Previous Story
Senate wary of departure of CHC nurses, midwives
|
Posted on Apr 07 2005
The Senate is likely to introduce a bill that aims to waive the National Council Nursing Licensure Examination requirement for midwives—and possibly nurses—to ensure the uninterrupted and quality delivery of services at the Commonwealth Health Center.
Sen. Henry San Nicolas, chair of the Senate Health, Education, and Welfare Programs Committee, said CHC’s decision to let go of 34 nurses and midwives this year if they do not pass NCLEX is “worrisome and seems unwise.”
“Is it okay to lose 34 nurses and midwives? What’s their alternative plan? Do they have to recruit again? We should come up with legislation waiving NCLEX, especially for midwives. Why do they require midwives in the first place to pass a nursing exam?” asked San Nicolas.
Sen. Joseph Mendiola, chair of the Senate Committee on Fiscal Affairs, said that the CHC’s system is financially draining.
“It’s ridiculous. Where’s the pre-planning in hiring non-NCLEX passers? It’s a waste of money. Where’s the department’s vision?” asked Mendiola.
He also agreed that midwives should not be required to pass the NCLEX.
Under the existing rules, nurses and midwives who are licensed by foreign endorsement can practice in the CNMI for a maximum of four years without taking the NCLEX. After that, they must take the exam if they want to continue working at the hospital.
The Department of Public Health said there are 34 hospital staff members who must take and pass the NCLEX by June this year if they want to keep their employment.
In 2006, there will be 16 nurses and midwives whose foreign endorsement licenses will expire.
In 2007, another 34 staff, including two Fijian midwives, must comply with the NCLEX requirement.
A number of Fijian midwives are set to leave the CHC this month for not passing the nursing exam.
