New Salary Scale For Brunei's Nurses

Bandar Seri Begawan - The nursing profession in Brunei Darussalam has received a major boost with the much-anticipated new nursing service scheme, which is now in place, offering better opportunities for career progression corresponding to better level of pay, up to the position of 'nurse practitioners' who can pull a monthly salary of $8,000.

This new scheme, which came into effect on May 22, 2013, and was consented by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, was announced by the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Md Yusof, during a get-together ceremony and special talk on the role of the MIB philosophy in the nursing profession in Manggis last night.

According to the minister, this new scheme clearly reflects the importance of the nursing profession, which contributes to the strengthening and upgrading of the nation's healthcare services, placed by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Brunei Government.

"The new nursing scheme is a (form of) recognition of the development and improvement of the nursing profession in the country. If this were to be benchmarked against others in the region as well as in the international arena, it can be considered at par or even better," said the minister.

The minister explained that the new scheme provides a more structured and organised career progression for local nurses.
It is understood that the career path would provide an avenue of career progression for local nurses, who will have the opportunity to progress onto the highest attainable level, which is 'nurse practitioner', warranting a 'M19' salary scale of a monthly salary of $8,000.

In the past, the highest attainable career level that one could obtain in the nursing profession would be 'principal nursing officer' receiving a 'M15' salary scale of $4,220.

Under the new scheme, nurse practitioners encompass expertise in midwifery, paramedical, mental health, community health, dentistry, etc.

The minister expressed his hope that with the new scheme, local nurses would be accredited with the position of 'nurse practitioner', encompassing expertise in various fields. Besides motivating nurses to become more dedicated individuals, it is hoped that the new scheme would give added value to the current development and image of the nursing profession in the country
According to him, nurses cannot ignore rapid developments in the medical world and should keep themselves abreast with the latest advancements in technological developments.

Last night's special talk, which was delivered by Dr Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong, Senior Special Duties Officer/Head of Secretariat of the Supreme Council of MIB, was aimed at encouraging local nurses to adopt good values of the national philosophy in their profession.

Among those who attended yesterday's event were Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Jalil, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dayang Hjh Siti Mariam binti Hj Mohd Jaafar, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hjh Rahmah binti Hj Md Said, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional & Technical) at the Ministry of Health, heads of departments and other senior officials.

(Source: http://www.brudirect.com/national/national/national-headlines/1267-new-salary-scale-for-brunei-s-nurses retrieved 26/1/2014)