The Ministry of Public Health has announced new guidelines for appointing head nurses at the expert level, focusing on enhancing healthcare professionals' morale and advancement opportunities across the board. On March 14, 2025, Dr. Phuwadej Surakot, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, spoke about the importance of these changes, which aim to create clarity and equity within the nursing profession.
According to Dr. Surakot, significant strides have been made recently. "The Ministry of Public Health has always pushed this issue, and we've seen clearer guidance over the past 2-3 years," he stated. The push for improvements within nursing ranks includes positions such as 10,124 head nurses, reinforcing the role of nurses within healthcare settings.
This new initiative, supported by Minister Samart Thepsuthin and Permanent Secretary Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, will utilize personal evaluation and performance assessment as primary criteria for the selection of head nurses, rather than depending solely on academic qualifications. This is seen as revolutionary within the field, marking the first time the Ministry has approached academic positions this way. "There was never such an approach before for academic positions," noted Dr. Surakot.
The criteria for selection will highlight key qualifications, including practical experience, with candidates required to have served at least two years as heads of nursing groups. They also must have completed specific training programs defined by the Ministry. This framework is aimed at ensuring those who are appointed to these important positions are not only qualified on paper but have the real-world experience needed to manage complex healthcare teams effectively.
"It’s necessary to manage hundreds to thousands of nursing professionals effectively," noted Dr. Surakot, underlining the need for skilled leadership within nursing. The Ministry emphasizes the importance of genuine management skills, aiming to assess every candidate based on their capabilities and past performance rather than their academic credentials or theoretical knowledge alone.
On March 13, 2025, the Ministry had formally communicated with relevant authorities to outline these new directions, marking a significant shift from traditional methods of appointments. The initiative is seen not only as progressive but also as necessary to inspire confidence and commitment among nurses to the healthcare system.
The revamped process will prioritize practical skills and proven leadership qualities, aiming to streamline the career progression of nurses who hold the pivotal roles of head nurses. To achieve this, the Ministry will establish committees for performance evaluation, which may involve interviews and written assessments, as deemed appropriate.
Overall, these developments reflect the Ministry's commitment to improving both the quality of nursing leadership and the provision of healthcare services throughout the country. They seek to address the pressing need for effective management within nursing departments, which has been highlighted as being increasingly important as the healthcare system confronts new challenges.
Dr. Phuwadej Surakot concluded, pointing to the future of nursing positions within the Ministry, stating, "This new approach will create benchmarks for nursing excellence and promote career paths within our healthcare system." Such shifts signal hope for many healthcare professionals eager to advance their careers and uplift the standards of care within their field.