17 CHC nurses resign

Seventeen nurses at the Commonwealth Health Center have officially tendered their resignations in the last few weeks, heightening fears of a manpower shortage at the hospital in coming months.

Saipan Tribune learned that a total of 17 nurses stationed in various sections and units at the hospital have turned in their notices, most of them effective after 90 days. Sources said that more nurses are expected to follow suit.

The main reason cited by many of these outgoing nurses is their desire to withdraw their retirement contributions, which can only happen if they separate from government service. The Commonwealth’s pension program is on the verge of collapse and is currently projected to last only up to about three years if no solution is identified.

The many uncertainties at the hospital have also played a role in the en masse departure of nurses, including the delayed payroll, housing perks that have been on hold for five months now, the untimely release of personnel allotments, the lack of assurance and support from government, and most importantly the lack of medical tools and supplies to effectively carry out their duties.

Saipan Tribune learned that of the 17 who tendered their resignations, four are from the hospital’s hemodialysis unit. Three nurses also quit their posts at the medical and surgical section. The obstetrics and gynaecology unit will be losing two nurses, while the intensive care unit will lose one.

Other hospital units that will be losing one nurse each are pediatrics, transitional living center, labor and delivery unit, neo-natal intensive care unit, emergency room, women’s care clinic, and family care clinic.

Saipan Tribune obtained the names of the nurses who are leaving but decided not to publish them to protect their privacy.

CHC had 167 nursing staff when the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. took over the operations of the hospital in October 2011.

In an interview with CHC nursing director Leticia Reyes in late March, she admitted that many nurses have already verbalized their intention to resign.

Some nurses, meantime, told Saipan Tribune that they are still waiting for some positive developments at CHC and will make their decision by the end of their contracts in November. Most employment contracts of nurses at CHC will expire in November.