May 2008 Visa Bulletin Released; EB3 Dates Move Forward to March 2006

RETROGRESSION UPDATE

The U.S. Department of State has released its Visa Bulletin for May 2008 and it showed all categories to be current except for EB2 and EB3.

However, a bit of good news came with the bulletin as the EB3 category for the Philippines reflects major movement from last month. Starting next month, those with approved immigrant petitions on or before March 1, 2006 can expect developments in their visa processing anytime soon.

The priority dates for the EB3 category, where filipino nurses belong, have progressed to March 2006 from July 2005 the previous month.

Related Link:
May 2008 Visa Bulletin

Steps in Applying for the Nurse Licensure Examination (PRC)

The following outlines the application process for nursing licensure at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). With the expected rise in the number of examinees this year, it is best to apply early.

STEP 1. Secure Action Sheet from the PRC Customer Service Center (CSC) and accomplish the same.

STEP 2. Submit the Action Sheet for processing and evaluation at any of the Processing Windows together with the following:

• Original and photocopies of Transcript of Records with Special Order and Date of Graduation (Graduates of government schools and institutions/programs accredited by recognized accredited agencies under the FAAP are exempted from SO [B]). Graduates of New Schools/degree Programs must submit School Recognition and/or Permit to operate.

• Original and photocopy of NSO-issued Birth Certificate (in NSO security paper; if NSO copy not very clear, bring copy from the Local Civil Registrar)

• Original and photocopies of Marriage Contract in NSO security paper (for married female only; if NSO copy not very clear, bring copy from local civil registrar).

• Four (4) passport size colored pictures in white background with complete name tag.

• Current Community Tax Certificate (Cedula)

• Notarized Related Learning Experience (RLE) Summary, O.R./D.R. Cases, and other specific documents as required by the Commission and/or Professional Regulatory Board.

NOTE: Secure the following from the processor upon approval of your application:

• Computerized Application form (CAF)
  
• Permanent Examination and Registration Record card (PERRC) (for first-timers)
  
• Notice of Admission (NOA)

STEP 3. Pay examination fee at any of the Cashier Window. Get Official Receipt.

• Baccalaureate Degree - P 600.00
  
• Non-Baccalaureate Degree - P400
  
• Removal - P300.00

NOTE: Fees may have changed. Check with the nearest PRC office for updated fee schedule.

STEP 4. Pay for metered documentary stamps and mailing envelope with metered documentary stamps at the CSC.

STEP 5. Accomplish the CAF, PERRC, and NOA. Indicate the Official Receipt number, date, and amount on the CAF.

STEP 6. Proceed to any of the Issuance Windows for final review of qualifications and documents and issuance of NOA, Applicant's Stub, Program of Examination, Examinee's Guide and Self-Instruction Sheet.

STEP 7. Keep the Notice of Admission, Official Receipt, and the Applicant's Stub. Bring these with you on the first day of the examination. For further information, read the General Instructions at the back page of the Notice of Admission, Program of Examination, Examinee's guide and Self-Instruction Sheet.

STEP 8. Bring your NOA when you verify with the PRC your school and building assignment which will be posted at the PRC premises two (2) three(3) working days before the examination date.

REMINDER: Application deadline for the June 1-2, 2008 Nurse Licensure Examination is on April 18, 2008. Late Applications will not be accepted as the PRC is expecting at least 80,000 applicants this year. Source: PRC Memo

Guide in Applying for the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE)

In a post last month, Pinoy R.N. reported the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announcement on their website about Canada's move to adopt a Provincial Nominee Program to facilitate the entry of immigrants to its labor force.

Canada's move was seen largely as a welcome development for filipino nurses looking for alternative foreign employment opportunities in the face of the current visa backlog in the United States.

The question in everyone's mind now is, "So, how do I become a nurse in Canada?"

This blogger did some reading and here's what I learned:

Requirements for Internationally Educated Nurses

1. To become a nurse in Canada, one must have a nursing degree that included theoretical and clinical experience in the areas of medicine, surgery, obstetrics (maternity), pediatrics (children's nursing), psychiatry (mental health), as well as gerontology and community health. (Some territories may require additional schooling)



2. The nursing degree must have been earned after a secondary education (high school).


3. The applicant must be proficient in both written and spoken English to ensure safe nursing practice.


4. The applicant must have a nursing license in good standing in the country where the nursing degree was earned.


5. The applicant must have worked as a nurse for at least 1125 hours in the last 5 years. (Not required in some territories)

Application Process for the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE)

1. To write the CRNE and become registered in one of the provinces or territories in Canada, applicant must apply to the nursing regulatory body in that province or territory.



2. The regulatory body will provide the applicant with the application forms needed and will be informed about the application process. It will also advise the applicant of eligibility to take the CRNE and inform the same of upcoming CRNE dates in the relevant jurisdiction.

3. All authority to take the actual CRNE and become registered is given by the nursing regulatory bodies. Links to Canadian nursing regulatory bodies are found at http://www.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/about/members/provincial/default_e.aspx

Just like in the United States, application processes and requirements may differ from province to province. Completing online nursing programs and receiving a degree may not be applicable in certain areas. So, be sure to visit the individual nursing regulatory body's website when applying to sit for the CRNE.

Canadian Licensing Authorities:

Alberta - http://www.nurses.ab.ca/Carna/index.aspx

British Columbia - http://www.crnbc.ca/

Manitoba - http://www.crnm.mb.ca/

New Brunswick - http://www.nanb.nb.ca/

Newfoundland and Labrador - http://www.arnnl.nf.ca/

Northwest Territories and Nunavut - http://www.rnantnu.ca/

Nova Scotia - http://www.crnns.ca/

Ontario - http://www.cno.org/

Prince Edward Island - http://www.arnpei.ca/

Quebec - http://www.oiiq.org/

Saskatchewan - http://www.srna.org/

Yukon - http://www.yrna.ca/

Source: Canadian Nurses Association

(Thanks to Breech for article inputs and the list of links to individual licensing bodies.)

Techie Nurse of the 21st Century

Nowadays, mobile handheld gadgets like Cellphones, PDAs, and Laptops are common view. So, if you have one of these shiny little toys and want to put it to better use, then you're in luck!

Here's a list of nursing-related stuff that you could use to justify the purchase of that expensive little gadget of yours:

1. NurseCalc® - A nice little application developed by me using HTML and Javascript. It is a 4-in-1 handy online tool for Nurses and other Medical Professionals. Features include an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpreter for determination of Acid-Base Imbalances. IV Rate Calculator for determination of Intravenous Infusion Rate in mL/Hour. IV Drip Rate Calculator for determination of Intravenous Infusion Drip/Flow Rate in Drops/Minute. IV Infusion Time Calculator for determination of time needed to complete an Intravenous Infusion. Available in online (web) version and downloadable version.

Note: No purchase required. Available for free download.

Compatible with:

2. Skyscape - From medical dictionaries, clinical and drug guides to drug interaction analyzers, lab interpretations and nursing procedures manuals. They have it all. It's the library in your pocket!

Note: Purchase required. Offers free trial download.

Compatible with:

3. ePocrates - Similar to item no. 2, it offers a wide range of mobile applications for healthcare professionals ranging from medical dictionaries, integrated drugs, diseases, and diagnostics guides, and the latest medical/nursing news.

Note: Purchase required. Offers limited free downloads.

Compatible with:

4. Assorted Free Medical Apps - Includes GFR Calculator, Bicarbonate Deficit Calculator, Preventive Medicine Screener from pace-meds-apps.com

Note: No purchase required. Available for free download.

Compatible with:




More will be added to this list so be sure to bookmark this page by pressing CONTROL D on your keyboard.

Pinoy R.N. 2.0

Pinoy R.N. just got a virtual surgery... Ok, the right word is upgrade.

Actually, the upgrade is long overdue. This blog has been using the same old tired 'tic tac' template since its inception in December of 2005.

The old template had very limited feature set and was restricted to manual HTML and CSS coding whenever some tweaking was necessary. Doing back-end maintenance on the blog was both tedious and time-consuming with all the cryptic html codes.

So, this author finally took the plunge and upgraded to a newer and easier to use drag and drop template. Now with little or less time spent on back-end tweaking, Pinoy R.N. readers can expect more up-to-date nursing updates and information from this side of the world wide web.

Don't forget to vote in our poll and let us know what you think of the new Pinoy R.N.

Pinoy R.N. Blog Upgrade and Maintenance

Pinoy R.N. will be temporarily closed to internet traffic beginning midnight tonight (Sunday, March 30, 2008) to give way to blog upgrade and maintenance.

Users who are logged in before 12 midnight will still be able to access the blog as long as they do not refresh or close Pinoy R.N. on their internet browsers.

We will be back online shortly.

April 2008 Visa Bulletin Released; EB3 Dates Jump Further to July 2005

RETROGRESSION UPDATE

Here's a bit of good news for filipino nurses with approved immigrant petitions on or before July 1, 2005. The priority dates for the EB3 category, where professional nurses belong, has progressed to July 2005 from January 2005 last month.

This means that those with priority dates July 1, 2005 or earlier can expect movements on their visa processing anytime soon.


Related Link:
April 2008 Visa Bulletin

PRC Registration Schedule for New Nurses (December 2007)

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will begin the registration of new nurses (December 2007 Nurse Licensure Examination passers) on March 24, 2008 at the PRC office in Manila.

To facilitate an orderly registration, successful examinees are advised to observe the following registration schedule:

ABA, Adrian A. to ALE, Quinessa S. (March 24)

ALEGADO, Jane A. to AQUINO, Tristan L. (March 25)

AQUINO, Xenia Joy L. to BALBIN, Anna Irish Y. (March 26)

BALBIN, Jon Nelson C. to BELLO, Martin II R. (March 27)

BELLO, Mecca Angela Q. to BURGOS, Roland A. (March 28)

BURI, Karen Anson R. to CAPUNDAN, Gretchen M. (March 31)

CAPUNO, Ann Naciancina V. to CIANO, Setrina N. (April 1)

CIELO, Leonida P. to DALAYGON, Casedil D. (April 2)

DALERE, Daryl Dave T. to DELA CRUZ, Uzzielle D. (April 3)

DELA CUADRA, Eunice Mae P. to DURA, Clair M. (April 4)

DURAGO, Neniel Kate B. to FAJARDO, Stephanie R. (April 7)

FAJARDO, Vergel S. to GAMAD, Charliselle A. (April 8)

GAMAD, Honesto Jr. G. to GRANIL, Romyr Jane A. (April 10)

GRANITO, Hazel Grace L. to JABONILLO, Joyce S. (April 11)

JACA, Flora Mae G. to LANGAMON, Emerald P. (April 14)

LANGBAYAN, Gibran A. to LOPEZ, Joann N. (April 15)

LOPEZ, John Michael C. to MALLARI, Florian Edgar A. (April 16)

MALLARI, Francis Ian Q. to MEDINA, Jeden Marneleh A. (April 17)

MEDINA, Julie Jane D. to NANGLIGAN, Marilyn D. (April 18)

NANI, Al-Nash A. to ORDANZA, Ma. Angelica E. (April 21)

ORDEN, Janice M. to PARUNGAO, Melvin A. (April 22)

PARUNGAO, Nalla L. to PULIDO, Eduardo C. (April 23)

PULIDO, Pamela E. to REYES, Jera R. (April 24)

REYES, Jerome Anthony D. to SALAMAT, Sharlene Ann G. (April 25)

SALAMATIN, John Lester R. to SEMIC, Jiesylmay T. (April 28)

SEMILLA, Florence Erika B. to TACDORO, Shiela B. (April 29)

TACIO, Herbert D. to TONO, Emelou S. (April 30)

TONOG, Joeky Z. to VESAGAS, Rainier M. (May 1)

VETUS, Ralph Joshua I R. to ZUNIGA, Woodrow Rafael III M. (May 5)

ADVISORY TO JUNE 2007 NURSES

June 2007 Nurses are also advised that their CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION is now available at Window 19, Registration Division, PRC Manila.

As of March 5, available certificates:

ABALOS, Russel to FORTALIZA, Frederick.

Those who intend to claim their PRC Certificate of Registration are instructed to bring the following:

1. PRC ID (License)
2. Photocopy showing front and back of PRC ID

No fees will be collected.

(Submitted via E-mail by Noelito RN. Thanks!)