Why Do Filipino Nurses Work Overseas?

Photo from wordpress.com. I wrote this article a year ago and republished it here

By Alon Calinao Dy: Have you ever wondered why Filipino nurses decide to work overseas? This question always lingers in my mind. But now, I can finally understand. How many student nurses graduate in the Philippines annually (in thousands)? 36,000? 40,000? And, how many nurses each year become the newly registered nurses in the country? Hence, what do you expect? Do you think that the government could give them all the nursing jobs that they nee, d? I find it insulting; every time I hear someone say that Filipino nurses are only after money. Although, this is partially true that they are seeking better pay and greener pastures abroad. Yet, it is not all about money.

First of all, if Filipino nurses will not go out in the country for work, what do you think will happen to the whole Filipino nurse community? In fact, Filipino nurses who work abroad are actually giving other nurses chances to get nursing jobs in the country. Not only that, their income and remittances alone generate millions of Pesos every year, saving the economy of the country. Do you think that the government will not benefit from this? Of course, everyone does.

Another thing is that Filipino nurses are known for having good qualities such as empathy, respect, good communication skills, emotional stability, flexibility, and many more. This is one of the reasons why they are everywhere in the world, because their employers love to work with them. In abroad, they are not just “Room Nurses”, but they are well-trained and competent, professional registered nurses. They are in demand and popular because they are good at what they do.

Although, Filipino nurses are willing to serve their own country, they have no other choice but to work overseas due to lack of domestic opportunities for nurses in the country. In other words, working overseas is in the best interests of all, especially for their families. You know it is hard for them to see their sons and daughters, crying while they are leaving. For them, the pain is like tearing their hearts apart. If only the country can compensate all their needs, why do they need to work abroad when they can be with their families everyday? Why do they need to suffer years of loneliness, of being away?

Therefore, working abroad as a nurse is not all about money, but it is having good opportunities and getting expertise in the field of nursing. So that when they go back to their country, they would be able to serve their people well. 

Also, being a nurse is a wonderful gift from God Almighty. It feels good when you know that someone recovers because you take good care of him/her. Yes, it is always good to serve ill people. No amount of money will ever buy the happiness that you give to those who are sick. That’s why nurses are angels of the sick.

Does The Nursing Profession Train Students To Become Call Center Agents?

By Alon Calinao Dy: Many Filipinos nowadays are discouraged to take up nursing because there are no available jobs waiting for them in this chosen field. I'm wondering, there are lots of patients in the Philippines, but why we have many unemployed nurses. For new registered nurses, the average salary in the country is PHP 8,000 - 12,000 monthly.

The protest to increase the wages of nurses started many years ago, but it seemed nothing has ever changed. If new nurses receive 25,000 every month when they start working, then the public and private hospitals may be able to help them and their families financially.

Over the last few years, we've felt the burden of high taxes, commodities, fares, and many more. It's no wonder that nursing salaries are still low. Not only that, public and private companies should also upgrade the salaries of other job types since most people experience a high standard of living.

On the contrary, I don't think Mr. John Almer Aurelio understands the nursing profession very well. Although it is true that to be a nurse is difficult as you work for your assigned patients tirelessly, the best thing about this line of work is that you can show your tender, loving, and skillful care for others, which comes out naturally.

Alright, what are your feelings about nurses working as call center agents? I have known many nurses who work as call center agents, but it does not make them feel less for as long as they work decent jobs. Whatever your life's work, do it well. The true substance of nursing is about hard work, dedication, motivation, resourceful, honest, determination, and many more.

I felt sorry about the people with inferiority complexes who continue to belittle the nursing profession. Keep in mind, nurses are still in demand overseas. Nurses have a plenty of options these days. They can work in the community, school, hospital, research, military, and many countries.

I have nothing against you Mr. Aurelio since you are entitled to your own opinion. I just wish more people understood the genuine significance of the nursing profession. Let's not be judgmental towards our brothers and sisters who work as call center agents. I believe everybody deserves respect, no matter what their economic, political, health or social status.