INTELLECTUAL MASTURBATION

raging_ritch

Nursing is now at its peak. Even in the University, it seems that it is inevitable that they have to expand the College of Nursing. The Perfecto 7^th floor Chemistry Laboratories are now for Nursing Level II. The SLU Hospital of the Sacred Heart expanded to the former men’s dorm.

All these improvements are done to create a more suitable learning environment for their students and not to forget, accommodate the growing population of the College of Nursing. However, rest assured, you still get the quality education you are paying for (?).

In a few months, another batch of Pinoy Nightingales will soon enter the real world. I began to wonder, why all of a sudden, nursing became so in demand-or say ‘uso’. Like mushrooms in the once barren field, nursing schools and review centers are suddenly everywhere. My question is “WHY?” Money, I guess. Money for both the institutions and the soon-to-be nurses may be a real good reason.

Before I go further, let us take a look at the Profile of a Pinoy Nightingale. What is it that this particular race of nurses has? Some say, Pinoy Nurses are hardworking, caring and patient.

Pinoy Nurses with TLC (tender loving care) is what we usually hear. Gone were those days, I believe. Let us look at what we see now.

Yes, Pinoys are good at caring for people especially at the rate of $25 per hour (and above)that would be worth it, certainly, you would not be earning that in the Philippines not unless you plan to become a ‘lord’—jueteng lord, gambling lord, or drug lord.

Yes, Pinoys are hard working especially if the price is right, Pinoys would gladly do the work. Yes, Pinoys have the patience for everything especially if he knows that you are paying him substantially. These are just few reasons why people are taking up Nursing.

Bottom line, pursuing Nursing is no different than many Filipino’s wish to live the AMERICAN DREAM.

I cannot blame others if they do want a “greener pasture”. Green enough that it attracts professionals earning enough for them to take a second look at Nursing.

What really mad me laugh was when I heard my father say that Medicine is now the new PRE-NURSING course. I told myself, when money does really talk, everyone listens. This just proves one thing; money REALLY makes the (material) world go ‘round.

Show them the money! Mabilis pa sa alas-kuwatro ang Pinoy. It’s all about the money. Sad but true.

“Kung ako sa iyo, mag-Nursing ka na rin para pagkatapos mo alis ka na agad ng PIlipinas.” I heard that from a conversation of students in my jeepney ride to school. Ouch! I pity the humble profession for being abused. If Florence Nightingale would have been alive, she could have hunted them down for putting down the profession.

However, what struck me most is that phrase: “pagkatapos mo alis ka na agad ng Pilipinas” because it is as if the Philippines is the worst place in the world that they need an immediate escape. Yes, the Philippines may be at its lowest right now but I still believe that there is still hope for this country to get back to its feet and lead the race.

I still love this country even though its politics is as crazy as hell. Even if the highest seat in the land is the target of many and the current person seated on that throne is not moving an inch. I still love the Philippines even if its economy is sinking fast yet all the prices of products and services are increasing almost day after day.

And even if the people of this country are putting one over the other, I still love this beautiful archipelago.  To the people like the students in the jeepney, please have the decency to respect both the Nursing Profession and the Philippines that took you in her arms.

I am a student nurse, I don’t deny that fact though it is on a need to know basis. With God’s grace, I will soon be marching to the beat of my own drum after March 2006.

I am not saying that I am not considering the idea of working abroad as a nurse. Most of my paternal relatives are abroad and are encouraging me to go and work overseas.

Maybe I will go work for a few years and then come back to the Philippines and teach the next generation of Nightingales or maybe I will venture into business and finally become a tycoon, who knows. Maybe I will be working using a second degree.

Maybe.

My life is still starting and who knows where it leads me. One thing is sure though, I will never wear that white uniform for the rest of my life.

Leaving the Philippines is not a matter of choice; it is coming back that is.