After WWII, the United States began to experience nursing shortages, and they began to look abroad for nurses. The Philippines became an obvious and important source of nurses, in part because they were trained in the United States.
This expansion of Filipino nurses to the United States is not new, and it stems from the Philippines’ long history of US colonialism.
Nurses from the Philippines are now employed all over the world.
Catherine Choy, an ethnic studies professor at the University of California Berkeley, describes how the US colonial regime began recruiting Filipino nurses in her book “Empire of Care.”
She claims that the demand for Filipino nurses in the United States stems from the Philippines’ status as a US colony, where the colonial regime instituted an Americanized education system, which included nurse training.
In addition, the United States established the pensionados program in the Philippines, which functions similarly to a study abroad program.
Many Filipino nurses retired; some went on to work elsewhere, while others returned to the Philippines between 1903 and 1940 to help establish nursing schools.
According to Choy, another wave of nursing shortages erupted in the 1960s as a result of the growing women’s movement of the time.
“However, as the movement grew, opportunities in a variety of professions arose, making it difficult to recruit American women into nursing — especially because nursing is a physically demanding profession.”
As a result, women in the United States had more professional opportunities in a variety of fields. “Traditionally, they were often relegated as professionals to professions that were considered appropriate for women, such as nursing, education, or social work,” she says.
Marcos’ survival strategy
Because of the constant demand for nurses, Filipino nurses have continued to migrate to the United States.
This was enhanced even further in the early 1970s, when then-dictator Ferdinand Marcos began to encourage labor migration from the Philippines.
Due to the country’s stagnant economy, there were an increasing number of unemployed young men, and Marcos saw this as an opportunity to send them abroad for work while establishing a system that could easily regulate and support labor outflows.
Marcos also noted that there was a high demand for nurses in the United States, pointing out that American healthcare institutions were actively recruiting Filipino nurses.
Choy claims that “he changed the government’s perspective.” “This could be good,” he reasoned, “because if they want nurses from the Philippines, we’ll produce more nurses.”
His administration’s directive was only meant to be a temporary policy measure to address the country’s immediate concerns, but it turned into a survival strategy as domestic socio-economic problems persisted.
“They are also going abroad for stability and security, not just for social and economic mobility.”
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), which oversees the recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers, was established in 1982.
Until now, the Philippines’ labor export system has been described as ‘unparalleled’ in its sophistication.
International hiring
Nonetheless, as a result of this organized labor export, countries other than the United States began looking to the Philippines to fill nursing shortages in their own countries.
Choy also points out that Marcos’ approach, as well as the eventual migration of Filipinos, stemmed from growing economic discontent.
“Nurses from that time period had already begun to witness or observe some of the Philippines’ growing socioeconomic inequalities and political turmoil,” she says.
To stay or not to stay
However, the demand for Filipino nurses to work in other countries has depleted our own supply, putting our already-fragile public health system at risk.
According to records, the health professional to patient ratio in hospitals can be as high as one nurse to 60 patients as a result of an increasing number of Filipino health workers leaving for other countries.
COVID-19 worsens this disproportionate ratio.
As a result, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued a temporary ban on medical personnel leaving the country.
“It is of paramount national interest to ensure that the country continues to have, sustain the supply of, and prepare sufficient health personnel to meet any future contingencies,” according to the POEA order.
If nurses are forced to work in the country, Rosie De Leon, the president of the Philippine Nursing Association, has stated that they should be properly compensated.
She also tells me that, even if the pandemic were not present, if we want more Filipino nurses to stay, their salaries must be improved.
The touching story of David Vetter (bubble boy), the 'boy who lived in a bubble
David Vetter lived his whole 12 years in sterile “bubble”. He was “outside” for 20 second after being removed from his mother’s womb. He never touched any human.
Ancient Egyptians Had Pregnancy Tests Over 3500 Years Ago
The ancient Egyptians used a pregnancy test that involved potentially pregnant women peeing on barley and wheat seeds. Plant growth indicated pregnancy: barley for a boy and wheat for a girl. Later tests revealed that pregnant women's urine causes plant growth 70% of the time, whereas non-pregnant women's urine does not.
The true story of Josephine Myrtle Corbin, the lady born with four legs and two private parts
Josephine Myrtle Corbin, an American sideshow performer born in 1868, had a rare condition known as dipygus, which caused her to have four legs, each smaller inner leg paired with one of her outer legs. Corbin joined the sideshow circuit, captivating audiences as the "Four-Legged Girl from Texas."
How Dmitri Mendeleev Developed the periodic table of the elements
1850 Dmitri Mendeleev walked almost a thousand miles to Moscow so he could apply for the University of Moscow. Although he was not accepted, he walked to St. Petersburg where he was accepted, And with that education, he developed the the periodic table of the elements
Nordlingen, The Town Inside A Meteorite Crater With Millions Of Meteorite Diamonds
The German town of Nördlingen is embedded with 72,000 tons of microscopic diamonds. About 15 million years ago, a meteorite hit this region, and the impact created a massive depression and formed rocks containing diamonds, glass, and crystals. The town was built in the impact crater sometime around 898 CE.
The 440-pound bear named Wojtek and his World War II battle against the Nazis
Polish troops raised an orphaned bear cub during WWII. He enjoyed drinking beer, and was trained to salute. He became officially enlisted as a member of the forces, and helped carry artillery during battle.
Before Radar: How Giant Acoustic Mirrors Detected Enemy Aircraft in WWI and WWII
Long before radar revolutionized air defense, enormous acoustic mirrors and specialized sound locators stood as the first line of defense against enemy aircraft. Designed as giant “ears,” these structures amplified distant engine noises, allowing operators to detect incoming planes by sound alone. Dive into the intriguing world of these pioneering listening devices, their operation, limitations, and enduring legacy in military history.
The Day an Israeli F-15 Landed with One Wing: Zivi Nedivi’s Unbelievable Mid-Air Survival
Discover the astonishing true story of Israeli pilot Zivi Nedivi, who safely landed an F-15 after a mid-air collision tore off its entire right wing. Learn how skill, quick thinking, and the F-15’s unique design turned a disaster into a legendary feat in aviation history
The true story Of The Radium Girls that change US labor laws
Hundreds of young women worked in clock factories during World War I, painting watch dials with luminous radium paint. The company lied about the risk of radiation, claiming there was no danger, which resulted in the death of the young women.
Henry Ford, The man popularizing the concept of the weekend off
Henry Ford was the first Industrial Giant to give his employees both Saturday and Sunday off in the hope of encouraging more leisurely use of automobiles and thus popularizing the concept of the "weekend."
The Forgotten Story of Semipalatinsk and the Soviet Nuclear Experiments
Between 1949 and 1989, the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan became the primary location for Soviet nuclear weapons tests, exposing millions of unsuspecting villagers to radioactive fallout. Known as the “Polygon of Suffering,” this remote desert witnessed 456 nuclear detonations that caused widespread health crises, birth defects, and generational genetic damage. This article narrates the chilling legacy of Semipalatinsk, unveiling the human cost of Cold War arms development and the ongoing struggle for healing and recognition in Kazakhstan.
Keith Sapsford: The Story of 14-Year-Old Stowaway
The final image of 14-year-old Australian Keith Sapsford, who aspired to travel the world. In February 1970, he sneaked into the wheel-well of a plane flying from Sydney to Tokyo. It opened mid-air & fell out. When a photographer was testing a new lens, he captured this moment on film and was surprised when it developed.
Vince Coleman, a railway dispatcher, sacrificed his own life
Vince Coleman, a railway dispatcher, sacrificed his life in order to warn an incoming train of an imminent explosion. His telegraph said “Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbor making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye, boys.” He saved 300 lives.
Man's Blood Helped Save Millions of Babies
Australian blood donor James Harrison has been one of our most impressive and valued donors, having donated for 60 years. Know his story, how he was a pioneer of our Anti-D program, and why this matters.
The unbroken seal on King Tutankhamun's tomb until 1922
The unbroken seal of Tutankhamun's tomb before it was opened in 1923, it was unbroken for over 3000 years.
Susanna Salter: The Trailblazing Story of America’s First Female Mayor
In 1887, Susanna Salter became the first female mayor in the United States, elected in Argonia, Kansas. Her nomination was initially a prank by men opposing women in politics. However, she won by a landslide and served effectively, inspiring the women’s suffrage movement and breaking barriers for women in leadership.
Robert Odlum, the first person to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge
The first person to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge was a professional high diver who "wanted to demonstrate that people did not die simply by falling through the air, thus encouraging people to be willing to jump from a burning building into a net." He proved himself correct by safely falling 135 feet through the air and dying only when he hit the water.
The Arabia Steamboat: Unearthing a 19th Century Time Capsule from the Missouri River
The Arabia was a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856. Over time, the river shifted 800 meters to the east, eventually turning the site of the sinking into a field. The steamboat remained under 45 feet of slit and topsoil until 1988, when it was excavated. The mud, as it turned out, was such a great preserver that most of the artifacts on board were found to be intact. They even found jars of preserved apples that were still edible!
Sylvan Goldman: The Visionary Who Revolutionized Shopping with the Cart
The inventor of shopping carts, Sylvan Goldman, had to hire several male and female models to push carts around in his store, demonstrate their utility, and explain their use to other customers, due to not catching on initially.
The story of a man who spent 72 hours with 72 venomous snakes to prove they only bite when provoked
In the 1980s, an Indian man spent 72 hours in a glass cabin with 72 snakes, some of which were extremely venomous. His aim was to prove that snakes only attack when provoked. Remarkably, he was not bitten once in those 72 hours and even set a Guinness World Record in the process.
Mother who spent entire life savings for daughter’s cancer treatment won the lottery
A mother won $2 million from a $10 scratch-off lottery ticket after she spent all of her entire life savings to pay her daughter’s cancer treatment. She bought the winning ticket after her daughter’s last cancer treatment.
Why the Word ‘Pen’ Comes from the Latin ‘Penna’ Meaning Feather
The humble word “pen” carries a rich history rooted in ancient times, derived from the Latin word penna, meaning “feather.” Long before modern pens revolutionized writing, feather quills—especially from geese—were the essential tools of scribes, scholars, and artists. This article journeys through the origins of the pen, its evolution, and fascinating trivia about the timeless connection between feathers and writing.
how Ferris wheel invented
In 1891, Chicago challenged engineers to create a structure to surpass the Eiffel Tower for the World's Columbian Exposition. George Washington Gale Ferris jr. responded with the original Ferris Wheel, a giant rotating structure elevating visitors above the city. This invention became an iconic attraction at the fair.
Nearest Green, America's first known Black master distiller
Nathan "Nearest" Green was an African-American head stiller who is now more frequently referred to as a master distiller. He was renowned for imparting his distilling knowledge to Jack Daniel, the creator of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey distiller, after Jack Daniel was freed from slavery following the American Civil War.
Top 10 most cruel medical procedures that are being used today
We are all aware that medicine has advanced dramatically over the last fifty years. There are several modern medical approaches available today, but this was not always the case. However, the past of medicine is a dark one. Medical leeches, lobotomy, vascular surgery, cranial stenosis, and even electroshock therapy are all options. These are only a couple of the cruel healing techniques that are still in use today.
