Most nurses in the Philippines seek employment overseas. Improved quality of life, better working conditions, and less workload are the top cited reasons for the motivation to migrate.
As a response, the current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a directive to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address the shortage of nurses due to migration. So in this article, we’ll check if the Philippine government is generous enough to our public nurses and see if it’s still viable to stay in the country or if is it time to explore outside.
Public nurse salary in the Philippines
These salary adjustments aim to provide fair and competitive compensation for public nurses. The new monthly pay of public nurses in the Philippines is shown in the following table:
| Position | Amount | Salary Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I | Php 36,619 | 15 |
| Nurse II | Php 39,672 | 16 |
| Nurse III | Php 43,030 | 17 |
| Nurse IV | Php 51,357 | 19 |
| Nurse V | Php 57,347 | 20 |
| Nurse VI | Php 71,511 | 22 |
| Nurse VII | Php 90,078 | 24 |
Salary Standardization Law
The Salary Standardization Law of 2019 (Republic Act 11466) is a significant factor that increased the salary of government employees, including public nurses in the Philippines.
For this year 2024, the salary grades for registered nurses (RNs) working in public hospitals in the Philippines ranged from P36,619 (Salary Grade 15) to P90,078 (Salary Grade 24). Each salary grade corresponds to a specific nurse position, such as Nurse I, Nurse II, and so on
Government vs Private Hospitals
In government or public hospitals, nurses typically receive higher salaries than their counterparts in private hospitals. Entry-level nurses in public hospitals earn P36,619 monthly while entry-level nurses in small private hospitals range from P8,000–P13,500 per month.
Despite the salary gap, private hospitals offer valuable experience for beginner nurses. They are exposed to a diverse patient population, allowing for a deeper understanding of different health needs. They also often are being provided specialized training as well.
Impact of education and license
Generally, pursuing higher levels of education and holding a valid license contribute to increased income opportunities for nurses.
The foundation of a nursing career in the Philippines starts with obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Upon completing this degree, aspiring nurses must pass the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE).
Higher salaries are typically associated with those who have successfully passed the PNLE, as it certifies their competence to practice nursing in the country.
One notable trend regarding salaries involves registered nurses pursuing graduate-level education. Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctoral degree in Nursing (Ph.D. or DNP) are eligible for specialized roles, such as nurse administrators, nurse educators, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which come with higher compensation rates.
Final thoughts
While government hospitals generally offer higher salaries for nurses compared to other professions, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Members of the Filipino Nurses United (FNU) have been pushing for a PHP 50,000 entry-level salary and massive hiring to address understaffing, among others.
Collectively recognizing and addressing issues is essential for maintaining a sustainable healthcare system and ensuring the well-being of both nurses and patients in the country.
