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CHC augments nursing staff on Tinian
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Posted on May 12 1999
The Commonwealth Health Center has hired seven nurses for Tinian to solve the manpower shortage, as well as carry out efficiently health functions in the island municipality.
With a population of over 5,000, Tinian Health Center has only eight nurses assigned to serve in three shifts. Two medical doctors are also assigned there to take care of the whole island.
At least three of the seven nurses hired have already passed the NCLEX, a requirement imposed by CHC. The hospital is faced with the perennial problem of manpower shortage because those who have passed the NCLEX immediately leave in search for better opportunities.
CHC has over 150 nurses, but no more than a dozen of them are locals. The rest are either statesiders and Filipinos who were hired through manpower agencies.
Unfortunately, most of them opt to leave the island in exchange for better opportunities elsewhere when the chance comes.
One of the solutions recommended by health officials is to develop its own pool of nurses who will definitely stay on the island for good. This can be done by sending students every year to Hawaii to undergo training in various technical programs relevant to nursing care.
Most nurses at the island’s only hospital are foreigners. Given the situation, health authorities believe they would prefer to practice their profession in their country or origin or elsewhere offering a greener pasture. At present, the Northern Marianas College is offering a two-year nursing training.
