About the Nurse Corps

I guess the lack or inadequate knowledge (especially the process of application or commissionship) about the Nurse Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines is one contributing factor why there are only a few number of Filipino nurses who enter the field of military nursing. There are also other factors that contribute to low number of nurses entering the NCAFP. Of course, I think on top of the list is the presumption that military nursing is a high-risk and, well, put it simply, a difficult and dangerous field of nursing. Everytime i encourage my friends or batchmates to join NCAFP, usually the main reason why they don't want to join is that it is just "too difficult" -- usually referring to the physical aspects of military training. Others were also concerned of being assigned in Mindanao, not to mention getting caught/kidnapped by terrorists.

Anyway, I believe that those who are really interested in entering the field of military nursing don't pursue their application either because of misinformation or lack of information. Many people, especially my mother, told me not to join because the military nurses will go with the soldiers on a combat mission. waaaahhhh... I often end up explaining that i am a nurse by profession, and not a soldier, although, military nurses are soldiers but they don't go with the marines or scout rangers to hunt down terrorists. Lack of information, on the other hand, simply means no knowledge or contact of reliable persons whom to inquire about military nursing. I had no contact to reliable persons who could give me important information about NCAFP and the process of commissionship.

When i was still a student nurse, i usually visit the NC homepage for general information. There was still a link for online application back then. After i passed the board exam, i checked the homepage again so that i could file an online application. Unfortunately, it wasn't there anymore. huhuhu... i tried to contact them by sending an email but i received a failure notice from Yahoo! that the email doesn't exist anymore. I was thankful that there was a Friendster Nurse Corps account. I called the contact number posted on the profile but it could not be contacted. Oh my... I reached the dead end. Fortunately, on that same morning, the owner of the account posted information on NC commissionship. By the way, the owner of the account is a captain. I sent her an email regarding about NC. she gave me a great deal of information (i'll post them later) about NC. She even asked me to invite her own friendster account so that i could see her experiences in the service. Wow! I already have a military nurse friend on Friendster!


Nurse Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines
(Source: NC Homepage--pls click on the link above)

Background

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is mandated to serve and protect the people and secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of its national territory from internal and external threats. In view thereof, the AFP pledges allegiance to the Filipino people, adheres to the principle of supremacy of civilian authority over the military at all times and vows to uphold and defend the Constitution.

In realizing the AFP mandate, the Nurse Corps, AFP recognizes and gives priority to the enhancement of nursing care delivery system in order to best serve the interest of military personnel, their dependents and authorized civilians. Hence, the transformation of the Nurse Corps into a knowledge-based, competency-based and values-based organization is the thrust of the Office of The Chief Nurse, AFP.

Mission, Vision, Core Purpose and Core Values

Mission

The Nurse Corps AFP, is committed to provide a comprehensive and quality nursing care services to all military personnel, their dependents and authorized civilians.

Vision

The Nurse Corps, AFP, a value-driven organization, as the best provider of highly specialized, proactive and relevant military nursing services in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. A center of excellence where military nurses not only commit themselves to service but in the pursuit of personal and professional development toward the achievement of the goal of the AFP Nursing Service.

Core Purpose

To deliver quality nursing care to clients, provide education and training to nursing service personnel and conduct relevant researches in support of the AFP mission.

Core Values

• Service above self
• Accountability and Ethics
• Integrity
• Competence
• Esprit de Corps

Requirements for Commission in the Nurse Corps, AFP (Original & 4 photocopies)

• Bio-data / Resume
• College Diploma
• Transcript of Records
• Board Examiners Certificate
• Board Rating
• Postcard size whole body picture in white uniform
• Birth Certificate from NSO
• ROTC Certificate for males only
• Appropriate Clearances from the Deputy chief of Staff for Intelligence J2, AFP based on supporting Clearances / papers:
1. NBI - 3 Copies
2. PNP - 3 Copies
3. CFI or RTC - 3 Copies
4. Barangay - 3 Copies
5. Mayor - 3 Copies
6. 2x2 ID picture - 1 Copy
7. Residence Examination from CGEASH
8. TJAG

Qualifications for Commission in the Nurse Corps, AFP

• Natural born Filipino citizen.
• Pleasing personality and of good moral character.
• Registered Nurse
• Single or never been married
• Not more than 32 years old at time of commission
• Minimum height of 62 inches for female, 64 inches for male
• Mentally/physically fit for military service and cleared by appropriate security agencies.

Additional information—taken from the Nurse Corps Friendster account

Go to: Office of the Chief Nurse at Bulwagang Heneral Valdez Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City and bring basic requirements like PRC License,PRC Diploma, RLE, College Diploma,Barangay Clearance,NBI and in semi casual attire and look for CPT ELA TAGUBA NC.