DOLE opens Web site for nursing exams reviewers

After reaching a deal with 29 schools last weekend, the Labor Department is now setting up a website to help successful examinees of the leakage-marred June 2006 nursing board tests register for review courses to retake the exams. Radio dzBB reported Monday that those who want to avail of the review can go to the site (specialnursingreview.dole.gov.ph) and register there. But as of Monday morning, a check of the website showed visitors will have to enter usernames and passwords to access it, or be denied access to it. It was not immediately clear if successful examinees were given usernames or passwords to access the site. On the other hand, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Carlito Puno said "all systems are go" for the free review courses. "All systems are go. Maari na magsimula as soon as possible ang nurses na gusto mag-review (All systems are go. They can start registering for the review)," he told dzBB radio. Last Saturday, the DOLE and Association of Deans of Philippine College of Nursing (ADCPN) agreed to give free special review classes for the June 2006 nursing board passers. The seven-page agreement inked between DOLE and ADCPN officials identifies the 29 nursing schools nationwide that would offer reviews free of charge for the nurses who would want to take the voluntary review of Test 3 and 5. "Centers of Excellence" schools chosen include UP Manila and University of Sto. Tomas in Metro Manila; St. Louis University in Baguio City, St. Paul University in region II, St. Paul University in Iloilo, Siliman University in region 8, Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro in region 10 and San Pedro College in Davao for region XI. Test 3 relates to Care of Clients with Psychological Alterations (Psychiatric Nursing) and shall require 40 hours of review classes while Test 5 relates to Care of Clients with Physiologic and Psychosocial Alterations (Medical Surgical Nursing) and requires 24 hours of review classes. Under the agreement, the fees for the review classes were waived and DOLE will provide P1,200 assistance per enrolled reviewee. The examination fee has likewise been waived for those who will avail of the voluntary retake, which will take place in June and December. Registration will start on March 21 until April 4 and classes will start on April 16 up to June 3. Brion said a minimum of 80 to a maximum of 100 reviewees will be accommodated per class but this is on a "first come, first served" basis. There are 17,000 nursing students that have been affected by the controversies and Brion said they expect 15,000 to retake and undergo review. - GMANews.TV