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The number of Filipino nurses seeking to practice their profession in the United States fell by 28 percent in the first quarter compared to a year ago, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said in a news release.

Only 3,024 Filipino nurses took the NCLEX for the first time from January to March, down 1,170 from 4,194 in the same quarter of 2009, according to TUCP secretary general and former senator Ernesto Herrera.

The NCLEX refers to the licensure examination administered by the US National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc.

"We are around 2006 levels in terms of the number of Filipino nurses taking the NCLEX for the first time and indicating their desire to enter the US nursing profession," said Herrera, former chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development.

Herrera said many recession-hit American employers are still reluctant to hire additional skilled foreign workers, including nurses.

"Instead of recruiting new practitioners, many American hospitals are simply asking their existing nursing staff to work extra," Herrera said.

With the American economy still emerging from a deep slowdown, Herrera said local governments there are struggling to cope with massive tax revenue shortfalls and stiff budget cuts.

"In the case of community hospitals and nursing homes run by state and city governments there, they are definitely reeling from funding constraints," Herrera said. - PDI

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