Inos proclaims June 22-28 CNMI Nurses Week

With over 180 nurses at the Commonwealth Health Center, the hospital’s nursing workforce is now considered stable and within standard, according to Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. CEO Esther L. Muna.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Jude Hofschneider, seated center, pose with Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. staff and officials during a proclamation ceremony Friday at the hospital. The governor endorsed June 22-28 as CNMI Nurses Week. (Moneth G. Deposa)

She conceded, though, that the hospital still needs more nurses but this is primarily due to the increasing number of patients at CHC.

Muna disclosed Friday that the corporation has over 180 nurses—a significant increase from over 160 in previous months. The growth is attributed to the newly absorbed graduates from both the Northern Marianas College’s nursing program, the Nursing Assistants Program at the Saipan Southern High School, and a few local hires.

“We now have 180 onboard so I can say our ratio is stable for now, which means it’s within U.S. standards. Nurses are very essential in the healthcare services we provide at CHC whether in prevention or treatment side,” Muna told Saipan Tribune.

On Friday, Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider jointly proclaimed the week of June 22 to 28 as CNMI Nurses Week.

With the theme “Nurses Light the Way with Heart and Passion,” both officials urged everyone in the Commonwealth to join in honoring nurses by celebrating their accomplishments and efforts to improve the healthcare system.

“Congratulations for another year of good work! I know the corporation since its inception has been challenged by many issues but I know that the management is working very hard to make the necessary improvements and our administration is working closely with the CEO and everyone else,” Inos told the crowd composed mostly of nurses at the public hospital.

Inos assured that his administration will continue to provide support for the hospital’s workforce, whom he credited for taking good care of patients. He also recognized the pivotal role being played by nurses in private clinics.

According to Muña, CHCC—being the largest employer of nurses on island—fully recognizes the critical service provided by the nursing workforce in the effective delivery of quality healthcare. Because most nurses at CHC are off-island hires, she is encouraging U.S. citizens to pursue the nursing profession to augment the continuing and future needs of the only public hospital on island.

Muña said nurses deserve to be honored and celebrated for the many good things they are doing for the sick. She lauded the commitment and dedication of the workforce in fulfilling their duties despite challenges.

Lineup of activities

CNMI Nursing Association vice president Jordan Danao shared the lineup of activities for the weeklong celebration.

Last Saturday, the association spearheaded the “Fun Run with Colors,” which brought over 100 participants to the event that started at 6am involving the stretch from the Minatchom Atdao Pavilion to the Triple J Motors area.

Yesterday, June 22, nurses joined together in a mini-triathlon at Micro Beach beginning at 5:30am. Following this event was a special Mass held for CNMI Nurses at San Antonio Church. A whole-day sportsfest continued after the Mass.

An outreach program is slated this week where nurses will provide free health screenings at the Tuesday and Thursday markets at the Garapan Fishing Base beginning at 4pm.

A convention is also lined up on June 28 at the Hyatt Regency Saipan, scheduled from 8am through 12 noon.

The weeklong occasion will be capped by the traditional “Nurses Ball” to be held at Hard Rock Café beginning at 7pm.

According to Danao, this year marks the biggest membership in the CNMI Nursing Association, with 80 active members mostly from the public hospital.

After Friday’s proclamation ceremony, Danao, a registered nurse, vowed that the association will continue to demonstrate professionalism in their jobs.

If there’s one thing the association hopes for, Danao said it is to see an influx of more nurses to the islands in order to meet the demand for services in both public hospital and private health clinics.

In the proclamation, it was disclosed that the demand for nurses will be greater than ever because of the aging population, the continuing expansion of life-sustaining technology, and the explosive growth of home care services.