As per the recent reports, in order to fully staff the Commonwealth Health Center, the Department of Public Health has now collaborated with the Saipan Southern High School's Nursing Academy.

The association is chalked out in order to develop the island's nursing workforce.

According to DPH Secretary, Kevin Villagomez, the total number of nurses in the hospital is 190 whereas the hospital has the approval to hire more than 200 nurses.

The reports from the DPH highlighted that early this year the hospital had a nursing workforce of 235. However, the present number is 190, which indicates a significant reduction in the nursing population in the last five months.

Appreciating the collaboration, Villagomez said, that the department's collaboration with Saipan Southern High School's Nursing Academy would enhance the islands' nursing workforce, thereby creating an available pool of future nurses.

He also disclosed that the nurses are paid an average salary of $33,000 to $40,000 and a maximum salary of up to $50,000-plus by the DPH. The payments are on top of overtime pay and benefits. According to him, the figures were comparable to most places in the Pacific region.

The Nursing Director, April Ricotta, said in a letter that their profession is described as an art and a science that embraces highly dedicated people with varied interests, strengths, and passions.

She also added that nursing was an honorable and amazing profession that is often taken for granted and overlooked.