Travel nurses are a big help in address nursing shortages at the Guam Memorial Hospital.  But one travel nurse hired by GMH is currently under investigation by the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners for practicing without valid credentials. 

The travel nurse was practicing without a multistate license at GMH from September 2023 to January 2024.  Board member Brenda Manzana is investigating the case, saying, "We have never– we have not encountered a situation like this. Considering that this nurse had been practicing at GMH for several months and potentially working– I’m sure she’s provided care to those under Medicare, this might be bigger where we will probably need legal to step in." 

Nurses are required to be licensed in the state they are practicing. A multistate license allows them to practice in all Compact states and territories with one license.  Board executive director Zennia Pecina says this travel nurse intentionally practiced at GMH knowing she did not have valid credentials. 

"This individual told her travel company that she has a multistate license when in fact she had a single state license, and she knew that," she said.

The board must decide if GMH will be cited for fraudulent practice of hiring a nurse without a license. "We do have nursing shortages out there, but we shouldn’t compromise the patient’s safety in trying to push everybody onto the floor as we all need them. But [we should] ensure that they are licensed, meet all the requirements, and most especially are competent," she added.

In the meantime, the executive director tells KUAM News the travel nurse is no longer working at GMH. 

The case is still under investigation.