President's Message

The recent Induction and Awards Benefits Gala celebration continues to linger on everyone’s mind not only because the event turned out to be a great success but it also showed the continuous commitment and support of nursing leaders and healthcare organizations to PNA-New York Chapter. The new PNA-NY Board for 2006-2008 looks forward to collaborate with each and every Filipino-American Nurse in bringing professional growth and positive direction to our chapter.

I am very fortunate to work with energetic and talented nurses and I am proud to report what PNA-NY had accomplished for the past five months.

Strategic Planning:
On November 18, 2006, the new Executive Board held its leadership and strategic planning for the next two years. As part of our responsibilities, we reviewed the PNA-NY by-laws and made minor revisions. The by-laws will be ratified for approval during the general assembly meeting tentatively scheduled on May 2007.

In addition, the board developed a vision statement that is clear, attainable, and sustainable: “Compassion, Courage, Commitment, and Creativity: The living legacy of the Filipino-American Nurse.”

We believe that this vision statement reflects qualities that have made Filipino-American Nurses excel in our profession. The board also chartered a blue print to help PNA-NY achieve this vision:

  1. Strategic Growth
  2. People Development
  3. Community Alliance

Details on achieving these blue prints will be addressed by the following committees:

  1. Education
  2. Membership
  3. Ways and Means
  4. Legislative/By-laws
  5. Nomination/Awards
  6. Information Technology/Website
  7. Newsletter/Events
  8. Public Relations/Hospital Liaison
  9. Budget/Finance

Community Alliance:
During the month of December, PNA-NY collaborated with other non-profit organizations and the Philippine Consulate in serving the Filipino community. December 2, was a hectic day for the Board as we split our energy to prepare for two major projects. PNA worked with Damayan during the day in providing free health screening to our kababayans and minorities. Together with UPMASA and NYU Project Aspire, we were able to screen over 100 participants who may be at risk for hypertension and diabetes by checking their blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. Kudos to our retired nurses (Phyllis Tamburri, Thelma Accurantes, and Bien Van Velsen) who continued to share their nursing skills as well as to our PNA member volunteers (Susan Gador, Fe Dia, and Deysi Sulaj).

At the same time, the Ways and Means Committee was busy preparing for the fundraising scheduled for the evening. The preparation and marketing efforts of the entire Board paid off with the participation of close to 120 members together with their family and friends. The fundraising pre-Christmas event gave the members a chance to bond, show-off their dancing skills, and share their generosity.

The spirit of sharing continued as PNA-New York, PNA-New Jersey, and PNA of America celebrated “Simbang Gabi” with the Philippine Consulate last December 19, 2006. This annual tradition helped everyone reconnect with our culture, re-focus our priorities, and keep the faith alive in our hearts as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

People Development:
Now, as we celebrate the Year of the Boar, PNA-NY hopes to have a year of abundance particularly with its membership campaign. Just like any other organization, PNA-NY is creating ways to attract and retain its members. This coming February, we are inviting volunteers to be a part of a focus group that can help us address ways to increase membership participation. In addition, PNA-NY will be reaching out to you to be a hospital liaison coordinator or a mentor. Watch out for this announcement in the mail.

Oftentimes, people have asked what is PNA doing and what are the benefits of being a member? I encourage you to join us during our monthly board and membership meeting and meet some of the leaders who contributed to the passage of the Nurse Relief Act, and now the latest hurdle is the NCSBN approval of Manila to be an official NCLEX testing site. Everyone is reaping, member or non-member, from the courageous act, time, and commitment that our PNA leaders have invested to secure the future of the Filipino-American Nurse and the succeeding generation of nurses.

Are you ready to rise up to the challenge and live the vision? Be a part of PNA-NY and discover what you can do to move the nursing profession forward as a Filipino-American nurse.