3,962 nurses apply for NARS program in Western Visayas
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here announced that some 3,962 nurses have expressed their interest to join the second batch of the Nurses Assigned in Rural Service (NARS) Project in Western Visayas.
Labor and Employment information officer Amy Judicpa said the region will be hiring 552 nurses; 480 to fill in the quota for the second batch and 72 to complete the deficit during the first batch.
Only 408 nurses have qualified during the first batch of the project.
Of the 3,962 applicants 1,511 were from Iloilo; 1,049, Negros Occidental; Capiz, 555; Aklan, 454; Antique, 293; and Guimaras, 100.
Judicpa said they are still accepting on-line application which will end this month. The orientation will start in September.
The NARS project is being implemented by the DOLE in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
The nurses who will be hired will be trained not only in providing basic health services to needy folks in rural areas, where medical services are mostly needed, but also in performing clinical functions under the guidance of participating hospitals in areas where the nurse-trainees will be assigned.
The nurse-trainees will be deployed at an average of five per town in 96 identified poorest municipalities in Western Visayas and will be getting an allowance of P8,000 per month for a six-month tour of duty.
The NARS Project was launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in line with the pump-priming strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of global economic slowdown. (PNA)