SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has refiled a measure aimed at promoting the welfare of aspiring nurses by proposing amendments to further improve Republic Act No. 9173, or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.

The proposed Advanced Nursing Education Act underscores Go’s commitment to strengthening the nursing profession and enhancing the global standing of Filipino nurses.

Go acknowledged the world-class reputation of Filipino nurses but lamented that the current system places too much emphasis on producing graduates for immediate overseas employment, rather than building local expertise and leadership.

He argued that advanced nursing education programs would open more opportunities for Filipino nurses through leadership roles, specialization, and increased capabilities in research and education.

“Advanced nursing education programs can further catapult our nurses to realize greater opportunities through leadership roles, specialization in specific practice areas, and recognition in research and advanced nursing education,” he said.

Go added that the development of graduate-level programs would benefit not only nurses but also educational institutions responding to a growing demand for advanced nursing education.

By institutionalizing such programs, Go envisions the Philippines as a regional leader in nursing expertise.

“By introducing a new dimension to local nursing education and tapping into previously unexplored areas, we can elevate our country’s status as a producer of leaders and experts in the field of nursing,” he said.

The measure proposes amendments to Section 25 of RA 9173, redefining nursing education to include both basic and graduate programs under the governance of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

It calls for the establishment of a Basic Nursing Education Program focused on community integration, immersion, and adherence to national core competency standards, with admission contingent on passing a National Nursing Admission Test.

A key feature of the measure is the creation of a Graduate Nursing Education Program as a post-baccalaureate track designed to build on the experience of practicing nurses and develop their leadership, research, and teaching skills.