Question & AnswerQ&A (PNP CIRCULAR NO. 2008-006)
The circular prescribes the guidelines and procedures governing and regulating the conduct of specialty training of PNP nurses to enhance their professional growth in various fields of nursing care.
PNP nurses refer to Police Commissioned Officers (PCO), Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO), and Nurse Uniformed Personnel (NUP) assigned with the Health Service.
Specialty Training embraces the training of PNP nurses in any of the various fields of nursing care enumerated in the circular, such as Clinical Areas Nursing, Flight Nursing, Diabetic Nursing, and others.
The policy is to institutionalize a uniform and standard system of selecting candidates based on the seniority lineal list and their potential for professional growth, ensuring equal opportunity to avail of training.
Since the PNP Health Service does not have necessary facilities, qualified nurses undergo specialty training as On-the-Job Training (OJT) in accredited private and government hospitals, and subsequently render OJT at the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH).
Qualifications include having a permanent appointment certified by the CSC, no pending cases, at least three years in service, physical and mental fitness, willingness to be assigned as needed, no outstanding financial obligations for previous grants, and no pending scholarship applications.
The number of specialty trainees shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total nurse's strength.
Depending on the duration of training, the return service ranges from six months to four years. If the nurse fails to satisfy this obligation for reasons within their control, they must refund all expenses incurred by the PNP.
Trainees are entitled to a daily training subsistence allowance of Thirty Pesos (P30.00) and a monthly allowance of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) for instructional materials, subject to availability of funds.
Valid grounds include sickness or incapacity certified by the Chief PNPGH or Regional Health Officer, filing of criminal or administrative cases that prevent attendance, death of immediate family members when presence is necessary, and disasters or calamities affecting the trainee or immediate family.
The Chief, PNP approves specialty training upon the recommendation of the Chairman, PNP Nurse Specialty Training Board through the Director, PNP Health Service.
The trainee must refund all expenses incurred by the PNP for the specialty training. The refund may be charged against benefits due to the trainee, such as salary and allowances, and may lead to further legal action.
Academic break or leave is not considered a special leave. Approved academic breaks are deducted from the nurse's cumulative leave credits based on the duration of the course.
The Chief maintains records, monitors the status of trainees, submits performance reports, and coordinates the program of instructions for upgrading qualification standards of PNP nurses.
The circular takes effect fifteen (15) days after filing a copy with the University of the Philippines Law Center in accordance with Executive Order No. 292, as amended.