Biennial Report 2006-2008 -
Part II

"The Philippine Nurses Association-New York - Incorporated will inspire its members to promote the living legacy of the Filipino American Nurse: Compassion, Courage, Commitment and Creativity. This will be accomplished through healthy professional and community engagements." This vision of PNA-NY was adopted based from the theme that my administration presented two years ago. Today, I am proud to report that we have fulfilled this vision in many ways and this was made possible through the tireless energy, unselfish dedication, and collaborative efforts of the officers and members of our organization.

In addition to this major accomplishment, PNA-NY continues to strengthen its community alliance with other civic-based/professional organizations through its active involvement on the following:
o Annual Simbang Gabi at the Philippine Consulate in collaboration with PNAA and PNA-NJ

o Annual Health Fair Screening in collaboration with NYU Project Aspire, Damayan, and UPMASA
o Annual PIDC, Inc. parade participation and first aid provision together with PNA-NJ during the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day


o Simbang Gabi celebration at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel co-sponsored with FAHMI ( Filipino-American Health Medical Mission, Inc)


o Sentosa 27++ Steering Committee Member together with NAFCON and NYSNA
o Forum with AONE - Legislative Proposal to make BSN as entry level by 2010 - March 15, 2007
o Lobbying/Legislative Updates in Albany sponsored by NYSNA - April 2007
o Medical Tourism Open Forum with other Filipino Community Organizations at the Philippine Consulate
o Annual Nursing Organization Liaison Forum (NOLF) meeting at the NYSNA Headquarters, Latham, New York - May 7, 2008
o Health Fair Screening in collaboration with AACN-NYC Chapter sponsored by Women's Workers Project of CAAAV - May 31, 2008

Special thanks to all our volunteers who have consistently shared their bayanihan spirit - Mary Ighan, Cora Guillermo, Fe Dia, Phyllis Tamburri, Bien Van Velsen, Thelma Accurantes, Nida Lacdao, Sue Gador, Cecile Jayo, Ritchell, PNA-NJ volunteers headed by Majuvy Sulse, and AACN NYC Chapter headed by Majella Venturanza.

PNAA Representation

Wearing multiple hats as PNAA National Secretary for 2006-2008 and PNA-NY President, I represented our chapter in the following educational conventions except for one regional convention whereby I was not able to attend personally being that the date coincided with PNA-NY Induction last Sept. 23, 2006. Luckily, Pio Paunon represented PNA-NY in Baltimore, Maryland and still made it on time for the Induction.

PNAA Eastern Regional Conferences:

September 22-24, 2006 Baltimore, Maryland
Marriott Inner Harbor, Maryland
Hosts: PNA-Maryland and PNA Metro Washington DC
Theme: "Promoting Excellence in Nursing through Empowerment and Diversity"

October 12-14, 2007 Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Host: PNA-Delaware Valley, Inc.
Theme: "The Population We Care: Now and Beyond the 21st Century"

PNAA National Conferences:

July 11-15, 2007
Anaheim California
Sheraton Park Anaheim Resort Hotel
28th PNAA Annual National Convention
Theme: "Promoting a Culture of Excellence through Evidence-Based Nursing Practice"

July 16-20, 2008
South Padre Island, Texas
Radisson Resort Hotel
29th PNAA Annual National Convention
Theme: "Power the Passion for Nursing: Clinical Excellence, Technology Commitment, Professional Dedication, and Community Involvement"

PNAA is turning 30 in 2009
July 15-19, 2009, Baltimore, Maryland

As preparations for 2009 is underway for PNA-Maryland and PNA Metro
Washington DC in hosting the 30th PNAA Annual National Convention, a task force committee chaired by Susan Gador was approved by the executive board last August 14, 2008 to bid for the 32nd PNAA National Convention hosting in New York City. This would be a great fundraiser for PNA-NY, an opportunity to support PNAA President-elect Rey Rivera as he starts his administration in 2010, and another page for
PNA-NY history if our chapter wins the bid.

PNAA International Conference:

Jan 29-Feb 2, 2008 Manila, Philippines
PNAA as Convener: 6th International Nursing Conference
"Caring for the World, Our Homeland and Ourselves"
Co-Conveners: Dr. Carmelita Divinagracia, ADPCN
Co-Convener: Dr. Josefina Tuazon, UPMCN


PNA-NY is proud to participate in these conventions specially supporting our most traveled and energetic PNAA Immediate Past-President Rosario May Mayor, who hails from the New York chapter. I am pleased that majority of the executive board who attended these educational conferences not only gained additional knowledge but strengthened their bonds with each other and represented our chapter boldly during the leadership sessions, activity night, and general assembly.

Participation with PNAA Initiatives

Healthy PNAA - July 2006-2007
A weight loss challenge whereby chapters who lost the most pounds win a prize

Wellness Challenge - July 2007-2008
The focus of this challenge is to monitor cardiovascular health by keeping the systolic blood pressure below 130mmhg.

5K Run/Walk for a Healthy PNAA - July 19, 2008
A fundraising activity that matches every mile completed with a dollar amount
With the leadership of Christine Caligtan and Susan Gador, we participated in these healthy initiatives. Although PNA-NY did not win the big prize, being part of these initiatives made everyone a winner in taking care of their health.

Presidential Award
Through the leadership and perseverance of Filipinas "PI" Lowery, MA, RN, CNOR, past PNA-NY President, Past PNAA President and NCLEX Task Force Committee Chair, Manila was designated as one of the official NCLEX testing site outside of the US last February 8, 2007. This came about after over four years of endless trips, negotiations, strategic meetings, and appeals between the Philippine Government through the Commission on Foreign Overseas headed by Dante Ang, the National Council of the State Board of Nursing (NCSBN), and PNAA. Because of this accomplishment, the Philippine Consulate Office of New York gave a "thank-you" reception attended by PNA-NY and PNA-NJ Chapters. Last Sept. 27, 2007, PNAA was given the Presidential Award by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Despite her frail health, PI Lowery received the award together with May Mayor. However, last Oct. 4, 2007, PI lost her battle with cancer and finally reunited with our Beloved Father. PNA-NY offers their deepest sympathy to the family of our dearly beloved PI - we know that she will continue to watch over our organization that she adopted like her own family. As we remember her first death anniversary this coming October 4, we would like to dedicate this souvenir journal for her and offer a prayer that she may rest in peace.

Challenges
There are challenges in every success stories. However, with the help of our advisors, PNA-NY was able to overcome and meet these challenges.
" Consistency in holding annual strategic planning and attendance of board members to monthly meetings has been hard due to personal and professional priorities. Holding teleconference calls maybe another alternative that the next administration can explore.
" Technology adoption to support workflow such as database management, familiarization with Quickbook for bookkeeping, and quick turn around with financial reports was a slow process that required help from an outside consultant.
" Archiving of old records (meeting minutes, journals, and other relevant paper documents) will require a team effort.
" Maintaining visibility through marketing requires operational funds. We have not issued a newsletter but kept our website updated. We have increased site traffic tremendously from 600 hits to 15,000 hits during the 3rd quarter of 2007. The website support and maintenance has been provided pro bono and will require an executive decision to transition to a paid professional.

Dreams, wishes and desires for the chapter as we move into the next generation…
As we move into the 21st century, PNA-NY aims to have financial stability that can support the day-to-day operations and create an endowment fund/grant that can sustain the organization's capital projects without relying on membership fees or fundraising events.

One of the short term goals for people development that was not realized due to the current retrogression (unavailability of working visas) was to develop a mentorship program for newly recruited nurses that will be initiated from the country of origin.
Dr. Emerson Ea, together with Clemencia Wong, Tita-Aguilar-Niere, Susan Gador, Rey Rivera and I initiated a feasibility study that can be used as a platform to pursue this project. This will involve two phases.

" The 1st phase "Tele-payo Project" will involve email/phone video conferencing communication where subject matter-experts on immigration and contract negotiation and recruitment specialists can be tapped.
" The 2nd phase "Kaakbay" will involve partnership with healthcare organizations who are interested in developing a formal mentee-mentor program for newly-recruited nurses and existing nurses who have leadership potentials.

Dr. Ea's Research based on PNAA Data Points

I hope that the next administration will consider this as one of PNA-NY's projects for 2008-2010. This mentorship program has many potential benefits. As a Mentee, the recipient can gain tremendous help in adjusting and coping with the new environment, work conditions, and professional development. As a Mentor, nurturing and teaching new nurses or developing the leadership potential of current members offers personal and professional satisfaction. PNA-NY's facilitation of this project will sustain membership retention and recruitment not only within the chapter but also with hospitals and healthcare facilities who wish to collaborate with PNA-NY in this mentorship endeavor. Piloting this project can lead to research-based grants that sponsors leadership and mentorship programs.

Eventually, PNA-NY Chapter aims to be recognized as the professional organization of choice for every Filipino-American nurses in the State of New York, a subject matter-expert on all facets of nursing discipline: clinical practice, administration, research, and education, as well as "the partner-of-choice" in professional and community collaboration locally, nationally, and globally.

As a final note…
Serving PNA-NY as President (2006-2008), President-elect (2004-2006), Corresponding Secretary (2002-2004), and member since 1992 has been a great opportunity and experience professionally and personally.
I am grateful for the Executive Board, the silent mentors and supporters who have helped me on this journey especially during the moments of decision-making, planning, and execution of all our projects.
Your unselfish commitment of your time, unsolicited presence on our events, and voluntary sharing of your talents have made our walk and work tireless, satisfying, and priceless.

I am proud to have served PNA-NY as your president and I wish the next administration all the best as they start their journey for 2008. God Bless America, God Bless our homeland, the Philippines, and God Bless the Nurses!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY INDUCTED PNA-NY BOARD FOR 2008-2010
BEST WISHES TO LEONILA NAVARRO MARIAZETA AS SHE LEADS PNA-NY, INC.
TO GREATER HEIGHTS!!

View the 79th Anniversary and Biennial Induction/Awards Gala
www.petesphotos.smugmug.com.