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Advocates Philippines
CHED, DOH, And PSAC Join Forces To Launch Upskilling Program To Boost Nursing Workforce For Ph Hospitals
Photo credit: CHED
In an effort to address the growing shortage of nurses in Philippine hospitals, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) have collaborated to initiate an upskilling program for underboard nursing graduates. The program aims to complement the existing supply of licensed nurses in both public and private healthcare facilities while equipping underboard graduates with the necessary skills to pass the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE).
On July 19, CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa signed a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) outlining the Implementing Guidelines for the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program for Clinical Care Associates (CCAs).
According to De Vera, this initiative is one of several short-term, medium-term, and long-term interventions discussed with the President to address the nursing shortage. While CHED has already lifted the moratorium on the opening of new nursing programs and received 54 applications for new nursing programs, the projected increase in nursing graduates by 2028 will not be sufficient to meet the demand.
The upskilling program for underboard nursing graduates aims to fill this gap. With approximately 50 percent of nursing students failing the licensure exam, the program seeks to provide re-skilling and upskilling opportunities to boost pass rates and produce a more substantial nursing workforce in a shorter time frame.
Health Secretary Herbosa emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, CHED, and other agencies to deliver the Universal Healthcare Act of 2019 effectively. He hopes that the private sector will offer its support, just as they did during the fight against COVID-19.
CHED Chairman De Vera highlighted the efforts to mobilize Higher Education Institutions with a successful track record in passing the licensure exam to provide review classes for nursing graduates. This move reflects the government's commitment to capacitate nursing graduates and bridge the gap in the healthcare industry's workforce.
The upskilling program for Clinical Care Associates is a vital milestone in addressing the nursing shortage in the country. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s directives to address the undermanned healthcare industry and deliver effective solutions through government-led efforts and private sector collaboration.
De Vera also revealed plans to develop a shorter Master's program aimed at nursing graduates who wish to become nursing school educators, with the goal of increasing nursing school enrollment.
On July 19, CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa signed a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) outlining the Implementing Guidelines for the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program for Clinical Care Associates (CCAs).
According to De Vera, this initiative is one of several short-term, medium-term, and long-term interventions discussed with the President to address the nursing shortage. While CHED has already lifted the moratorium on the opening of new nursing programs and received 54 applications for new nursing programs, the projected increase in nursing graduates by 2028 will not be sufficient to meet the demand.
The upskilling program for underboard nursing graduates aims to fill this gap. With approximately 50 percent of nursing students failing the licensure exam, the program seeks to provide re-skilling and upskilling opportunities to boost pass rates and produce a more substantial nursing workforce in a shorter time frame.
Health Secretary Herbosa emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, CHED, and other agencies to deliver the Universal Healthcare Act of 2019 effectively. He hopes that the private sector will offer its support, just as they did during the fight against COVID-19.
CHED Chairman De Vera highlighted the efforts to mobilize Higher Education Institutions with a successful track record in passing the licensure exam to provide review classes for nursing graduates. This move reflects the government's commitment to capacitate nursing graduates and bridge the gap in the healthcare industry's workforce.
The upskilling program for Clinical Care Associates is a vital milestone in addressing the nursing shortage in the country. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s directives to address the undermanned healthcare industry and deliver effective solutions through government-led efforts and private sector collaboration.
De Vera also revealed plans to develop a shorter Master's program aimed at nursing graduates who wish to become nursing school educators, with the goal of increasing nursing school enrollment.
Jul 21, 2023
