A Tracer Study of College of Nursing Graduates of St Paul University Philippines

A Tracer Study of BSN and MSN Graduates of St Paul University Philippines School Year 2007-2012

By Ma.Elizabeth C. Baua, DNS Anunciacion Talosig,DNS Francis Villanueva, MSN

Abstract The study traced Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students who graduated from the School of Health Sciences between 2007 and 2012. A survey method was used to reach out to enormous and scattered SHS graduate population. A questionnaire was used as the main research instrument. A total of 356 graduates participated in the study. The results indicated that most of the graduates are employed in hospitals, and are almost equally divided between private and public sectors. The results also indicate that many graduates receive an above average income, while most receive average in relation to national average. The graduates were very satisfied with the knowledge, skills, and attitude obtained from their Paulinian education, and most are eager participants for alumni involvement.

Introduction As an autonomous, international, postgraduate institution, the SPUP College of Nursing was established 1973 in response to the Sisters or St Paul of Chartres’ education and health ministry. For more than four decades, the College of Nursing had been active in the promotion and advancement of nursing education in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. SPUP College of Nursing today has graduated a great number of Paulinian nurses from different provinces and countries including USA and Canada. This makes it difficult for the department to know where its graduates are, what they do, and the challenges they face in their respective nursing careers in order to make SPUP College of Nursing education relevant, enable curriculum reviews, and make alumni support possible. Hence, the conduct of the tracer study. It has been found that alumni tracer studies are the most important vehicle to build strong bonds between the Alma Mater and the ever-increasing graduates (AIT, 2009).

Review of Related Literature and Studies Tracer study is an approach which widely being used in most organization especially in the educational institutions to track and to keep record of their students once they have graduated from the institution. Through tracer study, an institution able to evaluate the quality of education given to their graduates by knowing the graduates placements and positions in the society which later can be used as a benchmark in producing more qualified and competitive graduates. In the book Employment and Career Opportunities after Graduation by Arcelo and Sanyal, the existence of a huge number of educated unemployed can lead to a certain amount of political instability in a country, for they being among the educated class and knowledgeable about the privileges society can offer, feel doubly deprived. In this matter, the analysis of the unemployment situation in the Philippines shown that the young graduates is still in the job-hunting stage.(Arcelo & Sanyal, 1987) The book The Philippine Labor Code, An employer has a right to select his employees and to decide when to engage them. He has a right under the law to full freedom in employing any person free to accept employment from him, and this, except as restricted by valid statute or valid contract, at a wage and under conditions agreeable to them.This author want to give insights about the rights between the employee and employer with regards to the employment that should be given to any person to be employed. This will distinguish the importance of being employed and the choice in choosing a job that are desired to apply in.(Azucena, 1991) In the same book, whenever the public interest requires, the Secretary of Labor may direct all persons or entities within the coverage of this Title to submit a report on the status of employment, including job vacancies, details of job requisitions, separation from job wages, other terms and conditions, and other employment data. This will make job seekers to be aware of job vacancies as well as the job suitable for them. This will also give awareness to the public to know the standing of the employment in our country.(Azucena, 1991) The Philippines may go beyond the standing of employment in the country, rights and importance should be understood. As specified in the book of Labor Economics by Cristobal M. Pagoso, it states that in view of low literacy rates in rising unemployment in developing countries it has become imperative that greater

educational opportunities should be provided for the great proportion of adult population as well as the large number of youth outside the formal school system to help them acquire further knowledge and skill thereby improve their livelihood and strengthen the country (Pagoso, 1992). From the book Contemporary Social Problems and Issues, stated that the educational levels and literacy rates of workers in the Philippines are among the highest in Asia, but technical, manual and managerial are poorly developed and in short supply.There is an over-abundance of college graduates that most especially in Manila area were in the field of education, law and other professionals exceed in demand to find employment appropriate to his educational training.This is the realization that even college graduates may find it difficult to be employed if they are not well-equipped of trainings and programs that their college had.(Sanches & Agpao, 1997) Employment is the capacity of an individual to showcase his talent and to use the trainings gathered in course program, Thomas Powers on his book “Educating for Careers” stated the notion that marketable skills provided today’s crop of worker’s employment opportunities. The statement of Powers is relevant to the present study because he pointed out that education is very important in having the marketability and general skills needed in finding an appropriate job. In this study, it helps to develop such skills among the college graduates for them to find or to get an appropriate job (Powers, 2010) Robert W. McIntosh on his book“Employee Management Standards” aimed to determine that the employee’s performance on the job and attitude about the job would depend on the degree to which the manager fulfills the needs.The author associated that to the employees that will look at the performance and attitude towards the job that will be strongly affected by the degree on where the superior may reach the fulfillment on the job desires (McKintosh,1999). The book Unemployment and the Dual Labor Market stressed that the unemployment is the outgrowth of a process of job search where workers have limited information about the labor market. On the other hand, people who first begin looking for jobs lack basic information will help the graduates to disseminate the rejection of jobs to higher expectations.8This book mainly wants to view that job searching is a wide-process action where in job-seekers should gain more knowledge or information that will reaches their satisfaction on what and where to find jobs that will bring out their profession.(Doeringer & Piore, 1980) Philippine society nowadays has encountered so many problems in terms of labor or employment. As it is stated in the book, Labor- only contracting in a “cabo” economy that some economist would justify labor- only contracting as our only weapon to remain competitive.Therefore, some of the workers are seeking for better employment opportunities abroad for a high salary. In the case of the graduates nowadays, their first problem is seeking job after graduation. Knowingly that it is very hard to find a job suitably to their graduated course right away after graduation that may cause to trigger them to work not aligned to the profession they graduate for their usual reason is the salary that they can get right away. Some go abroad to find their destiny or for some reason that they will get a high salary than to continue their profession as a nurse if there is no salary increase. (Kapunan & Kapunan, 2006) Jarito Verona, “A Tracer Study of the Employment Status of PUPQC AY 2004-2005”, The study determine the general profile and the present employment status of the respondents which are the graduates of Polytechnic University of the Philippines

academic year 2004-2005. This research tackles about the tracer study that uses as a method in which is primarily intended to locate graduates of academic institution, past recipient of scholarship grants, former participants and among other situation in order to collect data and update information about this type of people. This kind of study is also tool to generate or influence decision making and planning of a certain institution about the development of the curriculum. It is likewise regulating document efficiency and support on the demographic profile of a certain institution that can be measure through the quality of graduates (Verona,2005). In a similar tracer study conducted by the College of Nursing of Lorma Colleges, it found that graduates were mostly of the year 2010 and some are alumni of the years 2006 to 2009. Most of them are female single individuals belonging to the age bracket 20-24 and reside in La Union. In terms of the employment status, the graduates enjoy their career as professional nurses, although others decided to join other professions like caregiving, teaching, and government employees. They are mostly employed in the province of La Union, others opted to stay in nearby towns and provinces for sensible reasons and convenience, while some have migrated abroad. The respondents served their employers for 1-2 years while others are working in less than a year. Majority of the graduates are earning more than P10, 000 a month whereas few with less than P10, 000 monthly. They were successful in seeking for employment after 1-2 years but there are 66 or 12.87% who were able to hunt for work after 3-4 years and 61 or 11.89% in less than a year. Along relevance of training provided by Lorma Colleges, College of Nursing, majority of the respondents provided favorable feedback relative to the curriculum and Related Learning Experiences. The study concluded that the graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing of Lorma Colleges are young, enthusiastic, and spirited practitioners in the nursing profession and other fields of practice. They are working and affiliated with prestigious health agencies and holding positions relevant to the field of nursing. Others are likewise successful practitioners in renowned countries abroad like the United States, Canada, and others. Lorma Colleges provided responsive curriculum and related learning experiences, which were useful and contributed to the success and productivity of the graduates in the practice of their profession (Pagdilao, 2009).

Statement of the Problem This study addresses the following research questions: 1. 2. 3. 4.

What What What What

is is is is

the the the the

demographic profile of the respondents? employment profile of the respondents? relevance of their Paulinian education to their jobs? graduates’ involvement to the College’s growth?

Results and Discussion I. Personal Profile The respondents came from different places: 64.04 percent of the respondents live in the country while 35.96% went abroad. From a total population, 28.09 percent stay in Tuguegarao City. Most of the respondents are aged 26-30. This comprises 57.02 percent of the total population. On the other hand, 42.13 percent of the total population are aged

21-25. The remaining 85 percent are aged 31-35. With regards to the civil status, 57.87 percent of them are single and ranges 21-25 while 42.13 are married. The educational attainment of the respondents was also taken. Generally the respondents were new graduates. From a total population of 356 respondents, 64.33 percent finished Master of Science in Nursing and the remaining 35.67 percent finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing. II. Employment Profile Table 2.1 Presently Employed Yes No

Frequency 329 27

Percentage 92.42% 7.58%

Table 2.1.1 Locale of Employment Regional National International

Percentage 77% 12% 11%

Table 2.1.2 Type of Employer Government Hospitals and Clinics Private Hospitals and Clinics Academe (Nursing Education) Other Government Institutions Other Private Institutions

Percentage 43% 40% 8% 6% 3%

Most of the respondents are employed, with 92.42 percent who are currently working. Out from this number, a combined 83% are employed in hospitals and clinics both from government and private. This also includes hospitals and clinics outside the country. On the other hand, 8% of the graduates work in educational institutions. The remaining 9% work in other government and private institutions. Table 2.1.1 shows that majority of the respondents work within the region while 12% work in national institutions. A good portion of 11% shows respondents who stay and work abroad. Most of the respondents are employed in government agencies and private enterprise. 46.07 percent are working in private enterprise while 43. 54 percent are in government agencies. The remaining 10.39 percent are working in an educational institution, non-profit/ non-government organization, international organization, volunteer, barangay health monitoring. There are also respondents who are selfemployed. They are commonly engaged in health related businesses includes nursing, pharmacy, marketing of medicines. These comprised 70.22 percent of the total population. Those that are not in the field of medicine include farming, grains business, food business, trade, real estate, animal raising and grocery. Those that are in fields other than their area of expertise claim that this is due to the following: no job opening in line with course finished, not adequate training, higher salary, and first job offered.

The majority of the respondents work in health and medical sector. This was comprised of 70.22 percent. In teaching and or training sector, 11.52 percent are involved while 8.43 percent are related in management and administration sector. The remaining respondents are engaged in technical, financial, planning, consultancy and, research and development fields.

These data reflect strong employability of the graduates especially in institutions where the application of nursing knowledge and skills are required.

Income in Relation to National Average The respondents are asked to rate their income in relation to the national average monthly income of 5, 319. 06 pesos. Using this as their basis, 43.82 percent claimed that they receive average income. 40.45 percent responded that they receive above average income. 15.73 percent receive below average income. III. Employment Waiting Time The respondents encountered difficulties and or problems while seeking for their first employment. They have various experiences. 41. 31 percent of the respondents claimed they lack experience in the field they have applied with. 24. 08 percent claimed there is strong competition among applicants on their field while 19.90 percent said that they failed to find influential persons who have proper connections to the employer. Some respondents said they lack preparation for interview and examinations, employers prefer single applicants, and others specified too many applicants. Despite of these difficulties most of the respondents were employed 2-4 months after graduation, 27.27 of the respondents. 18. 64 percent are employed 5-10 months after graduation, and 16.36 percent less than 2 months after graduation. On the other hand, 21. 81 percent claimed it took them 1 year to seek for a job. The remaining took more than a year before they were employed.

IV. Education and Training Table 4.1 Rank of Relevance of your Paulinian education Very Relevant Relevant Somewhat Relevant Not Relevant

Frequency 258 97 1 1

Percentage 72% 27% <1% <1%

Majority of the respondents view their Paulinian education as Very Relevant, and many more said it was Relevant to their employment job description. This reflects that the curriculum and instruction provided to the graduates were very helpful and responsive to their needs in the real world. A few found their education Somewhat Relevant and Not Relevant. Table 4.2 Would you recommend St. Paul University Philippines to potential students? Definitely

Frequency 300

Percentage 84%

Probably Not Sure Definitely Not

46 10 0

13% 3% 0%

In terms of the level of recommendation, majority of the respondents will definitely recommend St Paul University Philippines to potential students, while some will Probably and Not Sure. The data shows that the graduates were very satisfied with the experience and education received from SPUP, hence, earning their recommendation.

Table 4.3 How impressed were you with your Paulinian education? Place a check mark on the column that represents your answer. 4.3.1 Relevance of academic programs Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive

Frequency 206 149 1

Percentage 58% 42% <1%

4.3.2 High quality of academic programs, teaching and course content Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive

Frequency 235 120 1


4.3.3 Catholic Paulinian character Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive

Frequency 235 129 0


4.3.4 International/global appeal and linkage Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive

Frequency 196 125 35


4.3.5 Reasonable cost compared with other universities in Region 2 Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive



4.3.6 Campus student services including accommodation, recreational facilities, etc. Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive



4.3.7 Professional networking Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive



4.3.8 Caring/Nurturing environment Very Impressive Impressive Least Impressive



The respondents’ impression with Paulinian education was also elicited. They gave an overall rating of very impressive. Specifically the following got very impressive rating: relevance of academic programs, high quality of academic programs, teaching, and course content, Catholic Paulinian character, international or global appeal and linkage, reasonable cost compared with other universities in Region 2, professional networking, caring and nurturing environment. Campus student services including accommodation and recreational facilities got an impressive rating. The majority of the respondents rated their Paulinian education as Very Impressive. This is evident in all areas, except campus services which was rated as Impressive by the majority. In terms of the academic programs, the university sees to it that the offerings are responsive to and addresses the needs of the society today. In the field of Healthcare services, SPUP is currently offering variety of programs such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Physical Therapy, and Radiologic Technology, that enables clients to choose which program caters to their needs and goals. Along with the diversity of curricular offerings comes the quality of education that the university provides, in a caring environment. The school is also aggressively pursuing global linkages, particularly on the Nursing Program. The school has catered and conferred degrees to BSN students from China, and BSN and MSN students from Indonesia; and has forged MOAs with international institutions for faculty and student exchange programs, research and resource sharing and others. 4.4 To what extent has your Paulinian education contributed to the development of your well-being? 4.4.1 I has helped me to advance my career Frequency Percentage Great Extent 204 57% Average Extent 152 43% Least Extent 1 <1% 4.4.2 It has enhanced my technical and managerial knowledge Frequency Percentage Great Extent 199 56% Average Extent 155 44% Least Extent 2 <1%

4.4.3 It has provided me with professional competence and values Frequency Percentage Great Extent 200 56% Average Extent 156 44% Least Extent 1 <1%

4.4.4 It has contributed to my professional prestige Frequency Great Extent 167 Average Extent 188 Least Extent 1


4.4.5 It has broadened my understanding of life Frequency Great Extent 219 Average Extent 131 Least Extent 6


4.4.6 It has molded me completely as a person Frequency Great Extent 189 Average Extent 166 Least Extent 1


4.4.7 It has enhanced my relationship and understanding of God Frequency Percentage Great Extent 234 66% Average Extent 122 34% Least Extent 0 0% 4.4.8 It has imbibed in me love and service for God and fellowmen Frequency Percentage Great Extent 198 56% Average Extent 158 44% Least Extent 0 0% The Paulinian education gave a great extent of contribution to the development of their well-being. 57.30 of the total population said that it helped them to advance their career, 55. 90 claimed it has enhanced their technical and managerial knowledge, and 56.17 percent said it has provided them with professional competence. Respondents believed that their Paulinian education helped them advance their career. This is evidenced by majority giving a rating of Great Extent. Paulinian education focuses on forming whole-rounded professional nurses by focusing not only on the knowledge aspect, but also reinforcing Paulinian attitude and technical skills. In effect, Paulinian graduates exude professional competence, which is pursued by employers locally and abroad.

Above and beyond academic and technical excellence, the university also focuses on teaching Paulinian values and character as evidenced by Great Extent rating of the graduates’ Paulinian education’s contribution to the development of their well-being. 4.5 How would you rate the following area of SPUP services during your stay at the University? 4.5.1 Curricular Offerings Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

Frequency 178 168 6 3 1

Percentage 50% 47% 2% 1% <1%

Frequency 173 155 5 2 1

Percentage 51% 46% 2% 1% <1%

Frequency 161 162 19 1 0

Percentage 47% 47% 6% <1% 0%

4.5.2 Methods of Instruction Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement 4.5.3 Physical Facilities Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

4.5.4 Guidance Services (academic counselling, career guidance, etc.) Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

Frequency 170 146 114 3 1

Percentage 39% 34% 26% 1% <1%

Frequency 146 190 16 3 1

Percentage 41% 53% 5% 1% <1%

4.5.5 Research Initiatives Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

4.5.6 Community Extension Services Excellent Very Good Good

Frequency 272 72 8


Fair Needs Improvement

1 1

<1% <1%

Frequency 163 134 59 0 0

Percentage 46% 38% 17% 0% 0%

4.5.7 Co-curricular Undertakings Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

4.5.8 Christian Formation Services Excellent Very Good Good Fair Needs Improvement

Frequency 191 165 0 0 0

Percentage 54% 46% 0% 0% 0%

The respondents show consensus in rating SPUP services as Excellent. From curricular offerings to community extension services, the university strives to provide the best services. All the measured services were rated as Excellent, except Research Initiatives which was rated as Very Good. The university is continually striving to improve these services available to the clients. For instance, Research Initiative is being undertaken by encouraging students and faculty to produce quality research output through available funding. The university also recently held the International Research Conference to increase the university’s research capabilities and push for more quality research outputs.

V. Alumni Involvement 5.1 How do you think can you get yourself involved in SPUP affairs? 5.1.1 By providing financial support to some of SPUP’s programs and projects High Priority Average Priority Low Priority



5.1.2 By extending my technical expertise as a resource person for training High Priority Average Priority Low Priority

Frequency 175 179 2


5.1.3 By promoting SPUP in my community High Priority Average Priority Low Priority



5.1.4 By participating in the activities of the SPUP Alumni Association and my Alumni chapter High Priority Average Priority Low Priority



5.1.5 By encouraging friends and acquaintances to send their children to SPUP for their schooling. High Priority Average Priority Low Priority



The respondents think they can get involved in SPUP affairs by giving High Priority to promoting SPUP in their communities, and encouraging their friends and acquaintances to send their children to SPUP for their education. This reflects the school’s foundation of trust and confidence is strong among its graduates by earning their recommendation. Majority of the respondents said they can involve themselves by providing financial support to SPUP’s programs and projects, extending their expertise as resource persons for training, and by participating in the activities of the SPUP Alumni Association and Alumni chapters. Their Above Average rating on these criteria shows the graduates’ willingness to give back by not only in financial means but also their time and expertise. 5.2 What must SPUP do to encourage and sustain its active networking with its alumni? 5.2.1 Cultivate harmonious relations between SPUP and all its students Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 185 127 0


5.2.2 Create opportunities for interactions among alumni, students, faculty and administration through the SPUP Alumni Association (SPUPAA) Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 196 135 1


5.2.3 Introduce a program for professional upgrading of alumni Frequency

Percentage

Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

190 138 4

57% 42% 1%

5.2.4 Invite outstanding alumni as visiting lecturer, speaker Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 182 147 2


5.2.5 Ensure regular communications between the SPUP management and the alumni through the SPUP Website Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 199 132 1


5.2.6 Recognize the accomplishments and contributions of its Alumni in various disciplines and undertakings through an Alumni Newsletter. Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 190 129 1


5.2.7 Design a variety of activities that will entice maximum participation and involvement of the Alumni Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 180 152 2


5.2.8 Provide Alumni with some incentives and benefits for availing of the various services of the University (e.g., discounts for children’s tuition and miscellaneous fees, food discount in the canteen, discounts for the use of the swimming pool, call center, etc.) Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 197 135 3


5.2.9 Frequently update the Alumni directory (yearly or every 2 years) Most Important Step Important Step Least Important Step

Frequency 173 157 4


The Most Important Step identified by the alumni to encourage and sustain networking with SPUP is ensuring regular communications through the website, as cited by the majority of the respondents. The alumni also seeks activities and opportunities for them to be involved in the university. This is being addressed by inviting them to come back as lecturers or resource persons in their field of expertise. They are also encouraged to attend the annual alumni homecoming that is being held during the university foundation week. In addition, it is also very important for the alumni to be recognized for their achievements and contributions. Many of them are being awarded for being outstanding in their line of work or even beyond. The university takes pride of its alumni’s accomplishments. 5.3 How can you assist in SPUP’s extensive marketing program? 5.3.1 By personally encouraging potential student applicants to explore admission into SPUP and by introducing them to SPUP and its curricular programs and services Most Interested Interested Least Interested

Frequency 185 151 1


5.3.2 By actively supporting the activities of the SPUPAA and my Alumni chapter Most Interested Interested Least Interested

Frequency 162 187 7


5.3.3 By participating in the university’s promotional activities Most Interested Interested Least Interested

Frequency 174 172 3


5.3.4 By sending my siblings/children to SPUP Most Interested Interested Least Interested

Frequency 180 170 3


5.3.5 By defending and standing for SPUP when circumstances demand it Frequency Percentage Most Interested 195 57% Interested 149 43% Least Interested 1 <1% 5.3.6 By being a role model in my life as a professional, as a family man/woman or as an employee/employer Frequency Percentage Most Interested 195 56% Interested 150 43% Least Interested 3 1%

5.3.7 By being proud of and faithful to my being a Paulinian Most Interested Interested Least Interested

Frequency 198 124 0


5.3.8 By taking the role of a leader in the community Most Interested Interested Least Interested

Frequency 197 140 1


5.3.9 By practicing consistently the Paulinian ideals and virtues Most Interested Interested Least Interested

Frequency 189 170 1


The alumni’s support to SPUP’s extensive marketing program is highlighted in their overwhelming recommendation to potential students. Majority of the respondents are Most Interested in helping in the enrolment by personal involvement in marketing such as encouraging potential students, sending their siblings and children to SPUP, and best of all, modelling out and leading their respective communities guided by their Paulinian ideals and virtues. This has the most impact because it is the most concrete evidence of what education in SPUP provides. This greatly helps in reflecting the admired image of the school through their actions and contributions to the society. What are your suggestions to improve the quality of education and services at St. Paul University Philippines? Most of the respondents commended the school in doing a good job providing quality Catholic Paulinian education. Many cited the Problem-based approach should be expanded not only in teaching nursing subjects but to all courses. The PBL approach have been used by the College of Nursing as the primary approach for learning for more than a decade, and has constantly been proven to be effective for life-long learning. One of the several suggestions by many of the respondents is for SPUP to hire experienced, competent, and knowledgeable instructors. SPUP has been keeping up with the challenge by making sure their instructors are constantly updated to current knowledge, dynamic, and responsive to students’ needs of the 21 st century. All the instructors have Masters in Nursing or Post-graduate degrees and are constantly being sent to local, national, and international seminars, fora, conventions, workshops, and other activities to enhance their knowledge and teaching capabilities. However, one respondent mentioned salaries of faculty should be increased to encourage retention. Other suggestions center on improving student services and experience through provision of Wi-Fi and recreational areas, and to use innovative tools to enhance student experience such as online channel for enrolment. Many also

suggested to provide more avenues for students to participate in co-curricular activities and share their talents. Finally, many of the respondents emphasized the importance of Paulinian values and virtues hand-in-hand with academic achievements. SPUP has been living fervently on its mission to spread the Teachings of the Church by molding Paulinian students who are God-fearing, environment advocates, and upholder of humanity.

Conclusions About 93 % of graduates claimed that after 2-4 months after graduation, majority were able to get a nursing job. The respondents have been working as nurses and are occupying key positions in their own workplace. Most are hired in private hospitals. Most respondents are working as nurses in countries like the US, Canada, Australia, Middle East, New Zealand, and other Asian countries like Singapore and Philippines. Some of the graduates are designated as supervisors, head nurses or charge nurses in their respective field of specialization. Majority are connected with private hospitals within and outside the country. Some of our alumni had received commendations and awards for exemplary performance in the workplace or in the nursing organizations that they are currently affiliated. Many of the respondents look back to their roots and recounted the importance of Paulinian values and virtues that had been inculcated to them hand in hand with academic excellence and quality paulinian education. To them, SPUP has been living fervently on its mission to spread the Teachings of the Church by molding Paulinian students who are God-fearing, environment advocates, and upholder of humanity. Majority of the respondents view their Paulinian education as very relevant, and many more said it was relevant to their employment job description. This reflects that the curriculum and instruction provided to the graduates were very helpful and responsive to their needs in the real world. In terms of the level of recommendation, majority of the respondents will definitely recommend St Paul University Philippines to potential students. The data shows that the graduates were very satisfied with the experience and education received from SPUP; hence, many would recommend their relatives and friends to study in the university. The respondents’ impression with Paulinian education was very remarkable. The respondents give high regard or an overall rating of very impressive when asked about their thoughts about Paulinian education they received. Relevance of academic programs, high quality of academic programs, teaching, and course content, Catholic Paulinian character, international or global appeal and linkage, reasonable cost compared with other universities in Region 2, professional networking, caring and nurturing environment got very impressive rating. Campus student services including accommodation and recreational facilities were rated as impressive. The respondents showed consensus in rating SPUP services as excellent. From curricular offerings to community extension services, the university strives to provide the best services. All the measured services were rated as excellent, and research initiatives which was rated as very good.

The university is continually striving to improve these services available to the clients. The SPUP Research Initiative is slowly being attended to by the Research & Publications Office by encouraging students and faculty to produce quality research output through available funding. The university also recently held the International Research Conference to increase the university’s research capabilities and push for more quality research outputs among faculty & students and in the region. The respondents think they can get involved in SPUP affairs by giving High Priority to promoting SPUP in their communities, and encouraging their friends and acquaintances to send their children to SPUP for their education. This reflects the school’s foundation of trust and confidence is strong among its graduates by earning their recommendation. On alumni involvement, majority of the respondents said they can involve actively with their alma mater’s alumni activities. They get involved by providing financial support to SPUP’s programs and projects, extending their expertise as resource persons for training, and by participating in the activities of the SPUP Alumni Association and Alumni chapters. Their above average showed willingness and support by alumni to give back by not only in financial means but also their time and expertise to their alma mater. In order for the alumni to encourage and sustain networking with SPUP is by ensuring regular communications through the website, as cited by majority of the respondents. The alumni also seek activities and opportunities for them to be involved in the university by visiting the campus when they come home from their work abroad or in the country. This is also being addressed by inviting them to come back as lecturers or resource persons in their field of expertise. They are also encouraged to attend the annual alumni homecoming that is being held during the university foundation week. In addition, it is also very important for the alumni to be recognized for their achievements and contributions. Many of them are being awarded for being outstanding in their line of work or even beyond. The university takes pride of its alumni’s accomplishments. In terms of alumni’s support to SPUP’s extensive marketing program, majority gave their all out support or overwhelming recommendation to potential students. Majority of the respondents expressed interest in helping in the enrolment by personal involvement in marketing such as encouraging potential students, sending their siblings and children to SPUP, and best of all, modelling out and leading their respective communities guided by their Paulinian ideals and virtues. This has the most impact because it is the most concrete evidence of what education in SPUP provides. This greatly helps in reflecting the admired image of the school through their actions and contributions to the society. Most of the respondents commended the school in doing a good job providing quality Catholic Paulinian education. Many cited the Problem-based approach should be expanded not only in teaching nursing subjects but to all courses. The PBL approach have been used by the College of Nursing as the primary approach for learning for more than a decade, and has constantly been proven to be effective for life-long learning. One of the several suggestions by many of the respondents is for SPUP to hire experienced, competent, and knowledgeable instructors. SPUP has been keeping up with the challenge by making sure their instructors are constantly updated to current knowledge, dynamic, and responsive to students’ needs of the 21 st century.

All the instructors have Masters in Nursing or Post-graduate degrees and are constantly being sent to local, national, and international seminars, fora, conventions, workshops, and other activities to enhance their knowledge and teaching capabilities. However, one respondent mentioned salaries of faculty should be increased to encourage retention. Other suggestions center on improving student services and experience through provision of Wi-Fi and recreational areas, and to use innovative tools to enhance student experience such as online channel for enrolment. Many also suggested providing more avenues for students to participate in co-curricular activities and share their talents. Finally, many of the respondents emphasized the importance of Paulinian values and virtues hand-in-hand with academic achievements. SPUP has been living fervently on its mission to spread the Teachings of the Church by molding Paulinian students who are God-fearing, environment advocates, and upholder of humanity.

Recommendations Based on the finding of this study the researchers would like to recommend the following recommendations: 1. That St Paul University Philippines provide its full support to alumni activities and endeavors since the alumni play pivotal role in marketing university programs here and abroad. 2. That St Paul University Philippines continue to hold alumni meetings, activities and home comings and give recognition to outstanding alumni who had given invaluable contributions to our university, programs and endeavors. 3. That the college of Nursing continually strives to provide quality Paulinian education in a caring environment and sustain its recognition as a Center of Excellence in Nursing education in the region and the country. 4. That the university shall maintain the lines of communication through social networks and other forms of communication to keep track of alumni activities and achievements. 5. That the College of Nursing conduct more tracer studies in a broader context so that all graduates can be reached out and be included in the study.

References: Books: Arcelo,S.; Sanyal T.( 1987) Employment & career Opportunities after Graduation Azucena, A. (1991). The Philippine Labor Code Agpao, D.; Sanchez, I. (1997) Contemporary Social Problems and Issues Doeringer, Piore (1980) Unemployment and the Dual Labor market Pagoso, C. (2000). Labor Economics Powers,T.; (2000). Educating for careers McKintosh R; ( 1999). Employee Management Standards Kapunan & Kapunan (2006). Labor – only contracting in a “cabo” economy Research works: Verona, J.( 2005) A Tracer Study of the Employment Status of PUPQC AY 20042005 Pagdilao T. (2009) A Tracer Study of the College of Nursing,Lorma Colleges, 2006-2009

A Tracer Study of College of Nursing Graduates of St Paul University Philippines

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