Project NARS out, “RN
HEALS” project in, DOH says
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
19, 2011
TACLOBAN CITY –
Project NARS is out but “RN HEALS” project has been launched,
Department of Health Region 8 Director Edgardo Gonzaga who said he is
in Manila attending the orientation for the new project, informed.
Director Gonzaga said
that RN HEALS which is the acronym for Registered Nurse Health
Enhancement and Local Service project is expected to address the
shortage of skilled and experienced nurses in 1,221 rural and unserved
or underserved communities for one year.
The nurses will
undergo learning and development in accordance with the roles and
functions required by the project. A certificate of competency and
employment will be given by the DOH, DSWD, and the Professional
Regulation Commission to those who have satisfactorily completed their
requirements.
While on deployment,
the nurses will be given an allowance of P8,000 a month by the DOH
while the local government unit (LGU) where they are assigned shall
supervise them, ensure their safety and security, and provide modest
board and lodging. Likewise, LGUs are encouraged to provide additional
allowances and benefits worth at least P2, 000 for these nurses.
PhilHealth and the
Government Service Insurance System will provide group insurance to
the nurses while private corporations are encouraged to chip in
through their available resources.
The recruitment and
selection of these nurses shall be under the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) through its Regional Offices.
Registered nurses who
are physically and mentally fit and willing to serve in their
municipalities may apply online at the DOLE website (http://www.dole.gov.ph/)
from January 17 to February 4 this year. Preference will be given to
residents of the municipalities covered by the Health Facilities
Enhancement Program of DOH and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or
the Conditional Cash Transfer of the DSWD.
The list of successful
applicants with their area of assignments shall be posted online at
the DOLE website from February 7-10.
An orientation shall
be held on February 11-12 in their provincial centers of assignment by
the regional DOH, DSWD, Professional Regulation Commission – Board of
Nursing and the Philippine Nurses Association prior to deployment.
“Eventually, these
nurses will be part of the pool of competent nurses for later
employment or absorption in health facilities, thus addressing the
inadequate supply of skilled nurses and increasing the nurses’
employment rate,” Director Gonzaga said.