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Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
AT A GLANCE
- The nursing education program shall provide sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nursing. The learning experiences shall adhere strictly to specific requirements embodied in the prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education’s policies and standards of nursing education.” (Section 25, Article V, R.A. 9173)
The Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9173) provides that the State shall assume responsibility for the protection and improvement of the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education, humane working conditions, better career prospects and a dignified existence for our nurses. The State shall guarantee the delivery of quality basic health services through an adequate nursing personnel system throughout the country. (Section 2, R.A. No. 9173)
The law says:
“The nursing education program shall provide sound general and professional foundation for the practice of nursing. The learning experiences shall adhere strictly to specific requirements embodied in the prescribed curriculum as promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education’s policies and standards of nursing education.” (Section 25, Article V, R.A. 9173)
Returning nurses
The Philippine Nursing Act of 2022 provides for the requirements for inactive nurses who wish to return to the practice of nursing. The law says:
“Nurses who have not actively practiced the profession for five (5) consecutive years are required to undergo one (1) month of didactic training and three (3) months of practicum. The Board [Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing] shall accredit hospitals to conduct the said training program.” (Section 26, Article V, R.A. No. 9173)
Faculty in nursing colleges or universities
The law provides that members of the faculty in a college or nursing who teaches professional courses must be a registered nurse, among others.
The law says:
“A member of the faculty in a college of nursing teaching professional courses must:
(a) Be a registered nurse in the Philippines;
(b) Have at least one (1) year of clinical practice in a field of specialization;
(c) Be a member of good standing in the accredited professional organization of nurses; and
(d) Be a holder of a master’s degree in nursing, education, or other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or university duly recognized by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, the dean of a college must have a master’s degree in nursing. He/she must have at least five (5) years of experience in nursing.” (Section 27, Article V, R.A. No. 9173)
What is the practice of nursing?
A person shall be deemed to be practicing nursing within the meaning of this Act when he/she singly or in collaboration with another, initiates and performs nursing services to individuals, families and communities in any health care setting. It includes, but not limited to, nursing care during conception, labor, delivery, infancy, childhood, toddler, preschool, school age, adolescence, adulthood, and old age.
As independent practitioners, nurses are primarily responsible for the promotion of health and prevention of illness.
As members of the health team, nurses shall collaborate with other health care providers for the curative, preventive, and rehabilitative aspects of care, restoration of health, alleviation of suffering, and when recovery is not possible, towards a peaceful death. (Section 28, Article VI, R.A. No. 9173)
Related article: What is the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002?
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