INTRODUCTION

In the Philippines, medical nurses are very important with regards to the nation’s healthcare
system – in terms for their commitment, professionalism and caring to their patients. They
promote healthy lifestyle, provide health education and have a multifaceted role as holistic
caregivers, patient advocates, specialists and researchers as well.
In a variety of healthcare setting, nurses are medical professionals with the fully-equip
trainings to care for and support patients, families and the communities. They also provide
compassionate care and contributes significantly in order to promote the health, to prevent
various illnesses, as well as to treat and manage of ailments and accidents with their patients
and other companion in the field of healthcare.
Nursing is one of my priority program which are in line with healthcare system not just in
the Philippines but in the entire world. Taking up Bachelor of Science in nursing will truly a
one-step closer or a stepping stone in order to fulfil my dream and passion to help, contribute
and promote health education as well as highly valued professionalism in the field of healthcare
industries both domestically and internationally. Despite of the circumstances that we are now
facing and struggling brought by the Covid19 pandemic, it will be a hindrance for me to stop
achieving and pursing my dream instead it serves as an inspiration and motivation to push it
through for the benefit of my family and the community. In order to testify and be more
attracted to this field, I interview a licenced nurse who will share some of her expertise,
dedication and compassionate in the said field. I also conduct series of research both in
textbooks and internet websites in order to support all claims and testimonies in the field of
nursing. I just want to introduce Miss Lea Diaz, one of the registered nurse who is currently
working at Dr. Sofronio B. Garcia Memorial Hospital located in Conception St. Dunao, Ligao
City.

JOB TITLE
Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages,
families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the
promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people.
Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy
and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles. (ICN,
2002)
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum is commonly followed in the
Philippines for nursing education. Students follow a thorough curriculum that combines
academic education with hands-on clinical instruction. For their license to practice as
registered nurses (RNs), BSN graduates must pass the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination
(PNLE), which is given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

NATURE OF WORK
Hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, long-term care facilities, community health centers, schools,
and home healthcare are just a few of the places where nurses can be found in the healthcare
industry. They may choose to specialize in a variety of fields, including obstetric nursing,
pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and many others. LPNs, RNs,
and APRNs, such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists, are just a few
of the nursing professions that can be performed by people with different educational
backgrounds.
Assessing patients' health conditions, organizing and carrying out care interventions, giving
medications, keeping track of vital signs, helping with medical procedures, educating patients,
working with healthcare teams, advocating for patients, and accurately recording patient data
are just a few of the duties of nurses.
In order to provide comprehensive care to people of all ages and backgrounds, nurses must
have a combination of clinical knowledge, critical thinking talents, technical proficiency, and
interpersonal abilities. They contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of patients and
communities while working in dynamic and frequently difficult circumstances.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of a medical nurse can change depending on the particular
healthcare environment and nursing experience level.

She covers the following job responsibilities and duties:

 Assist in the assessment, planning and implementation of guidelines of care in ill,

injured, convalescent and disabled patient.
 Administer medications as prescribed by the physician.
 Ensures that all the records are accurate, maintained and assigned task are carried out
properly.
 Ensures total cleanliness of the work area and immediate environment of the patient.
 Assist the Head nurse and Administrators in the responsibilities in the smooth running
of the institution.
  Involves in gathering data, assessment and planning of the patients care through the
care planning process and attend meeting with other professional staff in discussing
patient’s progress.
 Teaches patient’s instructions and preventions aspect like deep breathing exercise and
other forms of relaxation technique.
 Maintains establish standards and policies and procedures of the institution.
 Assist in deliveries and other minor operations.
 Administer first aid in case of emergency.
 Assist in the admission and discharge of the patients
 Monitor patient’s progress and document any changes.
 Advice patient’s health maintenance and disease prevention; provide emotional support
to the families of the patients.

WORKING CONDITION
1. Hours and Shifts: Nurses often work in shifts that cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
This includes day shifts, evening shifts, night shifts, weekends, and holidays. The specific
shift schedules can vary depending on the facility and the unit. Shift work may require
nurses to adjust their sleep patterns and work during non-traditional hours.
2. Workload and Patient Volume: Nursing can be physically and mentally demanding due to
the nature of the work. Nurses often care for multiple patients simultaneously, which can
involve tasks such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, providing wound
care, assisting with procedures, and addressing patient needs. The workload can vary
depending on the healthcare setting and patient acuity.
3. Teamwork and Collaboration: Nursing involves close collaboration with other healthcare
professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and support staff. Effective
teamwork and communication are essential for providing safe and coordinated patient
care.

TRAINING, QUALIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT

To become a medical nurse, individuals typically need to complete specific trainings,
acquire certain qualifications, and have opportunities for career advancement. Here are some
key aspects related to the training, qualifications, and advancement of a medical nurse:
Education: The first step to becoming a medical nurse is to complete a nursing education
program. This typically involves earning a diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or
a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The duration of these programs can vary, with
diploma programs typically lasting around two to three years, ADN programs taking two to
three years, and BSN programs usually spanning four years. BSN degrees provide a more
comprehensive education, covering a broader range of nursing knowledge and skills.
Licensure: After completing their nursing education, aspiring medical nurses must pass a
licensing examination to practice nursing. The specific licensing examination varies by country
or region. In the United States, for example, it is the National Council Licensure Examination
for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), while in the United Kingdom, it is the Nursing and
Midwifery Council (NMC) registration.

Additional Certifications: Medical nurses can pursue additional certifications in specialized

areas to enhance their knowledge and career prospects. These certifications validate their
expertise and demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development. Examples
of certifications include Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life
Support (PALS), Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), and many others.
Clinical Experience: Clinical experience is a crucial component of a medical nurse's training.
Nursing education programs typically include hands-on clinical rotations in various healthcare
settings. During these clinical experiences, students have the opportunity to apply theoretical
knowledge, develop practical skills, and gain real-world patient care experience under the
guidance of experienced nursing instructors and healthcare professionals.
Continuing Education: Medical nurses are encouraged to engage in lifelong learning through
continuing education. They can participate in workshops, seminars, conferences, and online
courses to stay updated with the latest advancements in healthcare and nursing practice.
Continuing education helps nurses maintain their licensure, expand their knowledge base, and
enhance their professional competence.
Career Advancement: Medical nurses have several opportunities for career advancement.
They can pursue specialization in specific areas of nursing, such as critical care, oncology,
emergency nursing, or psychiatric nursing. Advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in
Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), can open doors to advanced practice
roles like nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse educator. With
experience and additional education, medical nurses can also advance into leadership and
management positions, such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or chief nursing officer.
It's important to note that specific requirements for training, qualifications, and
advancement may vary depending on the country or region, as nursing regulations and
educational pathways can differ. It's advisable for individuals interested in pursuing a career
as a medical nurse to research and understand the requirements and opportunities within their
particular jurisdiction.
JOB OUTLOOK
The job outlook for nursing is generally positive, with strong demand for qualified nurses
in many parts of the world. Here are some key factors that contribute to the favorable job
outlook in the field of nursing:

 Growing Healthcare Needs: The healthcare industry continues to expand due to factors
such as population growth, aging populations, and the increasing prevalence of chronic
diseases. These factors contribute to a sustained demand for healthcare services, creating a
need for more nursing professionals to provide patient care.
 Nursing Shortages: Many regions, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and parts
of Asia, are experiencing or anticipating nursing shortages. Factors contributing to these
shortages include an aging nursing workforce, increased retirements, and the growing
demand for healthcare services. Nursing shortages often lead to greater job opportunities
and career advancement prospects for qualified nurses.
 Expansion of Healthcare Settings: Healthcare services are diversifying beyond
traditional hospital settings. The expansion of outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers,
home healthcare, and community health centers creates a broader range of employment
opportunities for nurses. This diversification allows nurses to work in various specialties
and settings based on their interests and career goals.
 Advancements in Technology: Technological advancements are transforming healthcare
delivery, and nurses are essential in leveraging these technologies to provide patient care.
Nurses who have expertise in healthcare informatics, telehealth, electronic health records,
and other emerging technologies are in high demand.
 Increasing Emphasis on Preventive Care and Population Health: With a greater focus
on preventive care and population health management, there is a need for nurses to play a
critical role in health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based care. Nurses
with expertise in community health, public health, and care coordination are particularly
valued in these areas.
 Global Opportunities: Nursing is a highly mobile profession, offering opportunities for
international employment. Nurses who are willing to work abroad can find diverse career
prospects and experiences in different healthcare systems around the world.

It's important to note that job outlook can vary by geographic location, healthcare system, and
nursing specialization. Factors such as local economic conditions, government policies, and
healthcare funding can also influence the job market for nurses. Additionally, ongoing
professional development, specialization, and staying up-to-date with current healthcare trends
and technologies can enhance job prospects and career advancement opportunities in nursing.
EARNINGS
The earnings of nurses in the Philippines can vary depending on several factors, including
the nurse's level of experience, education, geographic location, employment setting, and the
type of healthcare facility they work in. It's important to note that the figures provided are
approximate and can vary over time. Nurses working in private hospitals and medical centers
tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in public institutions. The salaries can range
from PHP 20,000 to PHP 30,000 per month. With additional experience and specialization,
salaries can increase. Nurses who pursue specialized areas of nursing or gain additional
certifications or advanced degrees can command higher salaries. For example, nurses working
in critical care, operating rooms, or specialty clinics may receive higher pay compared to
general medical-surgical nurses. They may also receive additional benefits and compensation,
such as night shift differentials, hazard pay, overtime pay, holiday pay, and allowances for
transportation and meals.

RELATED OCCUPATIONS
There are several related occupations in the field of healthcare that are closely associated
with medical nursing.

 Nurse Practitioner (NP): Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered

nurses (APRNs) who have completed advanced education and training. They can
diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic
tests, and provide primary and specialized healthcare services. Nurse practitioners
often work collaboratively with physicians and can have their own patient
caseloads.
 Nurse Anesthetist: Nurse anesthetists are specialized advanced practice registered
nurses who administer anesthesia during surgical and medical procedures. They
work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals
to ensure the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia.
 Nurse Midwife: Nurse Midwives are advanced practice registered nurses who
specialize in providing care to women throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and
postpartum period. They offer prenatal care, assist in childbirth, provide family
planning services, and offer gynecological care to women of all ages.
 Nurse Educator: Nurse Educators are experienced nurses who have transitioned
into teaching roles. They work in academic institutions, healthcare organizations,
and professional development settings to educate and train future nurses and
healthcare professionals. Nurse educators develop curriculum, facilitate learning
experiences, and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice.
  Nurse Researcher: Nurse researchers focus on conducting research studies to
advance nursing science and improve patient care outcomes. They design and
implement research projects, analyze data, and contribute to the development of
evidence-based practices and policies in healthcare.
 Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice
registered nurses who specialize in a specific area of healthcare, such as oncology,
pediatrics, critical care, or mental health. They provide direct patient care, conduct
research, develop protocols, and serve as clinical experts and consultants within
their specialty.
 Nurse Manager/Administrator: Nurse managers or administrators are registered
nurses who take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations. They oversee
nursing departments, manage budgets, coordinate staffing, develop policies and
procedures, and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care. Nurse managers
play a crucial role in the operational and strategic aspects of healthcare facilities.
 Nurse Informaticist: Nurse informaticists are experts in healthcare information
technology and its application in nursing practice. They work at the intersection of
nursing, technology, and data analysis to optimize healthcare delivery, improve
patient outcomes, and enhance clinical workflows.

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