Korean nurses get frisked

In my hand, I hold a letter signed July 2, 2008 by Joseph C. Santos, MPH, Deputy Secretary for Hospital Administration which is cc’ed to Joseph Kevin Villagomez, MA Secretary of Public Health. From this letter addressed to Mr. Jay Kim, I quote, “Thank you for your interest in the Commonwealth Health Center and we look forward to collaborating with your company in providing meaningful internship experiences for these nurses…. Take care and I look forward to meeting your nurses when they arrive to the Commonwealth.”

I have the uncommon pleasure to spend two hours every day teaching these highly educated and highly skilled nurses in a Nursing Communication Skills course. All of these nurses were mortified to read in both papers Mr. Villagomez misquoting some of them as having been promised CHC jobs let alone internships. When Mr. Villagomez interviewed these experienced nurses all eight remaining nurses were present and listening to his questions. All of these nurses emphatically deny that any of them even suggested that there had been any promise made to them at all. All eight are unified in support and appreciation for Mr. Jay Kim who has worked and continues to work tirelessly to create a win-win opportunity for Saipan and for all involved. His commission is low when compared to commissions in Korea. I know because I have lived in Korea and worked with Korean agents. All eight emphatically deny they had to pay a special fee in order to be brought here. All eight of these “victims” only feel victimized by Mr. Villagomez’s claims.

All they ever wanted to do as part of this three-month program was to improve their English level as they VOLUNTEERED at the hospital. Eventually, they would love to actually work in the CNMI or other favorable locations abroad, but they were never guaranteed anything.

These ladies who have all passed the NCLEX have successfully applied for and paid for and received CNMI nursing licenses as recommended for them by the Department of Public Health. Hmmm, three months of free clinical help from experienced nurses—potential for a win-win here?

Also in the letter from the Dept. of Public Health was confirmed the understanding that those struggling with English “will be attending classes … to improve on those skills.” These nurses are not expecting to be put in decision making roles that could endanger patients because low English ability, but to serve in helping roles as they become familiar with the workings of a U.S. hospital.

I am willing to give Mr. Villagomez the benefit of the doubt—that he forgot about the letter, that he has the protection of these ladies at heart, and that he misunderstood some of the ladies when speaking with them. I know this will all work out, but there is no doubt that we have had another frisking episode on island that needs to be apologized for and mended soon.