What’s wrong in using TikTok?

This blog is a message to all the people out there who are making fun, judging and telling it’s weird to use Tiktok. If you don’t like Tiktok then ignore it, swipe it right away!!! By not using Tiktok, does that make you feel socialite? Ahead of the ladder? I think not. 

While everyone is stuck at their homes and feeling bored on this lockdown, I think social media platforms could help ease the boredom of the people like Tiktok. I find Tiktok to be entertaining because aside from watching videos from famous Tiktokers you also have the chance to create your own Tiktok video.

We are not forcing you to watch our video so respect one’s decision to use the application. In Filipino, walang basagan ng trip! Sorry for the rant but I have to get this off my chest. Mind you, some people use Tiktok after a hard days work to ease stress. Let them be!

A message to my fellow frontliners; colleagues in profession

To my fellow medical technologists, I know the feeling of not getting recognized while we’re still out there in the frontlines fighting against this menacing virus. We are behind every testing and we keep telling ourselves that we are integral in research, patient care and diagnosis.

It’s true that we must use our voices often to hear our cries and woes, including higher salary wages, call for more testing supplies and personal protective equipment.

We tried as best as we can to persuade them that we are also essential in this battle since we are the ones exposed to the virus.

Attempts are made but I just want to ask, When is too much? It hurts to see some of our colleagues asking for attention but still being ignored.

'I think that’s enough my friend'.

Let’s stop asking for sympathy, guys. In this crisis, with or without acknowledgment, let’s continue to love our profession. We can’t force them if they don’t know us and what we really do in this so-called 'healthcare'.

Let us work together, sign a petition, and let our actions speak louder for us. God is watching us. He knows our dedication and hard work to serve humanity.

I know that someday all of our sacrifices will be worth it. To every medical technologists in the lab whose time and dedication are offered…I want to give all of you a pat on the shoulder and say: You’re doing a great Job! Keep up the heroic work!

My random thoughts about COVID 19

In this vulnerable time where we face this catastrophe against COVID-19, we, as frontliners in this scenario are asking for your full cooperation in this matter. We can’t completely control this without doing your part. You should be part of the solution, not a burden.

It’s risky in our lives. While you were asked to stay at home, we healthcare workers are still reporting to duty, exposing ourselves, and testing the samples of what might be positive to the virus. It is our oath to use our profession to serve the humanity. We work in silence even though it goes unnoticed; no matter how infectious or deadly it may be.

Test kits may be limited but the government is exerting their efforts to order PCR-based and FDA-approved kits from other countries to facilitate nationwide testing.

Honestly, it’s new to my ears hearing these words such as self-isolation, extreme enhanced community quarantine, and social distancing, but it’s strictly imposed now and thus it should be practiced in our community to mitigate this disease.

I consider panic buying of surgical masks and hoarding of alcohols greed. Carts full to the the brim with hand sanitizers, soaps seem to be insensitive. Some don’t have consideration that others need it too.

Fake news is circulating everywhere so we should do fact check to credible sources such as DOH, WHO or CDC.

Elderly and immunocompromised persons are usually affected so it’s our priority to protect them.

Death tolls have increased worldwide resulting to lockdown of airports to help prevent spreading the virus. Thermal guns and scanners are so useful these days for checkpoint.

Sad to say, it has not only affected the health of others but the livelihood of Filipinos because most businesses are closed. Some do skeletal staffing which is hard for those people who are breadwinners.

I appreciate the country’s efforts in putting the people’s welfare by suspending classes and work and National Telecommunications Commission sending constant texts reminding proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

I just saw Bayanihan in this country, working hand in hand to reach out for those affected. I truly appreciate those companies who recognize our efforts by giving food packs to frontline health workers.

Churches are closed. It saddens me that masses are temporarily suspended on Sundays but in the midst of this pandemic, let’s pray that there would be fast discovery to cure.

Now isn’t the time to blame the government or worst, oust the president. Although, we are a nation with different perspectives, now is the time to show unity and solidarity. It is so dismal to see people rallying for delayed relief goods and aid. 

Stay at home and practice social distancing. Keep updated to the news and be informed to updates.

As a medical technologist, it’s an honor to serve. This is my profession. I’m no longer calling for hazard pay but donations such as the PPEs are appreciated to get through every single day. I believe we could put an end to this sooner. We fight for you, so please fight for us by preventing the spread of infection.

VisaScreen Application Process: What you need to know

According to CGFNS International, the VisaScreen® certification is a federal screening program intended for professionals born outside the US. The International Commission on Healthcare Professionals is a division under CGFNS that administers the VisaScreen®. This is valid for 5 years. For healthcare professionals, this is an essential document to prove that your credentials are legit and you are eligible to practice the profession. This is one of the requirements needed to start on processing your working visa (H-1B) petition to USCIS.

The screening includes:

·         Assessment of educational credentials to ensure that it is equivalent to that of a US graduate

·         Verification of professional licenses

·         English language proficiency

                 You can ask help thru an agency for this, but in my case, I applied on my own. I started my application on March 2019.     

                 Reminder: Never attempt to send FAKE DOCUMENTS. VisaScreen® will surely revoke your application and you’ll ban to apply for VisaScreen forever!                                                                                                     

Let’s get you through the application process:

1.       The most convenient way to complete the application is thru online. Create your account at http://cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp This account will keep you updated about the status of your application.

a.       You are given 30 days to pay for your application

b.      The application fee is $540 thru credit card.

c.       Once the payment is made, you will be given 1 year to comply all the required documents

2.       Complete the application form

a.       Double check the spelling of each information (name, birthday, gender, mailing address, citizenship, education)

b.      Select H-1B as occupation visa information (for medical technologists in the Philippines)

c.       Select ICHP Visascreen Certificate as VisaScreen category

d.      Upload your Passport size ID Picture with white background. This is the same photo to be applied to your certificate.

 

3.       The documents to be reviewed:

                Note: There are downloable forms to each document that you need to include, so please fill out the required forms (applicant) as well.

·         IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test result- the USA sets a standard for medical technologists: a candidate must take the ACADEMIC MODULE and have at least a total band score of 6.5 with a speaking score of at least 7.0. It’s better if you take IELTS before VisaScreen.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 10000 PHP

                                                             ii.      VALIDITY: 2 years

                                                            iii.      Once you pass IELTS, you can ask for an ADDITIONAL TEST RESULT FORM from your test provider (in my case, IDP) to send the result to CGFNS. Just fill out IDP’s form of ‘Request for additional TRF’ for electronic sending. The service is free for 2 weeks after you pass. After that, you’ll pay 200 PHP.

·         Highschool Diploma with English Translation- Must be a ‘certified true copy’ from your high school registrar. This doesn’t need to be sent thru a courier. You can upload the diploma into your account.

·         College Requirements – This might take 1 to 2 months of processing depending on your school so it is advised that you go back to your college as early as possible. Give the form to be filled out and sealed/stamped by the registrar. The school will be the ones to send the educational credentials to CGFNS, otherwise they won’t accept it even if unopened.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 2500PHP including mailing fee (price varies depending on your school)

                                                             ii.      Transcript of Records with remarks FOR VISASCREEN PURPOSES ONLY

                                                            iii.      Course Description- a summary of all the subjects you’ve taken from the first year to final year of your bachelor’s program

                                                           iv.      Completely Filled out form of Request for Academic Records/Transcripts from CGFNS website by the applicant and the university registrar’s section

·         The registrar should include the clock hours of Clinical Internship

·         Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Certificate of Good Standing.

- CGFNS ICHP validates your license to confirm if you have completed the requirement by passing the board exam and to check if your registration has not been suspended or revoked. Also, the licensing authority should be the ones to send the documents, not from you or a third party on your behalf.

                                                               i.      Submit a photocopy of your Transcript of Records and the filled out form Request for Validation of License/Registration/Diploma from CGFNS website

                                                             ii.      PRICE: 2100 PHP including FEDEX

                                                            iii.      PROCESSING TIME: 1 week

Remind the university and the licensing authority to send the documents to CGFNS mailing address:

CGFNS/VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment

3600 Market Suite 400

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-2651 USA

I finally got my certification on June 2019, so my processing took 3 months. So update your CGFNS account frequently to check the status of each document. If everything is complete, CGFNS will issue the IHCP VisaScreen Certificate. You will be given a FEDEX tracking number to trace the mail. If not, they will notify you about insufficient or lacking documents.

References:

CGFNS International Application Handbook

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