The new government program for nurses called NARS (Nurses Assigned in Rural Service) would equip hired candidates with training in public health functions and important clinical tasks. According to the Department of labor and Employment (DOLE), the opportunity would make the nurses qualified and competitive in local hospitals and in time even to foreign employers.

The secretary of DOLE, Marianito D. Roque said that the NARS scheme would provide not only employment but training in basic health services to disadvantaged people in rural areas. Nurses to be hired under the program would also be able to perform clinical duties. They will be under the guidance of participating hospitals in the areas where they will be assigned.

Hospitals and medical providers that would be included in the NARS program would be determined by the Department of Health (DOH).

Creation of the training module and related earning and development activities of the NARS program would also be the responsibility of the DOH. In doing this, the government agency would be working with Board of Nursing (BON) of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

The training of nurses to participate in the NARS program would also be supervised by DOH. After the training, the skills and knowledge of the nurses will be assessed by PRC-BON to make sure that they are well equipped to work in local and foreign medical institutions.

The Labor secretary emphasized that the NARS program would be helpful both for the nurses and rural folks so the money that will be used in its implementation will not be put to waste. While nurses would be able to get the work experience they cannot get in urban hospitals, people in the loorest municipalities of the country areas would get much needed medical assistance.  

A Certificate of Completion by the DOLE, DOH and PRC would be given to nurses who would successfully complete the program.

Nursing graduates who have passed the local board exam are invited to apply for the NARS program. They may apply online at http//www.nars.dole.gov.ph or visit the nearest DOLE regional office from 23 February 2009 to 31 March 2009.

Other requirements:

Must be physically and mentally fit

Willing to be assigned in rural areas

With valid nurse license issued by the PRC

Not over 35 years old

Resident of the identified municipalities

No nursing-related practice for 1-3 years.