How Much To Become A Nurse? What Will I Make As An Overseas Nurse?

There are a lot of questions about becoming a nurse abroad. First of all though, we'll have to start with asking the preliminary ones about becoming a nurse first. Here in Cebu, there are now so many nursing schools. Everybody thinks it's the next "get-rich, go-abroad" opportunity.

So here's the breakdown of how much it will cost you to 'become' a nurse first (from ABS-CBN News)

A nursing college education costs at least P300,000. But that’s not all. After finishing the four-year course, there are fees and other expenses for a series of qualifying exams.

Take the board exams today. Prior to taking these tests, nursing students spent around P10,000-P15,000 for review centers. Hundreds of pesos were shelled out for reviewer materials. They also paid a P900 exam fee.

Those who want to work in the United States, which is the dream destination for many nursing students, have to spend around P19,000-P25,000 to review for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a standardized qualifying test.

But before they can take the NCLEX, they need to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and English proficiency tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), to secure a CGFNS Certification Program Certificate.

Passing the CGFNS test is one of the requirements for an occupational visa in the US. Taking it means shelling out around $450 or around P19,000. In addition, the IELTS costs around P8,000.

Of course, there’s tuition to begin with, which ranges from P50,000 to P80,000 per semester.

That's a total of half a million pesos just to become a registered nurse eligible to work abroad.

But this is pretty good if you can get the job you want abroad. Nurses in the US with a one-year experience have a median salary of $50,000, or around P2 million. In Saudi Arabia, compensation for staff nurses ranges from $23,000 - $33,000, or around P1 million a year.

So after a year of working, you'll more or less make up for the cost of the entire nursing course. That is of course if you're prudent with the money you've earned. Because it also means foreign rate expenses when you work abroad.

Tips And Advice For US-bound Nurses. Essentials For Filipino Nurses Who Want To Work Abroad

Here are tips for US bound nurses by Danny Fernandez of OFWGuide Forum

Get Your Social Security Number (SSN): It is important to apply for SSN upon arriving in the US at the Social Security Office near your place of deployment. You may seek the help of the Human Resource Department of the hospital where you will work. Most State Boards requires the SSN to get your permanent nurse license, be a registered rurse and practice your profession. Without the SSN, you may not be able to secure your license and will not be allowed to work. Securing SSN takes between 10 to 30 working days while the processing for the RN License takes 30 to 90 days.

Don’t Overspend: The contract you signed in the Philippines may include a clause stating that for the first 90 days of your stay in US, the hiring hospital will provide for your needs and you will receive an allowance or stipend. The usual stipend is USD 1500 to USD 2000.

The stipend may seem like a large amount but the truth is, it will barely cover your expenses. Normally, the accommodation they provide is a one-room apartment with free water and electricity. It has a stove, ref, sofa, TV, and a bed. You need to buy your utensils, plates, spoon, fork, bed sheets, food, and other personal items. Some hospitals have these things included in the package but some do not. It is a must to inquire about these matter to your agency. You need to spend frugally until you earn your first paycheck. Until then, you have to live with the stipend unless you brought some pocket money before leaving the Philippines.

Learn to Drive in the Philippines: If you can, you need to learn to drive and secure a driving license in the Philippines. Knowing how to drive in the US is not a luxury but a necessity. There are public transport facilities available but it is very time consuming and inconvenient to wait for buses, and taxis at times. When you have a Philippine driver’s license, some State allows you to drive for one year as long as your license is valid. Another thing is, if you provide a Philippine driver’s license when you apply for a driver’s License in the US, you are exempted to take the drug test. On top of these, you will also have a big edge in passing the driving test. It is also lot easier and less expensive to learn to drive in the Philippines than learning it in the US.

Learn about the US Hospital Environment: The Philippine Hospital environment is totally different from those in the US, from the way they treat their patients, the patients themselves, the equipment used, and the procedures. Don't be fooled of the patient-nurse ratio of five patients to one nurse in the US against forty patients to one nurse in the Philippines. The procedure necessary for you to handle five patients in the US exceeds the procedure in handling forty patients in the Philippines. The documentations alone consumes so much time. You need to be ready for this. Orientation period is usually six weeks (on the floor) after the classroom orientation. You need focus and alertness on the work floor. It appears that it is during the orientation that you will experience difficulty but will soon get use to it in no time.

Practice Talking and Listening in English: You need to be adept in English comprehension. This should be easy because Filipinos are very good in English. However, the way Americans speak English is different from the way we do in terms of pronunciation and accent. Many foreign nurses find it difficult to understand doctor’s orders. The key solution is practice. The more you practice, the easier it would be for you.

Image from Philamllc.com

Job Openings - 1/27/08

Available job openings in the Philippines care of Philippinejobs.ph

	| Position	| Company
.
	| Human Resource & Admin Assistant	| WS Pacific Publications, Inc.
	| Retail Outlet Supervisor	| WS Pacific Publications, Inc.
	| Internal Auditor	| WS Pacific Publications, Inc.
	| Training Officer	| Aficionado Germany Perfume
	| HR Assistant	| Aficionado Germany Perfume
	| Creative Artist	| Aficionado Germany Perfume
	| Ads & Promo Assistant	| Aficionado Germany Perfume
	| Systems Analyst	| Aficionado Germany Perfume
	| Store Managers	| Gap Clothing
	| Merchandising Assistants	| Gap Clothing
	| Visual Merchandising Supervisor	| Gap Clothing
	| Call Center Agents	| OneWorld Call Center
	| Print & Web Graphic Designers	| OneWorld Call Center
	| Project Manager	| Synovate Healthcare
	| Senior Researcher / Researcher	| Synovate Healthcare
	| Medical Researchers / Interviewers	| Synovate Healthcare
	| System Administrator	| Honda Philippines, Inc.
	| Staff Engineer	| Honda Philippines, Inc.
	| Company Nurse	| Honda Philippines, Inc.
	| Finance Clerk	| Honda Philippines, Inc.
	| Quality Assurance Staff	| Gardenia Bakeries
	| Accounting Staff	| Gardenia Bakeries
	| Training Supervisor	| Gardenia Bakeries
	| Systems Administrator / Programmer	| Gardenia Bakeries
	| Spa Manager	| Mandarin Oriental Hotel
	| Restaurant Manager	| Mandarin Oriental Hotel
	| Recruitment Manager	| Mandarin Oriental Hotel
	| Assistant Restaurant Managers	| Mandarin Oriental Hotel
	| Account Manager	| Mandarin Oriental Hotel
	| Waiters / Waitresses / Cashiers	| Mandarin Oriental Hotel
	| VB Analysts / Programmers	| Integrated Solutions Technology
	| ASP.Net Developers	| Integrated Solutions Technology
	| QA Analysts	| Integrated Solutions Technology
	| Technical Writers	| Integrated Solutions Technology

Healthcare and Medical Job Openings - 1/18/2008

Healthcare and Medical Jobs Openings and Career Opportunities care of Bestjobs.ph as of 1/18/2008

1. - Spa Therapist Job Requirements: > Female > Not over 35 years old > Preferably with related work experience > Fresh Graduates are welcome to apply > Personable & presentable > Hygienic, Customer-oriented & responsible > Punctual (The company is very particular with lates & absences Location: White Plains. Quezon City - Manila Salary: n/a Date: 16 January 2008

2. - Healthcare Registration Healthcare Registration Introduction We are a neuroscience group practice owned by a clinical research organization with offices in Metro Manila. We have a full time opening in healthcare registration. Responsibilities Duties include phone coverage, registering patients by entering demographic and insurance information into our practice management system, verifying insurance coverage, scheduling patient’s appointments and charge submission. Qualifications At least 3 years experience required in ..... (continued) Location: Pasig City - Manila Salary: start at 25,000 Date: 15 January 2008

3. - Healthcare Accounts Receivable Healthcare Accounts Receivable Manager Introduction We are clinical research company and also own a neuroscience group practice with an entry to mid management level opening to manage our accounts receivables for our healthcare division. This is a full-time position and you will be trained on our integrated medical-practice management system. Responsibilities Duties include researching payment histories, contacting patients and insurance carriers for payment, reviewing EOBs and quickly resolving ..... (continued) Location: Pasig City - Manila Salary: starts at 30,000 Date: 15 January 2008

4. - Clinical Research Sales Rep Exodon is a clinical research company specializing in patient recruitment services. We are based in northwestern New Jersey, USA with offices in Metro Manila. Clinical Research Services Consultant (CRSC) is the title Exodon uses for a clinical research sales representative as this position requires both sales experience and preferably clinical research expertise. The qualified candidate will play a critical role in enrolling data suppliers, i.e., medical practices, hospitals, and compaines having access ..... (continued) Location: Samplaoc - Manila Salary: 25,000 per month Date: 15 January 2008

5. - Radiologic Technologist A highly motivated young female radiographer with a BS degree in radiologic technology and at least three years of experience in routine radiology procedures. Advanced modalities are a plus. Must speake good english. Must be available immediatly if selected. Location: Saudi Arabia - Abroad Salary: Negotiable Date: 30 December 2007

6. - UroLoGiST Diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders of genitourinary organs and tract: Examines patient, using x-ray machine, fluoroscope, and other equipment to aid in determining nature and extent of disorder or injury. Treats patient, using diathermy machine, catheter, cystoscope, radium emanation tube, and similar equipment. Performs surgery, as indicated. Prescribes and administers urinary antiseptics to combat infection. At least 5 Years Experience as Urologist Location: Republic of Maldives - Abroad Salary: 1800-2200 US $ Date: 20 December 2007

7. - Radiologist (Physician/Doctor) Diagnoses and treats diseases of human body, using x-ray and radioactive substances: Examines internal structures and functions of organ systems, making diagnoses after correlation of x-ray findings with other examinations and tests. Treats benign and malignant internal and external growths by exposure to radiation from x-rays, high energy sources, and natural and manmade radioisotopes directed at or implanted in affected areas of body. Administers radiopaque substances by injection, orally, or as enemas to ..... (continued) Location: Manila - Abroad Salary: 1800-2200 US $ Date: 20 December 2007

8. - Nurse Our client is urgently looking to sponsor Registered Nurses from the Philippines that have or will pass the NCLEX exam, IELTS exam and also apply for the Visa Screen certification. They are seeking to recruit the following amount of nurses: 25 nurses Labor and Delivery/ Midwifery 30 nurses Medical/ Surgical 25 nurses Emergency Room 25 nurses Intensive Care Unit or Critical Care Unit 25 nurses Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 20 nurses ..... (continued) Location: United States of America - Abroad Salary: Negotiable Date: 20 December 2007

9. - Medical Representative graduate of medical course Male/ Female 23-50 w/ experience Location: Manila - Manila Salary: Minimum + Commission Date: 3 December 2007

10. - Med. Tech Licensed Medical Technologist; Male / Female; willing to be assigned at Subic Bay Freeport Location: Olongapo City - Zambales Salary: negotiable Date: 9 November 2007

11. - Cashier Preferably with cashiering experience in a healthcare service industry; Not necessarily an accounting graduate Location: Quezon City - Manila Salary: negotiable Date: 9 November 2007

12. - Collection Staff (Call Center) Can handle the basic responsibility of collecting all outstanding receivables thru phone calls. - Male or Female / 21-28 years old., preferably single, with pleasing personality. - Graduate of BS Accountancy - Excellent communication and customer/interpersonal skills. - Proficient in computer. Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

13. - Collection Staff (Medical Collectibles) Can handle the basic responsibility of printing, monitoring and reporting medical collectibles collection letter. - Male or Female / 21 - 28 years of age, preferably single, with pleasing personality. - Graduate of BS Accountancy - Proficient in computer Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

14. - Sales Account Officer - Male / Female; 20 - 35 years old. - Graduate of BSBA Management, BS Marketing or any allied medical course. - Excellent verbal and written communication. - Proficient in computer (Word, Excel & Powerpoint) With inclination in establishing a career in sales Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

15. - Claims Processor - Male or Female / 21 - 30 years old., preferably Single with pleasing personality - Graduate of BS Nursing or any equivalent paramedical science course. - Excellent oral and written skills - computer literate - with sense of responsibility - keen on details and systematic - Responsible for receiving and processing professional fees of doctors. Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

16. - Billing Staff Can handle the basic responsibility of preparing initial billing statements and porcess refund of membership fees of cancelled members. - Male or Female / 21-28 years old. - Graduate of BS Accountancy or any related business course. - Excellent communication and customer/interpersonal skills. - Computer Literate - Fresh graduates are also welcome to apply. Location: Pasig City - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

17. - Accounting Staff - Has the primary responsibility of typing the corresponding checks of various vouchers in payment for hospital bills, reimbursements, commissions and other bills. - Can handle the basic responsibility of releasing checks and segregating attachments of hospital bills and professional fees, safe keeping of all checks and original documents of checks released and paying miscellaneous bills. - Female or Male 22-28 years old - BS Accountancy Graduate - Excellent verbal and written communication. - Computer ..... (continued) Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

18. - Posting Staff - Male or Female / 22 - 28 years old, preferably single, with pleasing personality. - Graduate of BS Accountancy - Excellent communication and customer/interpersonal skills. - Computer literate - Can handle the basic responsibility of issuing official receipts and other related tasks. Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

19. - Direct Sales Staff Conducts orientations for accounts closed by the Sales and Marketing Department, the Office of the COO and the Office of the SVP - Operations. - female / 21 - 28 years old. - Graduate of BSBA Management or any 4-year business or medical related course - Excellent communication and customer/interpersonal skills. - Computer Literate - Experience in health insurance is an advantage - Willing to travel and do field work. Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008

20. - In-House Liaison Officer The In-House Liaison Officer has the responsibility in assisting all clients in all of their inquiry. They are responsible in keeping the customer’s satisfaction at all times. - Male or Female / 21-28 years of age, preferably single, with pleasing personality. - Graduate of BS Nursing or any 4-year medical course - Excellent communication and customer/ interpersonal skills - Computer Literate - Professional License Holder is an advantage Location: Pasig - Manila Salary: confidential Date: 18 January 2008