NY State Education Department Denies 'Freezing' NCLEX Applications of June 2006 Nurses

Ms. Barbara Zittel, RN, Ph.D., executive secretary of the New York State Boards for Nursing and Respiratory Therapy told Pinoy R.N. that they are carefully examining licensure (NCLEX) applications from Philippine Nurses involved in the compromised June 2006 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination.

...

The statement was in response to a query by Pinoy R.N. on the status of licensure applications filed by June 2006 nurses who are still awaiting approval to sit for the NCLEX exam as there were speculations that applications of June 2006 nurses were indefinitely put on hold.

...

"This review is extremely time-consuming and therefore it may appear as though there is a 'freeze' in our review process," added Zittel.

...

ANA and NYSNA Throw Support Behind Embattled Filipino Nurses

The 26 filipino nurses and 1 physical therapist, facing criminal charges in New York for child endangerment, got the support of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA).

In a press statement released June 1, 2007. ANA and NYSNA jointly condemned the exploitation of immigrant RNs by unscrupulous U.S. employers and called for better enforcement of immigration laws.

ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, RN, MSN, CNOR said, "These brave nurses deserve the nursing community’s full support because they refused to remain in a situation where patients were being denied the kind of care and staffing they deserved."

She added, "The real patient endangerment lies in the deplorable conditions that led the nurses to leave."

NYSNA interim chief executive officer, Tina Gerardi, RN echoed Patton's sentiments. "This case may be just the tip of the iceberg. Nurses who come to the U.S. deserve to have their rights protected," said Geradi.

The NYSNA learned about the nurses’ plight last month and assisted them in getting a hearing before the New York State Board for Nursing after Sentosa Care, LLC accused them of professional misconduct.

"Those charges were dismissed by the state board. We are greatly concerned these RNs are now being prosecuted for the same actions." Gerardi added.

The ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of America's 2.9 million registered nurses through its 54 constituent member nurses associations.

...

The 'Sentosa 27' are expected to participate in the New York Philippine Independence Day parade on June 3 (June 4 in the Philippines), where they will receive support from both the Filipino and American nursing communities.

...

Related Link:

American Nurses Association Press Statement

...

Related News:

Online Petition for 'Sentosa 27'

...

CGFNS Addresses June 2006 Nurses' VisaScreen Concerns

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) published a "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) guide on its website to address the growing confusion among June 2006 nurses on the issue of retake as required by the CGFNS and the position of the American Nurses Association.

...........

Listed below are the common questions of June 2006 nurses along with CGFNS' official response:

...

Does passage of the NCLEX or the CGFNS Exam make someone who passed only the June 2006 Exam eligible for a VisaScreen certificate?

No. In order to become eligible for a VisaScreen Certificate, CGFNS has required that a June 2006 passer must first re-take and pass, with a score of 75 percent or better, the “special voluntary examination” covering the subject matter of Tests 3 and 5. Passage of the NCLEX or the CGFNS Examination by any passer of the compromised June 2006 PRC examination will not substitute for the requirement that he or she take the “special voluntary examination” authorized by Executive Order 609 issued by the Philippine Government on March 12, 2007.

Does the CGFNS decision have an effect on the validity of the Philippine nursing licensure?

No. CGFNS recognizes the validity of the Philippine nursing license obtained by the June 2006 passers. The CGFNS decision to deny issuing a VisaScreen Certificate to the June 2006 passers of the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination relates only to their status under U.S. immigration law.

...

When must I re-take Tests 3 and 5 to be eligible for a VisaScreen Certificate?

June, 2006 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination test passers must re-take Tests 3 and 5 as provided in Executive Order 609 stating that a “special voluntary examination” for this purpose will be given both in June and December, 2007. A June 2006 passer may take this special voluntary examination in either one of those months, at the examinee’s choice. Executive Order 609 does not authorize re-takes of Tests 3 and 5 after December 2007.

What score do I have to get in order to be eligible for VisaScreen Certificate?

You must obtain a passing score of 75 percent or better on each Test. An average score of 75 -- in which one score is above 75 and one below 75 -- will not be sufficient to qualify for VisaScreen certification.

.........

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has recommended that the June 2006 passers should re-take the entire licensure examination, even though CGFNS requires a re-take of only Tests 3 and 5. Which path should I follow?

To gain eligibility for VisaScreen certification, which is a pre-requisite to obtaining a U.S. occupational visa, you should meet the standard set by CGFNS, i.e., retaking Tests 3 and 5 before the end of 2007. ANA has clarified its position by stating that "ANA recognizes the CGFNS' position that successful retake of Tests #3 and #5 is an acceptable remedy to meet the needs of a VisaScreen Certificate.

If I take the re-take of Tests 3 and 5 in June 2007, and I fail to get a score of 75 in one or both tests, can I re-take one or both Tests in December 2007?

No. After you have re-taken Tests 3 and 5 once in a “special voluntary examination,” no further re-take is authorized by the Executive Order of the Philippine Government.

If I pass Tests 3 and 5 in 2007, what other things must I do to obtain a VisaScreen Certificate?

Detailed information about the requirements for a VisaScreen Certificate are available on the CGFNS website.

...

Source: CGFNS International

Labor Department Studying ANA's Recommendation

Labor Secretary Arturo Brion said today that his department is studying the recommendation of the American Nurses Association (ANA) for a full retake of compromised June 2006 Nurse Licensure Examination.

Brion added, “We might ask for a representation with them and seek the help of the CGFNS with whom we’ve already had long discussions.”

Meanwhile, President Arroyo has signed the Executive Order for the optional partial retake of the board exams.

A meeting between Brion and the deans of top nursing schools is scheduled on March 17 to discuss review classes for those who will opt to retake.

The application period for the review is from March 19 to April 4, while the review classes will be from April 16 to June 3. The retake is tentatively scheduled on June 11 and 12, 2007.