EVENT: NURSING OATH TAKING (JUNE 2007 NLE PASSERS)

Thousands of nurses who passed the june 2007 nursing licensure exam took their oath in their respective regions. The ceremony was scheduled last October 2 to 7 all over the Philippines in front of the PNA officers and the Board of Nursing .

The oath taking was successful despite that many were disheartened by the lack of coordination in the program.

Congratulations Newbie RNs! ;-]

Nurses at the Forefront: Dealing with the Unexpected

October 7, 2007

Nurses at the Forefront: Dealing with the Unexpected

Kino Xandro G. Anuddin, RN

Hon. Celso L. Lobregat – our City Mayor; Hon. Leonila A. Faire - Member of the Board of Nursing and our special guest speaker for today; Dr. Milabel E. Ho – Immediate Past Chair and Governor, PNA Region IX; Professor Florence Alcazar – PNA Governor for Region IX; Ms. Nerissa Alonso – PNA President, Zamboanga City Chapter; Mr. Nestor Zeta – OIC Professional Regulation Commission, Region IX; Deans of the different Colleges of Nursing; PNA Officers, my co-professional nurses, proud parents, dear families and friends, ladies and gentlemen, Good Day!

About a year ago, I and many of my co-June’06 NLE passers were standing outside on PRC grounds eager and desperate to take our oath. It was in no way near to our oath-taking today – this one is splendid and well-prepared. Our oath-taking last year was not as I had imagined it to be during my student days. It was immediate and we were basically unprepared, and on each of our faces were mixed expressions of uncertainty and optimism. It may not have been the best oath-taking ceremony, but it was very valuable for many of us. For us, to receive our oath meant that we will finally have in our hands the full privilege of being a registered nurse; a privilege that we have worked hard to achieve and that we rightfully deserve; a privilege that some people, because of their selfish intents, almost took away from us.

Unfortunately, things still didn’t work out in favor of us. We have faced ridicule and doubt. Our credibility and competency as nurses were still under suspicion. We understand that the leakage controversy may have sparked concerns for public health and safety, but we felt that to punish us, the examinees, who had nothing to do with it, is outrightly unjust! Finally, many of us decided to accept the retake of the NLE, either Test 3&5 or the whole set, with earnest yearning that hopefully the issue will be settled and that we will be left to pursue our individual careers as nurses without prejudice from others.

Our theme for this ceremony couldn’t have been more appropriate. “Dealing with the unexpected” – who could have foreseen the events which unfolded last June of 2006. It has tarnished the reputation not only of those who were directly affected but also of every Filipino nurse and our Nursing profession as a whole. Now, just over a year later, it is pleasing to say that we are all on our way into recovering the full-integrity of Philippine Nursing and that the offenders are finally given the lawful dealing.

And for us NEW nurses, there are definitely more to come, a lot more to learn, and way more “unexpected” to deal with. Indeed, in the dynamic, fast-moving, and demanding society we all live in today, we play an important role most especially in healthcare and service to the public. Constantly we will be facing challenges and frequently we will be confronting the unanticipated. Fellow June’07 nurses, we may be the youngest members of the nursing profession today, we may be beginners, but we are now officially professionals and with a strong, resounding voice coming from our hearts, we are confident to say that, YES!, we are up for the challenge! And with full-competence, we are ready to deal with the unexpected! So bring it on!

Fellow nurses, it is a fact that we are the future of our profession. Each of us has the potential to become nursing leaders in healthcare or in education or in whichever field of nursing we wish to practice. Sitting amongst us here today may be a future chief nurse, the BON chairman or the PNA president. But wherever our lives might lead us, let us not take for granted the lessons we can grasp from the events that had affected us lately. The leakage scandal tells us that as an RN, we each carry the noble name of our profession. We have to be careful in our deeds and decisions. It is every nurse’s responsibility to maintain and uphold the integrity of the profession he/she belongs, to safeguard public health and safety by observing the standards of nursing practice, and that none of us has the right to cause so immense of a trouble to other people in order to satisfy our own end. Let us not forget the teachings that our respective alma maters inculcated on us, that the moment we chose to become a nurse, we offer ourselves in service to God and to other people, not just ourselves. “Men and Women of God, Men and Women for Others”. So do your very best in the things that you know best, and you will know in thy soul that you are the greatest success in the world!

Undeniably, it is a great honor for me to be included in the Top Ten and I am certainly privileged to speak in front of you today. I would also like to commend each and every June 2007 Registered Nurse for making it! All the hardworks and sacrifices finally paid off. Together, let us go forth and excel in our nursing practice with competence and with the trademark of every Filipino nurse – tender, loving, intelligent and exceptionally-skilled quality care. Congratulations and let us all give ourselves a thunderous round of applause because we greatly deserve it! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for blessing me so much. To my parents, Mr. Jalaluddin and Mrs. Teodora Anuddin, my siblings, Nikko, Kea and Mikka, thank you so much for all the love, encouragement and support. I want you to know that I love you very much! To the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, the College of Nursing, Mrs. Ma. Lorna Paber, our Dean, and to Dr. Maria Arabella Abduhalim, our former Dean, to all my teachers and clinical instructors, on behalf of all your successful new nurses, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the years of unparalleled nursing education. The remarkable 70% over-all passing rate of ADZU, compared to the national passing rate of 48%, is an attestation of Ateneo’s desire for quality and excellence. To my friends who were with me as we prepared for the recent NLE, John, Ellery, KX, Effie, Mary Joy, Gracielle, Marnisa, Angie, Jessely and to the person who inspires me a lot, Ms. Geona Maria Natividad, let us all soar ever-higher. To everyone, congratulations once again, let us continue to pray and offer encouragement to our friends who didn’t make it in the NLE, may we all continue to give our best, and may charity and blessings from God urge us on! Muchisimas Gracias! Mabuhay ang Pinoy Nurses! Thank you very much!

The Florence Nightingale Pledge

I, solemnly pledge / myself before God / and in the presence of this assembly;/

To pass my life in purity / and to practice my profession faithfully./

I will abstain / from whatever is deleterious and mischievous / and will not take / or knowingly administer / any harmful drug./

I will do all in my power / to maintain and elevate / the standard of my profession / and will hold in confidence / all personal matters committed to my keeping / and family affairs coming to my knowledge / in the practice of my calling./

With loyalty will I endeavor / to aid the physician in his work, / and devote myself / to the welfare of those committed to my care.

Life Expectancy Gap Between Black and White Americans Starting to Close

Life Expectancy Gap Between Black and White Americans Starting to Close

Want to hear some good news about minority health disparities for a change? According to a study published in the March 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the long-standing life expectancy gap between black and white Americans is finally beginning to close. In 1993, the average African American could expect to live 70.9 years, compared to 78 years for Caucasians—a disparity of 7.1 years. But by 2003, the gap had narrowed to 5.3 years, with the average life expectancy for blacks rising to 72.7 years.

The study, conducted by researchers from McGill University in Montreal, examined data from the U.S. National Vital Statistics System over a 20-year period (1983-2003). They found that while the black/white life expectancy gap widened considerably between 1983 and 1993, over the next 10 years it shrank—by 25% for black men and 18% for black women. The biggest factors contributing to this progress were declines in deaths from homicide, AIDS and accidental injuries among African American men and fewer deaths from heart disease, diabetes and stroke among black women.

But don't start celebrating just yet. While the gap is indeed narrowing, it is far from closed. Much more work still needs to be done before the disparity can be eliminated once and for all.

"The good news is that the life expectancy gap has declined," says John Lynch, one of the study's co-authors. "That should give us some confidence that things can change. The bad news is that the gap remains large—the difference for men is 6.3 years and for women, 4.5 years. But we know what we need to work on." He believes the U.S. health care system must work harder to improve access and quality of care for African Americans, especially when it comes to heart disease, which has replaced homicide as the number one killer of black men.

—compiled by Pam Chwedyk, from source.

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Money can't buy love but it can improve your bargaining position
- Thomas Marlowe

Desperate Housewives Episode Draws Ire Among Filipinos

The Episode:





THE LETTER:


To: ABC

To the producers of "Desperate Housewives" and ABC:

We are writing to express concern and hurt about a racially-discriminatory comment made in an episode of Desperate Housewives on 9/30/07. In a scene in which Susan was told by her gynecologist that she might be hitting menopause, she replied, "Can I just check those diplomas because I just want to make sure that they are not from some med school in the Philippines."

As members and allies of the Filipino American community, we are writing to inform you that this type of derogatory remark was discriminatory and hurtful, and such a comment was not necessary to maintain any humor in the show. Additionally, a statement that devalues Filipinos in healthcare is extremely unfounded, considering the overwhelming presence of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the medical field. Filipinos are the second largest immigrant population in the United States, with many entering the U.S. (and successfully passing their U.S. licensing boards!) as doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. In fact, the Philippines produces more U.S. nurses than any other country in the world. So, to belittle the education, experience, or value of Filipino Americans in health care is extremely disrespectful and plain and simply ignorant. Many of the hospitals in major metropolitan areas of the U.S. (and the world) would not be able to operate without its Filipino and Filipino American staff members.

As Filipino Americans and allies, we band together to ensure that this type of hateful message should not be allowed to continue on our television and radio airwaves. Given the recent amounts of media attention that has been given to Michael Richards (against African Americans), Isaiah Washington (against gays), and Rosie O'Donnell (against Asian/ Chinese Americans), it is ridiculous that this type of hateful speech made it through various screenwriters, the show's producers, the show's actors, and ABC itself.

We demand a public apology to the Filipino American community, and we demand the episode be edited to remove the ignorant and racist remark. We will not allow hateful messages against our community (or any other oppressed community) to continue.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

SIGN THE PETITION

VIEW CURRENT SIGNATURES

petition

THE REPLY


Yahoo News :

'Desperate Housewives' apology over Philippines slur

MANILA (AFP) - Makers of hit US television series "Desperate Housewives" have apologised for a slur against Filipino medical workers that caused an uproar in the Southeast Asian country.
ADVERTISEMENT

The apology was sent to Philippine broadcaster ABS-CBN's bureau in the United States and aired in the Philippines on Thursday following protests by the Manila government.

"The producers of 'Desperate Housewives' and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere," cable news channnel ANC quoted the statement as saying.

"There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," it said.

The episode showed actress Teri Hatcher, who plays Susan Mayer, asking during a medical consultation to check "those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

The apology was made a day after chief aide to Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said the line of dialogue appeared to be a "racial slur."

Philippine Senators said the apology was not enough, and urged their Foreign Affairs Department to lodge a formal protest with the US government.

"I am mortally offended by the statement because it betrayed the racial prejudice and denigrates the excellent performance of world-class Filipino doctors in the US," said Senator Miriam Santiago, whose sister is a doctor working in Los Angeles.

Foreign-Educated Nurses, vital to US Health Workforce

The National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) just released a new policy brief regarding Foreign-Educated Nurses. The study looks into the vital role of foreign educated nurses in United State healthcare.

Among other findings, the NFAP concludes:

- The leading country where foreign nurses employed in the U.S. received their initial education is the Philippines, followed by India,  Canada and South Korea.

- Many foreign-educated nurses attend nursing school intending to work abroad and help their families. Given the important role of remittances, the Philippines and India encourage their nationals to work abroad.

- Fears that foreign nurses would overwhelm the U.S. labor market and dissuade hospitals from active recruitment of U.S. nurses are unfounded. Foreign nurses represent only 3.7 percent of the U.S. registered nurse workforce, well below New Zealand (23 percent), the United Kingdom (8 percent), Ireland (8 percent) and Canada (6 percent).

See the complete brief here.


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There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.
-Lord Amiah

Common Herbs

Herbs: Toxicities and Drug Interactions

Any conventional Medication can have side effects. These side effects are described and reported after drug trials and research studies have been conducted. Side effects are further reported and evaluated after the marketing of the medication. Information about drug components, interactions, usage in pregnancy, nursing and childhood, and dosing limits are outlined and made available in standard references for doctors treating patients. Furthermore, the formulations of the drugs must satisfy strict quality control standards to ensure conformity. These medications regularly contain virtually uniform quantities and ratios of substances.

In contrast to conventional medications, unconventional treatments (such as herbs) have little or no actual scientific basis so doctors can guide their patients regarding proper usage or potential toxicity. There are no standardized references and most of the herbal formulations have not been analyzed, are not uniform, and have not been quality controlled. One batch can be very different from the next.
Moreover, even if a given herb has a known toxicity, the manufacturer may or may not warn consumers. Manufacturers are not required to alert consumers to known dangers.

The point is that these "supplements" are not sanctioned, regulated, or supervised by any agency.
The data are coming, although slowly. Dr. Lucinda Miller of Texas Tech University Health Sciences recently reviewed known herb-drug interactions. Her review was published for doctors in the medical journal Archives of Internal Medicine 1998;158:2200- 2209. The list that follows is derived from this article and includes summaries of various herbs with particular focus on potential herb-drug interactions.
Keep in mind that the information in the "Uses" section is for the most part unsupported by verification of scientific studies. It should be noted that simply because herbs are "natural" treatments, they are not necessarily free from side effects.

[ Heroin ] -
[ Marijuana ]
[ Cocaine ]
[Valarian ]
Chamomile
Echinacea
St. John's Wort
Garlic
Feverfew
Ginko Biloba
Ginseng
Ginger
Saw Palmetto
Black Cohosh

Chamomile

Uses: Chamomile is often used in the form of a tea as a sedative.

Reactions: Allergic reactions can occur, particularly in persons allergic to ragweed. Reported reactions include abdominal cramps, tongue thickness, tightness in the throat, swelling of the lips, throat and eyes, itching all over the body, hives, and blockage of the breathing passages. Close monitoring is recommended for patients who are taking medications to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin.

Echinacea

Uses: Largely because white blood cells in the laboratory can be stimulated to eat particles, Echinacea has been touted to be able to boost the body's ability to fight off infection.
Reactions: The most common side effect is an unpleasant taste. Echinacea can cause liver toxicity. It should be avoided in combination with other medications that can affect the liver (such as ketaconazole, leflunomide (Arava), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), isoniazide (Nizoral).

St. John's Wort

Uses: St. John's Wort is popularly used as an herbal treatment for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It is technically known as Hypericum perforatum. Chemically, it is composed of at least 10 different substances that may produce its effects. The ratios of these different substances varies from plant to plant (and manufacturer). Studies of its effectiveness by the National Institutes of Health are in progress.
Reactions: The most common side effect has been sun sensitivity which causes burning of the skin. It is recommended that fair- skinned persons be particularly careful while in the sun. St. John's wort may also leave nerve changes in sunburned areas. This herb should be avoided in combination with other medications that can affect sun sensitivity (such as tetracycline/Achromycin, sulfa- containing medications, piroxicam (Feldend). St. John's wort can also cause headaches, dizziness, sweating, and agitation when used in combination with serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil).

Garlic

Uses: Garlic has been used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol (Dr. Lucinda Miller notes that there is "...still insufficient evidence to recommend its routine use in clinical practice.")
Reactions: Allergic reactions, skin inflammation, and stomach upset have been reported. Bad breath is a notorious accompaniment. Studies in rats have shown decreases in male rats' ability to make sperm cells. Garlic may decrease normal blood clotting and should be used with caution in patients taking medications to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin /Coumadin.

Feverfew

Uses: Most commonly used for migraine headaches.
Reactions: Feverfew can cause allergic reactions, especially in persons who are allergic to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve) or Motrin) can reduce the effect of feverfew. A condition called "postfeverfew syndrome" features symptoms including headaches, nervousness, stiffness, joint pain, tiredness, and nervousness. Feverfew can impair the action of the normal blood clotting element (platelets). It should be avoided in patients taking medications to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Ginko Biloba

Uses: This herb is very popular as a treatment for dementia (a progressive brain dysfunction) and to improve thinking.
Reactions: Mild stomach upset and headache have been reported. Ginko seems to have blood thinning properties. Therefore, it is not recommended to be taken with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil), naproxen (Aleve) or Motrin), or medications to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin). Ginko should be avoided in patients with epilepsy taking seizure medicines, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and phenobarbital.

Ginseng

Uses: Ginseng has been used to stimulate the adrenal gland, and thereby increase energy. It also may have some beneficial effect on reducing blood sugar .in patients with diabetes mellitus. (Dr. Miller emphasized that there is substantial variation in the chemical components of substances branded as "Ginseng.")
Reactions: Ginseng can cause elevation in blood pressure, headache, vomiting, insomnia, and nose bleeding. Ginseng can also cause falsely abnormal blood tests for digoxin level. It is unclear whether ginseng may affect female hormones. Its use in pregnancy is not recommended. Ginseng may affect the action of the normal blood clotting element (platelets). It should be avoided in patients taking aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve) or Motrin), or medications to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin). Ginseng may also cause headaches, tremors, nervousness, and sleeplessness. It should be avoided in persons with manic disorder and psychosis.

Ginger

Uses: Ginger has been used as a treatment for nausea and bowel spasms.
Reactions: Ginger may lead to blood thinning. It is not recommended to be taken with medications that prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Saw Palmetto

Uses: Saw palmetto has been most commonly used for enlargement of the prostate gland. (Dr. Miller emphasized that studies verifying this assertion are necessary.) Saw palmetto has also been touted as a diuretic and urinary antiseptic to prevent bladder infections.
Reactions: This herb may affect the action of the sex hormone testosterone, thereby reducing sexual drive or performance. Dr. Miller states that "While no drug-herb interactions have been documented to date, it would be prudent to avoid concomitant use with other hormonal therapies (e.g., estrogen replacement therapy and oral contraceptives...")
This listing represents only a small portion of herbal treatments. Nevertheless, the popularity of herbal therapies is unquestionable. Doctors routinely confront the unknown with their patients who are using herbs. Doctors simply do not have any way of helping you to decide whether these herbs are helpful or harmful for you, or whether they are interacting with your current medications. There are no data.

Black Cohosh

Claims, Benefits: A natural way to treat menopausal symptoms.
Bottom Line: Little is known about its benefits and its risks. If you try it, tell your physician, since it might interact with other medications you are taking.

1996-2004 MedicineNet, Inc.

NLE GUIDE

When you are planning to take the Philippine Local Board Exam, here are some things you should be aware of...



I. LOCAL BOARD EXAM APPLICATION


Materials to Bring:

- Birth certificate(photocopy & original),
- Transcript Of Records (photocopy & original)
- PRC Form
- RLE FORM
- Cedula/ Tax Certificate
- 4 passport size pictures
- PRC mailing envelope
- Paste- Ballpen
- #2 mongol pencil
- liquid paper
- Payment

NECESSARY CODES:

school code - ,

course - 4018,

board code - 2600,

ex - 1,

nx - 1,

def - 00

Processing Guide

STEP 1. Secure Action Sheet from the PRC Customer Service Center (CSC) and accomplish the same.

STEP 2. Submit the Action Sheet for processing and evaluation at any of the Processing Windows together with the following:

* Original and photocopy of Transcript of Records with Special Order and Date of Graduation (Graduates of government schools and institutions/programs accredited by recognized accredited agencies under the FAAP are exempted from SO [B]). Graduates of New Schools/degree Programs must submit School Recognition and/or Permit to operate.

* Original and photocopy of NSO-issued Birth Certificate

* Original and photocopy of Marriage Contract in NSO security paper

* Four (4) passport sized pictures ( white background with name tag)

* Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)

* Other specific requirements as required by the Commission and/or Professional Regulatory Board.

NOTE: Secure the following from the processor upon approval of your application:

* Computerized Application form (CAF)* Permanent Examination and Registration Record card (PERRC) (for first-timers)* Notice of Admission (NOA)

STEP 3. Pay the following: examination fee, metered documentary stamps and mailing envelope with metered documentary stamps

STEP 4. Accomplish the CAF, PERRC, and NOA. Indicate the Official Receipt number, date, and amount on the CAF.

STEP 5. Proceed to any of the Issuance Windows for final review of qualifications and documents and issuance of NOA, Applicant's Stub, Program of Examination, Examinee's Guide and Self-Instruction Sheet.

STEP 6. Keep the Notice of Admission, Official Receipt, and the Applicant's Stub. Bring these with you on the first day of the examination.

STEP 7. Bring your NOA when you verify with the PRC your school and building assignment which will be posted at the PRC premises two (2) three(3) working days before the examination date.



II. REVIEW GUIDE

Choose your review center well if you are planning to enroll in one. But, before you engage, do a background investigation of that review center. For instance, you can ask from acquaintances about their experience in that review center. There are too many ruckus review centers these days. You don’t want to be fooled by them.

If you are going on a SELF REVIEW, plan your schedule from day 1 to Exam day. Do not just collect and collect review materials but make sure that the review materials you have on hand are updated, reliable and easy to understand. Practice answering exam questions while timed.

Evaluate Yourself!

Do your part and God will do the rest. God Bless! :-]