For years, Filipino nurses have earned a global reputation for their excellent performance in the field of healthcare. This is one of the reasons why the Philippines is considered the largest exporter of nursing professionals worldwide. As the nation supplies around 25% of overseas nurses.
The main reason for this is that Filipino global nurses are recognized for their outstanding skills and compassionate approach towards their patients. So, let’s dive deeper into how Filipino nurses stand out internationally as well as the challenges they face in their home country, and why their contributions to healthcare systems worldwide have become vital.
The Key Traits of a Filipino Nurse
One of the defining qualities of Filipino nurses overseas is their deep sense of compassion and dedication to their patient’s well-being. Many relate this to the Filipino value called malasakit or simply caring for others. A trait that is carried on by Filipinos to this day.
This sense of empathy is highly valued in healthcare because it helps with connecting and building relationships with patients, making Filipino nurses particularly effective in high-stress environments like clinics and hospitals. According to a comment from the Nursing Director at World Citi Medical Center (WCMC) in Manila, Everette C. Zafe, studies have shown that patient satisfaction increases significantly once patients are under the care of Filipino nurses.
Other than their compassionate approach, Filipino nurses are well known for their strong work ethic. Many experienced working long hours and taking on challenging shifts. This characteristic was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic where Filipino nurses were often found facing the health crisis head-on.
High-Level English Proficiency
Another key advantage Filipino global nurses have over nurses from other countries is their high level English proficiency. This makes it easier for them to work in English-speaking countries like the UK, US, and Canada. The Philippines’ education system including English as a primary medium of study is what allows Filipino nurses to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
Moreover, Filipino nurses are trained and usually study with a curriculum that closely resembles Western standards, which eases their transition into healthcare systems abroad. They continue to excel and contribute significantly to patient care with this factor alone.
Challenges at Home and the Rising Demand Abroad
While Filipino nurses have a high demand internationally, the Philippines is facing a nursing shortage at home. Low wages and limited career growth are the most common reasons why these issues exist. This prompts nurses to find employment abroad where salaries and benefits are significantly better. What is known as the “nursing exodus” has left the Philippines with a substantial gap in the local healthcare system, leading to an estimated shortage of 127,000 nurses back in 2023.
To address this, the Philippine government has created programs that aim to retain local nurses. This includes improvement in working conditions and more competitive salaries. However, most Filipino nurses still prefer working abroad because of the financial stability and career growth it provides which are difficult to achieve at home.
At home or abroad, Filipino nurses are valued. This is why the Philippines has a solidified reputation when it comes to the profession and hopefully, we can provide the nurses with enough benefits to honor their invaluable contributions to the country itself.
