUT... If in case I get the job, I might not be able to execute my second wish. But still I'm hoping for the very best... To be able to be a good nurse and a beauty queen as well. haha ;) (There goes the second request). SO up to now, I'm still hanging on the cliff of doubt, waiting for what the next days would offer me. 

      How I wish I was spending my time now and the next years sitting on a rocking chair, listening to great music, munching on chips, and chocolates while being mesmerized by the scenic beach and mountain view on my mansion's patio. Uhhh that feels great :)

When 200,000 Nurses apply for 500 available nursing positions

Warning: This entry would mostly contain my frustrations about landing in a nursing related job.

It's a foggy, windy, chilly morning...but things are heating up (especially my dear laptop) because of the ongoing online application for the PhilHealth CARES program. YES, indeed! It is another government program for thousands of unemployed Filipino nurses, and sad to say I am one of them.

To start off, I am proud to say that I AM a registered nurse since August 2010. However, what disappoints me is that for nearly two years already I am not still employed as a nurse (staff nurse, clinical instructor,etc) nor do I have a job related to nursing. Others say that I should not worry for I'm still young but WTH, time is gold as they say:P... I'm still thankful though for I have worked as a private duty nurse a day before the NLE July 2010 result came out. I've worked my butt off through sleepless nights enduring the cold temperature. I did have good pay at first but as months passes by I felt that being a PDN is not enough training ground for me to practice what I have learned from my four year stay in college. But still I managed to practicing my profession as a PDN for nearly a year. this early employment made me despise being a volunteer nurse, where you as the volunteer need to pay an amount to get an experience. I have tried earning money so it's difficult for me to change gears and do something where I do not earn any amount. Plus, I am not given any allowance so that makes volunteering unacceptable for me. Volunteering would be my last option.haha. The pay was also just enough so I took my chance and landed on a teaching school catering Korean students who want to learn children.

I was happy about my decision for the salary was really good and I enjoyed teaching those cute little Koreans. Sadly, after the winter camp, I had no teaching load already. So i decided to end my temporary profession as a teacher. 

     That was in time when the government announced The RN HEALS program which aims to serve unemployed Filipino nurses. I immediately filed my application online as soon as I learned of the news, though I didn't have my license yet since I was really determined to land in a nursing job as soon as possible. **License processing the Filipino way: IT took me five months before I got hold of my license.** According to what I have understood, the screening process includes several interview. But what happened is, there were already chosen applicants even before the application ended. That really took me by surprise so I was disappointed. For the next days-months, I've got no work.

     Then... came another opportunity. RN HEALS II was again made available for still thousands and thousands of unemployed nurses. This time I have my license already so I was confident enough to sign up for an application. PLUS I did my best to bring my application early. As they say "The early bird catches the early worm."Luck was not with me for again I was not chosen to be one of the successful applicants. What made me more sad was that they turned the cards upside down; unfortunately among ten thousand nurses that they employed, the LATE BIRDS were the ones who landed in a nursing position. Lucky for those late birds they were able to have their late worms. ADD up the idea of BACKER SYSTEM which is really rampant in the Philippines. That totally disappointed me.

     Then here comes opportunity number three, the RN HEALS III program. Again, I sent my application for this. I also had the idea of sending my application at the end of the registration period for they might again choose the late applicants. But still, I applied for the job early. They said the results would be released on the second week of February through text or call. Tomorrow would be the third week of February so I guess I was not again given the chance to practice my nursing skill ( but that has to be confirmed first). I'm still hoping to see myself practicing my profession in the next month. *fingers crossed*

     And now the MAIN EVENT!! Opportunity number 4: PHILHEALTH CARES: Another program by the government to (AGAIN!!) cater to the unending number of unemployed nurses. So I took my chance again. The online application was from Feb.12- Feb 14. February 12, 12 midnight I was up to check if the site was already available, for I knew early in the morning it would be tormenting to sign up. But the site was still unavailable...until it was 2 am, then 3 then 5, then 6, then 7, then 8..Still unavailable. I laughed at the idea that maybe even the online application would practice office hours which starts from 8 am. Then about 8:15, viola.... There it was, the magnificent, most awaited application form. I knew time was my enemy, for thousands of nurses like me slept with their eyes half closed to be able to get through the application process. It took me two attempts before I could finish the form. When I clicked on the final button which says "register" the page read "PROBLEM LOADING FAILED". I freaked out for this may mean another waste of opportunity. But thanks to the refresh button I was able to submit my application successfully.

They would only provide positions for 500 nurses nationwide satisfying only 500/200,000 unemployed/underemployed nurses in the country. Luckily I was applicant number 30. If luck would be with me this time, I have a greater chance for having a nursing work next month. That is why I really pray that it would be in a first come first serve basis. Selfish, it may be but I guess that's how things really work. You fail then you stand again.

But what makes this scenario funny is that, online application is not as easy as clicking on the enter button to finish your application. As of the moment my co-nurses are having a hard time figuring out on how to finish the whole process. They always end up on a page which says "PROBLEM LOADING PAGE" or "PRC Unavailable". Others go crazy too after refreshing the page they were filling out thaurt noticed that the picture on their form was not theirs. Some may get tired of clicking on the refresh button time and time again. Most get paranoid for they fear that it would be on a first come first serve basis and they would turn out to be applicant number 12,000. I guess almost everyone also skipped breakfast 9and lunch, it's 12;45 already) just to finish this application. i was also supposed to go to Church but I ended up writing this loooooooonnnnggg blog and at least helping others out.

Breaking news:Some of those who were paranoid asking too much about the process was able to get through the application process. it took them 5 hours to submit an application. It's almost the same as the waiting time when you submit an application personally.

Happy for them:) But some, they're still on the mighty spell of the words "problem loading page". And I'm also glad and happy that I finished the application in not more than 30 minutes and being able to share tips and suggestions to my co nurses.

    I am a total bum for 2 moths already, staying at home sending lots of  applications for online jobs but not getting any response. I have barely 500 pesos on my pocket which I need to budget, the fact that I am going to school. It feels so awful when you're only at home doing nothing and earning nothing. So I'm really hoping I would be chosen here. This would be my 5th application attempt already, excluding the online jobs I applied to. Hopefully, with my fingers crossed, and with the grace of GOD, I would be one of those successful applicants.

Motherhood: From a Daughter's Point of View

          I dream of being a mom...scratch that...I  dream of being the BESTEST mom. Some may say  that being a mother is the hardest job of all. But I guess, being in that position is not considered as a job and is not hard at all,most especially if you really embrace the essence of being a mother, dedicate your life to being a "perfect" one, and embracing the joy that only motherhood has to offer.   It is a beautiful blessing, a wonderful experience that only us women could experience.

          Yes I know, being a mom is not only about taking care of babies, but carrying that baby with you for 9 months. But isn't that wonderful? God has  given you much time to bond with your child, a bond which should continually grow and increase for a lifetime. I often picture myself going to the doctor, hands tightly locked with my husband, totally excited to have a glimpse of our baby through ultrasound and learning more about his/her growth. I always imagine myself and my partner having a good time buying baby clothes, talking about possible names for our baby, and talking with our baby growing in my womb. I see these, and other "motherhood preparation activities", as something special,special experiences to be treasured and never to be wasted.

          (This is one thing I totally love to think about)

          And of course, the right time would come for this baby to have his/her first look of the new world he/she would grow into. Most, if not all mothers would again say that giving birth is the most solid form of pain, the pain of all pain, the agony of all agonies. I as well would suffer that pain,but why not  endure,cherish and appreciate that moment of being able to go through it. Being strong and ignoring the pain to bear a child is a great sign of how much you love your child. Described as being the hardest form of pain, then I guess it's right for me to say that mothers who do not complain much about labor pains are willing to suffer and  go through all torments with her child, without complaining too much of how difficult it is to raise a child, without fussing about the sleepless nights they need to cope up to, without whimpering and whining about how ugly they look. But who cares? There is no need to trade being up all night singing a lullaby to your child to having enough sleep to stay attractive. There are tons of solutions to regain beauty, whereas lost time would never be regained.

          With all these in mind, it makes me more excited to be the best  mom I could be in the future, to be my childrens' ultimate best friend, to be their first teacher, to hug and kiss them anytime from their birth until they grow old, to cry with them when they feel sad, to listen to their heart breaks and tell them mine, to sleep with them even if they're grown ups already, to have good laughs with them, to scold them when I have to but embrace them afterwards, to tell them how to live life, to tell them how blessed I am to have them in my life,  and most of all to tell them I LOVE YOU every single day. I promise to be the best mom to the point that my child would complain about me being so uber good :p

*More motherhood thoughts/updates on the upcoming blogs*

Photo credit: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-dad-kissing-mums-belly-monochrome-image1114332 

Beach; for fun and for health

            The beach has always been a place for relaxation for everyone, a haven where one could momentarily escape from the very busy life the world brings. It is a destination for any types of person, both young and old, men and women, the depressed or the ecstatic ones; these different types of persons could find their own solace where they would surely enjoy.

            The breath taking sunset as well as the majestic sunrise would surely captivate the eyes of anyone who would look at it, especially couples who are really in love and would find this scenic view as romantic. Walking along the seashore and holding hands is also a simple way of bringing out the sweetness of the ocean.

            Aside from that, it also serves as a destination for athletes or of those involved in exercise. Running along the seashore is seen as more effective than running on plain ground because of the higher pressure exerted when running on the sand. This pressure and tension also helps in keeping the bones strong. By simply walking, calories are burned up.

             The heat of the sun would not only serve as a natural tanning process but is also a source of Vitamin D which is an important factor in bone maintenance and which is rarely found in foods.

            For the outgoing types of personalities, they would surely enjoy the night life; the socialization, the drinking, the dancing, and the people they meet. But most of all, the beach serves as a perfect arena for family bonding.  There are lots to do when on the beach. The family could enjoy a sumptuous meal and then each can have their own private moments thereafter. Mom and Dad can enjoy each other’s company walking along the seashore while the kids are improving their teamwork by building sandcastles or by simply running around.

             The beach is also a perfect place keeps us close and one with nature. The exquisite views are simply breath taking. The fresh, warm, salty air drifts us away from our over booked life. It keeps us floated to this extraordinary refuge, a blissful sanctuary, a heavenly solace...the ocean.

Internet Addiction; the Good Side and the Bad Side

           Friendster, Twitter, My Space, Tumblr, Facebook; these are some of the most popular social networking sites, with facebook leading the pack with a total number of 750 million active users (as of July 2011); where individuals of any age, gender, race, or occupation addictively indulge into. Social networking has become a part of the daily lifestyle of most people worldwide due to the fact that these social medias are excellent in sharing photos, videos, and information and undeniably superior in connecting with friends and families all over the world. Aside from that, Facebook is a happy, wonderful, pleasant and beautiful world where one can post and share only the crème de la crème of their lives. However, researchers suggest that Facebook addiction is becoming a serious problem increasingly affecting large groups of people.

          People are able and are willing spend their maximum time on these social networking sites. A day would not be complete without updating their Facebook status or blogging a photo on Tumblr. On the other hand, a decrease in time spent of Facebook would leave the users curious and anxious maybe as what would be written on their walls or if someone had already commented on the photo they have posted. Each day, they crave for more satisfaction up to the point where they lose sleep because of being logged on in these networking sites and, upon waking up, logging on takes the number one spot on their to-do-list. Also, homeworks or jobs are neglected much to the point where one’s own health is at risk because of giving more importance to Facebook.

          Facebook has become a different world where people would “meet” virtually. Asking someone if they have a Facebook account has become customary when meeting new people. Then they would say, “add me”, or “see you on Facebook”. This virtual world is taking its toll on us already.

          We are in the digital age now where the internet unite with every activity of each individual. The internet affects persons in different ways. Some may find it conducive while some may already be under its destructive consequences. Internet addiction is already taking its toll, it is but important to remind ourselves of our acts to minimize this addiction. One should always see to it that there is balance between having a real social life from a “virtual social life”. Relationships are imperative. However, it becomes more precious when maintained in a reality where you get to feel and see other people and not merely by fabricating your own exciting and happy social virtual life.