Volume XIX Fall/Winter 2010

Around the Town and Beyond

NEW VA Support Line provides important assistance to caregivers

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasing its support to caregivers with a new, toll-free telephone line for the caregivers of veterans. According to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Erik K. Shinseki, “the families and loved ones who care for severely injured veterans deserve the highest level of support.” The National Caregiver Support Line- 1-855-260-3274- will serve as the primary resource and referral center to assist caregivers, veterans, and others seeking caregiver information. The National Caregiver Support line will be open Monday to Friday from 8am-11pm, Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30am- to 6pm. Licensed VA Social Workers and health technician will staff the support line. VA also features a web page, www.caregiver.va.gov, with general information on other caregiver support programs available throught VA and the community. Source: VA e-news

PNA New York member receives the BANAAG Award 2010 from President Aquino On December 10, 2010, President Aquino conferred the 2010 Presidential awards on Filipino individuals and organizations overseas in Malacañang. The Banaag Award is conferred to Filipinos and foreign individuals or associations for advancing the cause of Filipino communities overseas, or for supporting specific sectors/communities in the Philippines. PCFI Tampa group was a past recipient of this prestigious award. This year one of the recipients of the Banaag Award was Kinding Sindaw. Kinding Sindaw is a dance theater ensemble that is dedicated to assert, preserve, reclaim, and re-create the traditions of dance, music, martial arts, storytelling, and orature of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines. The artistic director and founder of Kinding Sindaw is Potri Ranka Manis, RN, a member of PNANY. Source: PNAA e-Balita

Call for nominations for PNAA National Excellence Achievement Awards 2011

It is that time again to choose your candidates for the different categories of the PNAA National Excellence Achievement Awards. The purpose of this National Excellence Achievement Awards is to recognize outstanding nurses for professional excellence, significant contributions to the nursing profession in the various

General Assembly

Keynote speaker takes on

cultural aspects

of Palliative Care

Continued on page 2

The officers and members of PNA Tampa Bay, Inc. convened on Nov. 20, 2010 at the University Community Hospital for the Annual General Assembly.

Dr. Jose Cariaga, Board Certified in Internal

Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Care Medicine delivered his keynote speech entitled, “Cultural Aspects of Palliative Care.” The participants earned one CEU which focused on the importance of family-centered health care decision as part of the Palliative Care.

The speaker also emphasized that communication

skills of the health care provider is vital during the end-of-life care.

Meannwhile, a CPR Class was offered prior to the

assembly for a minimal fee to both members and non-members. It was facilitated by Rebecca Mendoza, past president; Wilma Garay, asst. treasurer; and Ning Bonoan, board member.

Afterwards, the Businees Meeting was conducted

where members and officers had the chance to meet and interact regarding issues and trends affecting the organization. MZ

Dr. Jose Cariaga (center), keynote speaker is surrounded by the officers and members of PNA Tampa Bay during the 2010 General Assembly

Around the Town and Beyond from p. 1

fields of specialty, at the local level, community participation and sustained involvement with PNAA and/or affiliate chapters. All nominations must be received by the Chairperson, Awards Committee on or before March 29th, 2011 for the different Award categories: 1) Clinical Nursing, 2) Nursing Administration, 3) Nursing Research, 4) Nursing Education, 5) Entrepreneurship, 6) Community Service, 7) Advance Practice Nurse, 8) Informatics Nurse.

The selected awardees will be honored during the 32nd PNAA National Convention in San Francisco, California, June 28th to July 3rd, 2011. The awardees are expected to be physically present to accept the award. For more information at the local level, please contact our PNA-Tampa President, Victoria Fabreo via e-mail- que.vic@verizon.net or by phone at 813-728-5234.

You can also visit the PNAA website- www.mypnaa.org- for more information and nomination forms. Source: PNAA Website

Philippines adopts ISO 3166-1 from RP to PH

It may take some time to get used to this change, but the Philippine Government has officially adopted the ISO 3166-1 codes of the International Organization for Standardization, assigning the two-letter code “PH” and the three-letter code “PHL” to the Philippines.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, through Department Order No 16-10, has instructed all offices and Foreign Service Posts to use the initials “PH” or “PHL”, internationally recognized codes based on ISO 3166-1, to correct any ambiguity or confusion caused by retaining RP as the abbreviation for the Republic of the Philippines.

Major newspapers in the Philippines have already made the change. We advise the Filipino-American community to be part of this shift as the Philippines joins other member-countries in adapting to standards set by the ISO. Source: Philippine Consulate General Press Release

PAAT revels their 35th

Anniversary in Black and White

The Pilipino-American Association of Tampa Bay

(PAAT) celebrated their 35th year anniversary as one of

the organizations that spearheaded the formation of The Philippine Cultural Foundation and the Bayanihan Arts Center in Tampa Bay. PAAT friends and families came to an evening of fun and elegance as the association inducts its new officers and board line-up for 2011 – 2012 headed by Joey Omila. Entitled "An Evening in Black and White,” PAAT's 35th Inaugural Ball promised an evening like no other: good food by one of Tampa's best, great music, and entertainment. It was held on February 25, 2011 at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. Every guest wore their best black and white gowns and tuxedos. Victoria Fabreo, current PNA-Tampa president and husband, Romy Fabreo, showed their support to PAAT as one of their honored guests came to witness this spectacular event. Proceeds from this event will benefit PAAT's cultural projects. Source: pcfitampa.org

PNA-Tampa celebrates two big holiday events

PNA-Tampa celebrated Halloween Fund-raising Event last October with a lot of fanfare and spectacular costumes. This is PNA-Tampa’s biggest event of the year to raise funds for their scholarship funds and other community activities and programs. Members of other Filipino organizations came in their wild and wacky costumes to show their support. Prizes were awarded for best male/female costume, best couple costume and best child costume. Everyone danced the night away with the music provided by the sons of Aba and Liw Villagomeza.

Another big event was PNA-Tampa’s Family

Christmas Event held last December. It was a potluck lunch brought by the PNA-Tampa members culinary chefs. There were games, singing and dancing all afternoon. The most fun though was the “Chinese exchange gift” with everyone stealing the best gifts from anyone. It was wild! Alas, Santa was not able to come with his reindeers since even he was bogged down by the flu. It was a disappointment to everyone but there is always next year to see him again. This is another successful event enjoyed

by both families and friends of PNA-Tampa members. GI

Officers and attendees don variety of costumes at the Annual Halloween Fund-Raising Event

Officers and members decipher the complex rules of Chinese exchange gifts during the Annual Christmas Celebration.

2 The Philippine Nightingale

Enshrined Sto. Niño

at St. Paul’s Catholic Church

Tess Ebrada, MSN, RN

During the expedition of Magellan to the Philippines, they chose Cebu as the base of Christianization. It was during the battle, heavy artilleries, and huge cannons that forced the villagers to flee to the mountain because of burned villages. One of the soldiers found the image of Santo Niħo in the wooden box under the pile of ashes. This was brought to the Queen of Cebu as a gift after her baptism to Christianity.

There are numerous miracles and powers attributed to the Holy Image. During World War 1, the Basilica of Santo Niħo was bombed and the Holy Image remains unscathed. Pope Paul II and the Vatican sent an apostolic blessing, “Santo Niħo de Cebu is the only Filipino identity that is registered in the Registry of Cultural and Historical Places.” The image of Santo Niħo here in Tampa strengthens that.

January 16, 2011, the fiesta of Santo Niħo was celebrated at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Tampa, FL. It was filled with people from several states. This was the first time where the newly enshrined Santo Niħo was seen by so many people.

Alquizola (2011) pointed out that the statue of Santo Niħo was made from an uprooted tree (Santol)resulted from typhoon Ruping. This was from the yard of Victor and Catalina Galvez who are Santo Niħo devotees. They hired a sculptor and carved two identical statues of Santo Nino. Alquizola, further discussed that the daughters Lolita and Carmen had always kept in their hearts the wish of their mother to give Santo Niħo to a welcoming church to foster the spread of Santo Niħo and touch the hearts of many people. The other statue is now in the altar of Sacred Heart Parish Church in Charleston W. Virginia.

Last January 13, 2011, the Philippine Nurses Association of Tampa Bay co-sponsored one of the nine nights of Novena prior to the fiesta. Nurses from several hospitals served and supported the event . The event coordinators were Gwen Iyog, Geal Irvine, and Tess Ebrada. Mrs. Irvine had a beautiful reflection on obedience while Mrs. Iyog coordinated the Novena and rosary prior to the mass which was the first of the triduum masses. The mass was celebrated by Fr. David Dejulio who is the Parish Priest of St. Mark the Evangelist Church. The event was culminated by a big feast with two lechons from contributions, sumptuous and delicious Filipino dishes and delicacies.

The feast that night showed that that we are all one family working together with patience and perseverance for the glory of God. This was indeed a wonderful blessing from above and we hope and pray that God will bless us always. That is very well a good start for the year 2011.

Potpourri

Our PNA-Tampa officers and members had been busy this fall and winter sharpening their brains and reviewing for their certifications. Congratulations to these members who had achieved a milestone in their career and can now add more credentials at the end of their name:

Mila Germino passed her Certifications in Critical Care (CCRN)

Nanette Tupaz is now an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)

Milani Zabala, current editor-in-chief of our newsletter, The Philippine Nightingale, passed her Registered Neonatal Certificate (RNC) exam.

Congratulations to Geal Irvine for receiving the Certificate of Appreciation from the EEO Diversity Council for being the Program Manager and leading the Asian-Pacific Islander (API) Special Emphasis Program at the James A. Haley VAMC, Tampa for four years. She successfully organized the Annual Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Day during her term with large number of participation among the hospital staff and patients. She planned educational programs twice a year that focused on health problems specific to Asian populations and other issues that were relevant to the veteran population. These programs provided continuing education hours for physicians, nurses, social workers and other members of the allied healthcare team.

We wish Eve Morelock the best of days ahead during her retirement from the James A. Haley VAMC. She was given a retirement lunch celebration by the members of the API Special Emphasis Program at the VA and was given a Certificate of Appreciation for being one of the most active members of this group. We will surely miss her at the Tampa VA.

Congratulations also to Dan and Geal Irvine for celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary and wish you the best in the years ahead of wedded bliss.

Please include in your daily prayers for the safe return of Technical Sergeant Andrew Iyog, son of Gwen and Emil Iyog, who is stationed in Afghanistan. We have a lot to be thankful for these brave men and women who protect our country and the ideals of a democratic country.

Congratulations to Riza Mauricio, PNAA South Central Region COP Forum Leader, for being included in the Who’s Who among students in American Universities for 2011. This is such an honor that one of our Filipino nurses is given this prestigious and distinguished award. Way to go, Riza!

Happy Birthday to all those who celebrated their

wonderful birthdays this fall and winter seasons. GI

3 The Philippine Nightingale

Greetings to all my colleagues, fellow officers, and members of PNA Tampa.

My two years as

president of our organization will be winding down in a few months. When I started out my term, my main goals were to make PNA Tampa a visible organization that will reach out to our community and to invigorate our members to get involved in all activities of our organization. I am proud that we have members who always rise up to answer the call to service and enable our organization to reach these goals. I am also encouraged by some officers who have shown their unstinted loyalty and dedication by generously giving their time and talents . Their undying support is what

has continued to make our organization alive and vibrant. When all of us believe that we can make a difference, even small ways will enable us to accomplish our goals. We should continue to create good

memories about our organization. We should not let traditions and usual practices hamper us to improve and grow as an organization.

The journey for me is not about any success at the

end of my term but it is about what I have learned and imparted to make us all proud to be a member of PNA Tampa.

Blessings to all.

President’s Message

PNA Tampa: A visible

organization

by Victoria Fabreo, RN, BSN, CPN

T o d a y i s November 12, 2097. I was just given a clean bill of health based on my physical exams completed last night. The statement I retrieved from my computer at home showed all sorts of data including tests done, results, health education topics with code numbers for interactive learning and suggested health enhancements activities. This means that I followed the guidelines set forth by the National Healthcare Authority (NHA) in collaboration with my Universal Access Medical Insurance. Like many law abiding citizens, I take pride in keeping myself healthy not only because I know that this is my responsibility, but also because I believe deeply in our nation slogan, “A healthy me makes a stronger we.” History tells me that the same convenience and compliance was not evident a century ago. There was such disarray in healthcare management. It was so chaotic that no one had a good handle on what was happening. “Case Management” is to their era as “Life Management” is to ours. Prior to my birth, I was screened to be “genetically and physically fit” while I was still in my mother’s womb and already had a health record with an identification number stored in a computer. To this day, I can access all my healthcare history from conception to present which includes my “routine” and “other-than-routine” records. The feeling of high satisfaction is a commonplace in healthcare America because responsibility and accountability between providers and recipients are clearly delineated. The public and the government have worked so hard in the last half part of the century to make healthcare easy and convenient for us, and thus, has a zero tolerance for non-compliance.

Where in the world can one find a complete physical already scheduled at certain points of one’s life with easy to follow instructions and access, would take only 15 minutes of one’s time , and no waiting? I normally go to the center

nearest my address late in the evening and let the HealthComp machine do its job. It is a wonderful machine… the very best invention at the turn of the century! It is capable of doing everything and anything it is programmed to do at a very high accuracy and efficiency without invasive procedures and hook-ups.. and yes, the human interaction is very much evident in any of the healthcare accesses! My name is being called by the receptionist…

and no, it isn’t 2097. I must have fallen asleep while

waiting to be called in for my mammogram. I was here at

noon and it is now 1:15 PM, October 30, 1997. What a

wishful dream!

Editor’s Note: The article won 1st Place in the 1997 Essay

Contest at St. Anthony’s Hospital with the theme entitled,

“Health Promotion and Education, The Next Generation….”

Special Feature

Healthcare 2097

by Ning Bonoan, RN, BSN, MEd

MAMMA MIA!* returns to Tampa July 12-17! MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show that has

audiences coming back again and again to relive the

thrill. Now it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s

greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,”

“Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love,

laughter and friendship. Whether it’s your first visit or

your 14th, see the show that has the whole world com-ing back for more, because every time feels like the

first time at MAMMA MIA!

*http://www.strazcenter.org

For details please contact:

Ariel Zabala 813-334-2414

4 The Philippine Nightingale

Palliative care, according to the World Health Organization is, “the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, other symptoms and psychological, social and spiritual problems are paramount. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best possible quality of life for patients and their families.” The definition of Palliative care has much in common with hospice. Here in the United States, however, palliative care is evolving in a way that goes well beyond the American version of hospice.

Promoting Palliative Care at Tampa

General Hospital Florinda Magsakay, TGH nurse, have been

involved in palliative care since 2005, after attending the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) presented by TGH. The ELNEC course is a national education program whose goal is to improve end-of-life care provided by nurses. It consists of modules that are geared to educate and provide nurses with the skills on how to handle end of life care. Topics are as follows: Nursing Care at End of Life,Pain Management, Symptom Management, Ethical/Legal Issues, Cultural Considerations, Communication, Grief/Loss and Bereavement, Achieving Quality Care at the End of Life, and Preparation and Care for the Time of Death

The ELNEC project was started in 2000 funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and is presently administered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

With the wealth of information she learned from ELNEC, she believed that she had become a different nurse and her focus has changed. As a nurse, she always wants to be empowered and be part of the team to make her work worthwhile. Upon completion of the ELNEC course, she became a certified Palliative Care Resource Nurse (PCRN) and a member of the Palliative Care Committee at TGH. This committee meets once a month where they receive continuing Palliative Care education and they attend different presentations, as well as conducting discussions on palliative care-related journal articles.

At TGH, Palliative Care is a service consult.

The team meets daily with Dr. Vincent Perron, the Palliative Care Program Director, the chaplain, resident, fellows, case managers, nurses and social workers. The group collectively discusses patients and treatment plans reviewed. Family meeting are scheduled and family members are requested to attend and also urged to ask questions so all possibilities may be covered. Patients are assessed for problems including counseling and planning on discharge goals to home, hospice or nursing home. Do Not Resuscitate and Living Wills are discussed. Patient and staff education includes medications and other end of life issues. Overall, the nurse plays the most important role at this stage of the patient’s life because they are the ones who are always present with the patient and the family in all aspects of their care.

Ms. Magsakay strongly recommends that other nurses consider becoming PCRN. They are the patient’s advocate and play a very important role in giving quality end of life care. Nurses can vastly improve their quality of care and make a positive and significant difference in their lives, as well as that of their families in an otherwise difficult time.

Promoting Palliative Care:

the Nurses’ Role

by Florinda Magsakay, RN

The Philippine Nightingale Official Newsletter of PNA-Tampa Bay, Inc.

Volume XIX Fall/Winter 2010

Ma. Milani Zabala, RN, BSN, MN, RNC Editor-in-chief

Ariel Zabala, RN, BSN, MN Associate Editor

Ning Bonoan, RN, BSN, MEd Mary Rose Balunos, RN

Victoria Fabreo, RN, BSN, CPN Elena Garcesa, RN, MSN, CCRN

Contributors

Geal Irvine, RN, BSN, MSHSA, CPHQ Advisor

5 The Philippine Nightingale

PNA-Tampa President, Victoria Fabreo and officers had taken an active role in promoting Palliative Care by presenting an educational program held last November 20, 2010, entitled “Cultural Aspect of Palliative Care” presented by Dr Jose Cariaga, a Palliative Care Specialist at the Tampa VA. It was an excellent presentation that focused on how palliative care is perceived by different cultures which in turn affects the patient and family’s decision going through end of life care. Some cultures are more open to discussing this issue and some are more hesitant because it is against their beliefs, religions or conceived as bad omen prior to patient’s death. Asians tend to belong on the latter group because of beliefs of life after death or their continual hope that the patient can still bounce back as long as there is a heartbeat. Every little involuntary movement made by the patient who is on sedation gives them hope and conceived that the patient is starting to come around.

These beliefs sometimes make it difficult for the healthcare team to plan for end of life care and delays in putting a Palliative Care consult is quite frequent until the patient or family decides. Families who are on the throes of indecisions have to be handled with care

and heal thcare providers have to r e s p e c t t h e i r decisions. This is where nurses can

provide the greatest impact in educating the families towards palliative care. During their daily contact with the patient and families, nurses can assess their readiness when to start discussing palliative care. It is best to start slow to avoid overwhelming them and should always answer their questions honestly on the patient’s prognosis. It would also help if nurses put themselves in their position and what would she do if it is her own relatives who are in the same situation. Eventually, the other members of the healthcare team can be brought in the discussion until the family accepts that there is dignity in dying and they do not have to be alone in their decision-making.

Most PNA-Tampa members are involved

in promoting palliative care in their own facilities

including Tampa VA. Filipino nurses grew up in

a culture that is hesitant to discuss death until

there is no more heartbeat but their experience

taught them that providing palliative/end of life

care provides quality and dignity until the last

heartbeat.

This is the first time in history that there has been f o u r d i s t i n c t generations in the workplace. Studies have been made to identify the differences with the following age groups: Veterans, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. Each generation has their own way of thinking, values, work ethics, communication style, and priorities. Knowing these differences and how to deal with potential conflicts help the staff work better as a team.

The veterans or the traditionalists, born 1925-1944, ages 63 to 82 years old, trust authority, respect rules, and loyal to their institutions. They are conservative with resources, and they have the most experience we can count on. Our veterans usually expect people to “pay their dues” before one can be given authority. Respect is their top psychological need, and they will make decisions based on what has worked in the past.

The Baby Boomers, born 1945-1964, ages 43 to 62 years old, are usually the largest number in the workforce. They are the kind of staff who work to live and may sacrifice for success, and for this group, anything is possible. They may still be new to technology, but they are known to be idealistic, optimistic, have a strong work ethic, and are great multi-taskers. Loyalty to their workplace is also very important to them.

Generation X staff members are the children of

the Baby Boomers, born 1965-1981, usually ages 26 to 42 years old. Gen Xers

are highly individual workers who value work and life balance and they are highly skeptical. They tend to attach to people and not organizations, grew up with technology, and prefer leadership based on competence. They expect constructive feedback on their performance because they have been known to embrace change.

Generation Y staff members, born 1982 and after, ages 25 years and younger, are the newest members in the workforce. They are the most technology savvy in the group, like to be entertained and stimulated, highly adaptable, but gets bored easily. Gen Yers team well with the Baby Boomers, and achievement is important. They may look like their too laid-back or overly confident, but Gen Yers love to learn and are good listeners, and this generation tend to be informal and can think extremely well when relaxed. They have a lot of new ideas and fresh perspectives, and known to be the most flexible generation.

The purpose of this article is to use these strengths and weaknesses to learn how to deal with the different ages in the workplace, and to avoid possible conflicts. Do not use these studies solely to differentiate a specific age group. Each person has their own personality as well that affects the way they work.

PNA-Tampa’s role

in promoting palliative care

by Gealdina Irvine, RN, BSN, MSHSA, CPHQ

Differences in Generations

by Mary Balunos, RN

6 The Philippine Nightingale

Since its inception in 1989, Service and Program Development have occupied a special place in the heart of our very own, Philippine Nurses’ Association of Tampa Bay. In line with this objective, our organization has been helping needy nursing students with scholarship money, rather informally, at first. It was only in 2006, when criteria for selection and scholarship guidelines were formalized. It was also the beginning of our organization’s international move to add a line item in our annual budget for an amount allotted specifically for scholarships.

A scholar can receive a maximum of $500 per annum and a chance to reapply for the following year. Annual budget for scholarship has increased throughout the years. In 2006, a total of $1000 was given to: Mary Grace Medina (full award recipient), and runners up, Michael Louis Cervantes, Mevelyn Cayme, Yoradyl Lucero, Joanne Michelle Fernandez, and Porita Alpine Batalla. In 2007, Yoradyl Lucero garnered the full scholarship benefit with runners up,

Joanne Fernandez, Mevelyn Cayme, Ariel Mahilum, Earl A. Anolpe, and Chenee Marie Mifa with a total of $2000. In

2008, a total of $2600 were awarded to Rhovi-Anne Allado, Ariel Mahilum, Joel Sulapas, Janine Tampos, ($500 each) with Karen Sedano, Kenneth Alcorin, and Glorianne Cabras as runners-up. In 2009, Joanne Eunice Reyes and Mary Rose Belunos each received the maximum allotted award for the year. Last May, R. Nikos Flores, Jameel Meneses, Joanne Eunice Reyes, Kristine Roxas were honered as our scholars for 2010 during the Nurses’ week celebration.

The awardees have great academic records, have a deep sense of purpose and well-balanced life. All of the scholars are successful in their own right coming to us with stellar credentials.

Finally, Mevelyn Cayme(PH), Karen Sedano(PH), Joanne Eunice Reyes(PH), Mary Rose Balunos(US), Rhovi Anne Allado(US) have all graduated and passed the nursing boards. Our organization is so proud of them…Congratulations, colleagues!

Her name means unity. Her nickname is Uning. In this western hemisphere, her name is Ning.

She is the 6th child born to Pompeya and the late Bishop Clemente Reyes, out of the 10 they had. She grew up in La Union and Ilocos Norte. She attended St. Luke's College of Nursing and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in 1975.

She left her native country at 23 years of age to work in the States. In 1983, she settled in Lutz, Florida with the Rev. Raynald Bonoan and their 3 children.

In 1989, together with some enthusiastic Filipino nurses, she helped found the Philippine Nurses Association of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Ning has been active in our association and has served in various valuable capacities year after year. She is the current chairwoman of the education and scholarship committee. She is also the overall chairperson for the upcoming Nurses Week celebration called Nurses' Weekend of Reflections.

She has a Masters of Education degree from National Louis University in Tampa. Her 2 publications were her master's thesis titled A Nightingale's Crossroads: Bridging Nursing Education Into Home Care Practice During the Reformation of Healthcare, and her winning essay written on Nov 1997 titled Healthcare 2097.

One of her life objectives is to share nursing knowledge, experiences, and abilities with all audiences including health care team members. She is

a lecturer on human trafficking ministry. She also is a CPR instructor with the American Heart Association.

Ning takes time to volunteer at church sunday school and the thrift shop. She owns and administers an ALF at present. She is the current president-elect of the St. Luke's Alumni Nursing Foundation USA. She will be present at the Philfest playing in the Musikong Kawayan Bamboo Ensemble.

What a great person Unidad Reyes-Bonoan is and a true asset to our association..

Spotlight

Ning Bonoan, RN, BSN, MEd

Ning Bonoan, board member, acted as keynote speaker at the 2009 General Assembly.

The Philippine Nightingale The Philippine Nightingale 7

PNA of Tampa Bay’s

nursing scholars shine

by Ning Bonoan, RN, BSN, MEd

Education & Scholarship Committee

Chairperson: Ning Bonoan

There were seven applicants that the committee received for the Scholarship Awards to include both here in the United States and the Philippines. They are currently being screened by the Chairperson for approval by the Executive Board. Scholarship will also be opened for post-graduate nursing students. Scholarship application criteria will need to be amended for next year’s applicants. Educational programs are also being planned for Nurses Week in May and during the Alaskan Fund-raising Cruise Event in August.

Publication Committee

Chairperson: Jet Zabala

There was a delay in the completion of The Philippine Nightingale Summer edition 2010 but it is finally finished and uploaded in the PNA-Tampa website. The newsletter will be going “green” this year to save the earth and to save on the cost of printing hard copies. The website: www.pnatampa.com need to be utilized a lot more for posting of announcements and other communications. The webmaster has put PNA-Tampa in Facebook and Twitter. The PNAA Journal of Nursing is offered free to all paid PNAA members through your local PNA chapter membership fee. It is important for members to notify your local PNA chapter in updating their membership information especially their current addresses to receive the PNAA Journal of Nursing.

Finance Committee

Chairperson: Mila Germino

PNA-Tampa proposed budget for calendar year 2011 was presented at the last meeting on February 26th. Priority is given for scholarship funds and conference registration reimbursements for members. More fund-raising strategies are needed to increase the organization’s financial stability. Piggy bank fund-raising will be completed and returned during Nurses Week.

Membership Committee

Chairperson: Nannett Tupaz

There are currently 32 paid PNA-Tampa members and members were asked to update their information and send them to the PNA-Tampa Secretary, Nannett Tupaz via e-mail to maximize your PNA-Tampa and PNAA benefits. There were incentive proposals for membership growth from PNAA and one suggestion is to start “Member Recruit One New Member,” a

membership drive which will automatically double the local chapter’s memberships. The chairperson of this committee will submit names of those who paid their membership fees after January 31st to PNAA in June as an update from the local chapter.

Community Service Committee

Chairperson: Cris Hermano

PNA-Tampa will continue to support and participate on these community activities for 2011: Food Bank, Metropolitan Ministries, VA StandDown for the Homeless Veterans, Feeding the Homeless, and Tampa VA’s Make A Difference Day for patients who are in medical foster homes. PNA-Tampa members also participate in the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society fund-raising events. Personal items are donated to Salvation Army, Purple Heart and Goodwill.

Socio-Cultural Committee

Chairperson: Victoria Fabreo

PNA-Tampa is one of the supporting organizations of PCFI and will continue to support their socio-cultural activities throughout the year. PNA-Tampa actively participates in their Annual Philfest Celebration by selling entrance tickets, food, and helps at the gate and selling food tickets. This year, we will also collaborate with PNA Gulf Coast for the First Aid Booth. PNA-Tampa members continually attend all the events sponsored by the other supporting organizations.

Awards Committee

Chairperson: Elena Garcesa

Selection for PNA-Tampa Nurse of the Year 2011 is now open and members are requested to send in their nominees to the PNA-Tampa President, Victoria Fabreo que.vic@verizon.net. PNAA is also calling for nominees for the PNAA Excellence Award and the deadline for submission is on March 29th. Please see related article at the Around the Town and Beyond Section on this edition and visit www.mypnaa.org for more information.

AD Hoc Committee

Chairperson: Flor Magsakay

At the last meeting, there were discussions on how we can best participate in the PNAA Gawad Kalinga project and the PNAA fund-raising for the 5K PNAA National Conference. We need more feedback from the other PNA-Tampa officers to strategize our continued support for these projects. GI

Committee Reports

The Philippine Nightingale 8