Nurses backing out in the last minute; worries DOLE

By NINFA QUIRANTE, PIA Eastern Samar
February 17, 2011

BORONGAN, Eastern Samar  –  While partner agencies thought it was all well with the deployment of the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement And Local Services (RN HEALS), they find out about the last minute jitters of some nurses.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Eastern Samar head Alexi Abellar lamented that some nurses assigned to the islands of Guiuan town, like Homonhon and Manicani have not yet reported to their area.

Abellar urged them just to inform DOLE if they had a change of heart as there are nurses placed on a wait list and can be tapped anytime.

“All they have to do is tell us immediately,” Abellar appealed over Radyon ng Bayan DYES Borongan on February 17, 2011.

“The longer they hold back on their decision, the longer we will deprive our people with needed services,” he added.

Abellar clarified that these nurses have been asked if they were willing to be assigned anywhere in Eastern Samar and work overtime when they applied online and during the interview.

To this, the nurses repeatedly answered, yes.

Abellar said he is not privy to their reasons, but whatever these are, these nurses should be honest to admit, by this time, whether they are willing to do the job or not.

“We are not necessarily short of applicants,” said Abellar.

Abellar also expressed satisfaction that in the northern part of the province, even in remote areas like Maslog, Arteche and Jipapad, all nurses have reported and have started their health services immediately; according to the feedback the DOLE has received.