By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The government of Guam has implemented an 18 percent pay raise for nurses at Guam Memorial Hospital effective April 1.
“As governor, it’s imperative that we recognize and address the challenges facing our healthcare workforce head-on," Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said after signing the Nurse Pay Plan recommended by the Department of Administration.
Officials said the salary increase is designed to address the challenge of recruiting and retaining nurses at the government hospital.
"My directive to the Department of Administration to conduct a comprehensive pay study on nurses reflects our commitment to retaining and supporting our invaluable frontline workers," Leon Guerrero said.
She noted that at the height of the pandemic, the medical sector witnessed a national trend of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
The shrinkage of the nursing staff not only comprises the stability of Guam's healthcare system but also places a strain on government resources resulting from an increasing reliance on costly travel nurses, the governor said.
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"We must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that Guam remains an attractive and competitive destination for our healthcare talent, safeguarding the well-being of our community for generations to come,” Leon Guerrero said.
“We reaffirm our commitment to investing in the backbone of our healthcare system. In the face of nationwide recruitment challenges, we stand firm in our resolve to retain and recruit the talents needed to ensure the execution of vital government services,” Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio.
He added that the administration is working with the University of Guam and the Guam Community College toward supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
