Law Summary
Requirements on Related Learning Experience (RLE)
The RLE includes clinical exposure through direct participation in nursing activities. Specific quantitative requirements are set for various clinical tasks:
- Major scrubs assisted: 5 cases (with allowance for 2 complex cases such as brain surgery).
- Minor scrubs assisted: 5 cases (minor surgeries), with no substitution by major scrubs.
- Deliveries handled: 5 cases, one student per patient.
- Deliveries assisted: 5 cases, one student per patient.
- Cord dressing performed: 5 cases, one student per newborn.
- Surgical cases must vary in type.
- A clinical rotation record must be attached for second-degree nursing courses.
Sequencing of Nursing Curricular Subjects
The prescribed sequence ensures foundational courses are completed before professional nursing subjects and their corresponding RLE. The sequencing follows CHED Memorandum No. 30, series 2001:
- Completion of Health Care I and II, Health Economics, Science Technology and Society (STS), Health Ethics, and mandated subjects like NSTP prior to professional nursing courses.
- Professional nursing courses and their RLE hours are specifically scheduled across semesters and summer terms to ensure continuity:
- Health Care I & II precede foundational and specialized nursing courses.
- Total RLE hours required sum to 2,142 hours.
- Deans are responsible for enforcing proper sequencing.
Documentation of Educational Degrees and Memberships
All RLE and curricular documents must be signed and notarized by authorized school officials, evidencing their qualifications:
- Signatories include Clinical Coordinators, Chief Nurses, and Deans.
- These officials must provide their educational degrees, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license numbers with validity, and membership details in the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) or the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN).
- RLE reports must be accompanied by photocopies of case or surgical slips.
School Recognition and Accreditation Status
The institution's recognition and accreditation level must be clearly indicated in the application forms:
- Date and number of government recognition must be specified.
- Accreditation level and the date granted must also be provided.
- Only recognized institutions may offer second-degree nursing programs.
- Only deregulated and autonomous institutions may offer special programs to professionals as per CHED Memo No. 9, series 2002.
- All signatories must hold at least a Master’s degree in Nursing.
Submission and Application Process for ICNLE
The prescribed documents, evidencing compliance with curricular, RLE, institutional, and personnel qualifications, must be submitted with or attached to the ICNLE application beginning June 2005.
- Non-compliance may affect application acceptance.
- Ensures quality control in nursing education preparation for licensure.
Offering of BSN Program and Scheduling
All nursing programs shall follow a semestral offering scheme aligning didactic coursework and RLE.
- Implements simultaneous scheduling of theory and practical requirements.
- Aligns with CHED Memo No. 30, series 2001 for curricular continuity.
Effectivity and Dissemination
This resolution takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
- Dissemination is through CHED to all schools offering BSN programs.
Key Legal Bases Referenced
- Republic Act No. 9173 (Philippine Nursing Act of 2002): sets educational and professional standards.
- CHED Memorandum Nos. 9 (2002) and 30 (2001): define curricular and program requirements.
- Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. No. 9173: specify qualifications of Nursing Deans, Chief Nurses, and Clinical Coordinators.
This legal framework ensures that BSN programs and applicants for the nursing licensure examination meet strict educational, experiential, and institutional standards to uphold nursing education quality and professional practice in the Philippines.