STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan – Some 592 new registered nurses (RN) are urged to fulfill their duty by serving in both public and private hospitals across the Philippines to help strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
During the Oath-taking Rites for New Nurses, conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)-Region 1, in coordination with the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA)-Pangasinan Chapter and the Board of Nursing, held on Dec. 21 at the Leisure Coast Resort in Dagupan City, Leah Primitiva Paquiz, a member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing and administering officer, highlighted the pressing issue of both local and global nursing shortages.
“In the Philippines, the projected shortfall of nurses is expected to reach 249,843 by the year 2030 unless greater investments are made now to retain them in the Philippine health sector,” she said.
“According to the Department of Health (DOH), it will take 12 years for the country to fully address the shortage of nurses,” she added.
Nurses as a catalyst for change
Paquiz emphasized the critical role nurses play in the country’s healthcare system, urging them to take on leadership roles and advocate for positive change.
“You are not only providers of care but also catalysts for transforming health systems through technical expertise, compassionate care, and unwavering advocacy. As the largest part of the healthcare workforce, comprising 70 percent, you play a crucial role in creating a resilient and patient-centered healthcare environment,” she said.
Through these efforts, nurses empower patients and contribute to a resilient healthcare environment.
Key reasons nurses are ‘power of healthcare’
Paquiz highlighted five reasons why nurses are one of the powers of the healthcare system:
- Nurses provide direct, compassionate patient care;
- Nurses are critical thinkers and clinical experts;
- Nurses lead healthcare teams, ensuring quality care;
- Nurses drive public health initiatives for community well-being; and
- Nurses adapt and thrive in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
“Listen to the cry of our country – ‘We need you.’ Our ambition is to serve humanity. Serve with a smile, kind words, and a healing touch. Serve our nation first before seeking opportunities elsewhere. However, if you do leave, make sure to come back,” Paquiz urged.
Commitment to serving the nation
Mariel Buhutan, RN, who ranked 9th in the November 2024 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE) from Urdaneta City University (UCU), shared that her goal extended beyond passing the exam.
“My ultimate goal is to become a nurse educator and contribute to the field of academia. To my fellow nurses, let us carry the same passion and determination we had when striving for this license. Let us strive to be compassionate nurses, clinical instructors, and nurse educators we wish we had,” she said.
Buhutan assured that she is wholeheartedly dedicated to serving the community with compassion and excellence, striving to make a meaningful and lasting impact through her nursing profession.
Celebrating excellence
A total of 34,534 nursing graduates took the PNLE, with 29,349 passing, resulting in a national passing rate of 84.99%, the highest rate in PNLE so far.
The oath-taking ceremony of new nurses highlights their competence and reflects the dedication, hard work, and determination they have demonstrated in pursuing the nursing profession despite challenges. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
