Position Paper on Advanced Nursing Practice in the Amendment of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
Position Paper on Advanced Practice Nursing in the Amendment of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002
Garces, Kuhraya
Garcia, Sam
Javier, Harvey Gian
Labis, Katrina Mia
Laganao, Leonivic
Lamique, John Noriel
Lauro, Recca Jane
BSN4-B
Oct. 5, 2013
Identification of the issue
Before the general elections on May 2013, Senator Cynthia Villar’s statement on “room nurses” drew ire from many Filipinos, especially those associated to the nursing profession. In a senatorial debate, she stated that Filipino nursing students do not need to finish a BSN degree since they are directed to becoming room nurses or caregivers in America or other countries. The Philippine Nursing Association was quick to slam Senator Villar’s label by saying that “patient care or home care is only one aspect of [the] nursing profession.” (Calonzo, 2013)
The mentioned incident may be indicative of the underdeveloped nursing profession in the Philippines. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2011), there are 33 countries which practice advanced nursing roles. This includes neighboring countries in Asia such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore among others. Conversely, the Philippine’s current nursing law does not provide implementing guidelines for the practice of Advanced Practice Nursing.
Statement of the position
However, the proposed amendments to the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, otherwise known as RA 9173, includes coverage of Advanced Practice Nursing. The National Nursing Career Progression Program (NNCPP), as stipulated in Article VII, Section 31 of the said amendments, shall be implemented by the Board of Nursing along with the Department of Health and accredited professional organizations. This program will provide opportunities for nursing specialty programs and additional remunerations for Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs). We view this as a good revision of the current nursing law as
Garces, Kuhraya
Garcia, Sam
Javier, Harvey Gian
Labis, Katrina Mia
Laganao, Leonivic
Lamique, John Noriel
Lauro, Recca Jane
BSN4-B
Oct. 5, 2013
Identification of the issue
Before the general elections on May 2013, Senator Cynthia Villar’s statement on “room nurses” drew ire from many Filipinos, especially those associated to the nursing profession. In a senatorial debate, she stated that Filipino nursing students do not need to finish a BSN degree since they are directed to becoming room nurses or caregivers in America or other countries. The Philippine Nursing Association was quick to slam Senator Villar’s label by saying that “patient care or home care is only one aspect of [the] nursing profession.” (Calonzo, 2013)
The mentioned incident may be indicative of the underdeveloped nursing profession in the Philippines. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2011), there are 33 countries which practice advanced nursing roles. This includes neighboring countries in Asia such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore among others. Conversely, the Philippine’s current nursing law does not provide implementing guidelines for the practice of Advanced Practice Nursing.
Statement of the position
However, the proposed amendments to the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, otherwise known as RA 9173, includes coverage of Advanced Practice Nursing. The National Nursing Career Progression Program (NNCPP), as stipulated in Article VII, Section 31 of the said amendments, shall be implemented by the Board of Nursing along with the Department of Health and accredited professional organizations. This program will provide opportunities for nursing specialty programs and additional remunerations for Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs). We view this as a good revision of the current nursing law as
References: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2011). NP Fact Sheet. Retrieved from American Academy of Nurse Practitioner database http://aanp.org/ Blais, K., Hayes, J., Kozier, B., & Erb, G Calonzo A. (2013). Nurses’ group slams Cynthia Villar’s ‘room nurse’ tag. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/298011/news/nation/nurses-group-slams-cynthia-villar-s-room-nurse-tag. [Last Accessed 02 September 13]. Huston, C.J. (2006). Professional issues in nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Hanucharurnkul, S., Suwisith N., Piasue N., & Terathongkum S Jaymalin M. (2013). DOLE advises nurses to seek alternative jobs. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/02/26/913217/dole-advises-nurses-seek-alternative-jobs. [Last Accessed 2 September 13]. Mosby 's Medical Dictionary (2009). 8th ed. Elsevier. O’Grady, E. (2004) Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: The Impact on Patient Safety and Quality. Retrieved 2 October 2013 from http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/resources/nursing/resources/nurseshdbk/OGradyE_APRN.pdf Sherman, R