Articles in various media outlets and reports from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines elucidate that close to 10,000 Filipino nurses took the NCLEX exam for the first time during the initial six months of 2008, an increase of over 40% when compared to data from 2006. With more than 500,000 students enrolled in nursing schools in the Phillipines and less than half actually passing the NCLEX exams on the first attempt, there are concerns regarding the quality of education at some potentially deficient schools. 

While increased visas for foreign workers are a potential temporary solution to the current (and future) nursing shortage here in the U.S., it is apparent that state and federal government---and the private sector---need to do more to assuage the increasing shortage which is affecting hospitals, health centers, schools and other facilities nationwide and worldwide.

Although some may have understandable concerns vis-a-vis the proficiency of nurses who have been trained outside the U.S., successful passage of the NCLEX is one measure by which nurses are deemed competent in this country. One would hope that clinical skills and job performance will further determine which nurses do or don't remain in positions requiring direct patient care. However, in this time of universal shortage, some facilities may be reluctant to fire or lay off nurses despite concerns of poor performance.

Over all, foreign nurses should be welcomed to the U.S. for their potential to assist us with our growing shortage. This writer, however, worries that some nurses' countries of origin may struggle even more profoundly with their own shortages of personnel as more and more nurses seek higher pay in the U.S. healthcare industry.  

-----

NurseKeith is a nurse, consultant, writer and blogger. Please feel free to visit his blog, Digital Doorway .  

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment