DOH encourages underboard nurses to take free nursing review program

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday urged underboard nurses to sign up for the free Special Nursing Review Program (SNRP) now being offered.

DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said underboard nurses who will take advantage of the initiative will not only increase their chances of passing the Nurse Licensure Examination but also allow them to contribute to public health while in training.

The SNRP recently launched by the Health Department provides free review classes and temporary hospital work opportunities for underboard nurses preparing to retake the licensure exam.

In an interview on GMA’s Unang Balita, Domingo said the initiative was created in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2023 directive to support nurses who have not yet passed the board.

“Meron tayong Special Nursing Preview Program. Iyan ay handog ng ating Department of Health. Kung maaalala natin noong 2023, nag-utos ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. na dapat ang mga nurses natin na under board na hindi makakuha ng trabaho muna ay sana’y matulungan," he said.

(We have the Special Nursing Preview Program, offered by the Department of Health. If we recall, in 2023 President Marcos Jr. directed that underboard nurses who cannot find work yet should be assisted.) 

Employment while reviewing

Under the program, underboard nurses can work as Clinical Care Associates (CCA) in DOH or local government hospitals while preparing for their next board exam attempt.

“Kapag kayo ay CCA, habang kayo ay nagre-ready para makapag-retake, sila’y binibigyan muna ng employment or engagement sa any DOH or kahit sa LGU hospital habang nag-aaral," he said. 

(When you become a CCA, while you prepare for your retake, you are given employment or engagement in a DOH or even an LGU hospital while studying.)

The DOH said the program helps participants improve their skills through hands-on hospital experience, while also providing much-needed manpower to health facilities.

“Pinakaparaan nito ay para bang ang skills nila ay tumataas, nagkakaroon sila ng practical experience tapos magbo-board exam sila. Libre na ang review sa DOH," he added. 

(This way, their skills improve, they gain practical experience, and then they take the board exam. The review provided by DOH is free.) 

To apply to DOH hospitals, interested parties are advised to coordinate with the Chief Nurse while those seeking positions in local government unit (LGU) hospitals should reach out to Training Specialists (TS) of their Centers for Health Development (CHDs).

Interested graduates have until September 5, 2025 to submit their applications here: bit.ly/SNRPforms. —KG, GMA Integrated News