T h e P h i l i p p i n e N u r s e s Association of Tampa Bay held its Annual General Assembly at the Florida Hospital Tampa (former University Community Hospital) on November 5, 2011,

It was attended by the organization’s officers, advisors, and members. Every year, PNA Tampa hosts an educational program to benefits its members and provide CEUs discussing relevant topics in today’s nursing field.

Ning Bonoan started the event by providing a Basic Life Support class to PNA members who needed to renew their CPR training. During this time, members were also abl e to renew their membership and pay their annual dues. Each member brought a dish to share and a potluck lunch was served.

The guest speaker, Joy Barlaan, MSN, ARNP provided a continuing education unit through her discussion of “Now Entering the Continued on p. 3

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

11th South Central

Regional

Conference

2

Nurses Weekend of

Reflections

4

President’s Message 5

Alaska Sawyer

Glacier Cruise

5

World Dragon Boat

Racing

Championships

6

Resolving Nursing

Shortage

9

32nd PNAA Annual

Conference

12

B U S I N E S S N A M E

The Philippine Nightingale V O L U M E X X S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

Past President Joy Barlaan, MSN, ARNP (seated 3rd from the right) acted as the guest speaker for a one hour free CEU offering during the Annual General Assembly held at Florida Hospital Tampa on Nov. 5, 2011.

Editorial:

The future of

nursing, a call for

higher education

14

Calendar of Events 15

Spotlight:

Mary Balunos

15

Membership Form 16

General Assembly

Entering the new era of health care by Mary Balunos, MSN, ARNP

P A G E 2

Top to Bottom:

Education Day,

Networking and Gala

Night attended by

Ariel Zabala, president

-elect during the 11th

SCR Conference in

Brownsville, TX.

I had the privilege

t o r e p r e s e nt o u r

chapter in the recently

concluded 11th South

C e n t r a l R e g i o n a l

Conference held at

Holiday Inn Hotel,

Brownsville, Texas on

Mar. 25-27, 2011.

Paperless Conference

The host chapter, PNA

Cameron County initiated the

Go Green campaign by not

p r i n t i n g h a n d o u t s . T h e y

encouraged participants to

bring laptops and open the link

via their website during the

conference. Please visit the

host chapter's website if you

w a n t t o s e e t h e t o p i c s

d i s c u s s e d d u r i n g t h e

c o n v e n t i o n , h t t p : / /

pnatcc.com/ For the first time,

the host chapter made it

m a n d a t o r y t o w e a r a

conference T-shirt.

Business Meeting

Each chapter prepared a

presentation to discuss their

" S t a t e o f t h e C h a p t e r ' s

A f f a i r s . " I p r e p a r e d a

P o w e r P o i n t P r e s e n t a t i o n

highlighting our campaign on

visibility through our Social

Media Triangle (none of the 11

chapters and 1 sub-chapter is

on Tw it ter , yet) . I a l so

showcased The Phi l ippine

Nightingale and challenged the

region to grab the PRIDE

A w a r d i n t h e N a t i o n a l

C o n f e r e n c e . F i n a l l y , I

presented our Scholarship

Program based from the report

submitted by Ning Bonoan,

Chairperson of Scholarship

Program.

Networking Night

The program was dubbed as

Mexican Night. We were

t r a n s p o r t e d t o A n t o n i o ' s

R e s t a u r a n t . W e w e r e

ent ert ained w it h M exican

music and dance. It was

followed by presentation from

each chapter. “The Atrevidas”

of Rio Grand Valley Chapter

romped away with the grand

p r i z e . T h e y f e a t u r e d a

collection of dance numbers

they presented from previous

conferences and ended with a

medley of Lady Gaga songs.

Second place went to Gulf

Coast Chapter with their

interpretation of a Philippine

f o l k d a n c e , “ L a J o t a

M o n c a d e n a . ” T h e M e t r o

Houston chapter came third

with their Project Runaway, a

parade of Nursing uniforms

from Nightingale era and

ending it with a futuristic

dress.

Gala

The gala night's theme was

Masquerade Ball. The host

chapter prepared production

T H E P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T I N G A L E

11th South Central Regional Conference

Professional Engagement: A key to Making a Difference by Ariel Zabala, RN, BSN, MN

P A G E 3 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

R were trimmed down to five before they

announced the top three winners. Gulf Coast

Chapter won the award with their Scholarship

Program. First and second runners-up were

Central Florida’s Revival of Chapter and Metro

Houston Nurses Runway Fashion Show,

respectively.

Our president, Victoria Fabreo also

received a certificate of appreciation for her

exemplary service and leadership. Virginia

Alagano, president of Central Florida accepted

the symbolic plaque as the next chapter host

for 2012.

3k Walk/Run

The event was held at South Padre Island

beach. I finished second overall and was

awarded with a trophy. Afterwards, we were

handed black bags to pick-up litters along the

beach and was rewarded with a small bag and

calendar from the city.

musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and

Evita and a homage to Lea Salonga. They also

made a slideshow entitled, In Memoriam to

honor and pay tribute to the three leaders from

the region whom we lost in 2010.

The evening's highlight was the awarding of

the very first SCR Teamwork Recognition

Award. I received a plaque of appreciation on

behalf of the PNA Tampa Community Team

submitted by Geal Irvine, advisor as one of the

nominees. There were ten nominees which

Ning Bonoan (left), Board of Directors, volunteered to teach Basic Life Support during the Annual General Assembly held at Florida Hospital Tampa on Nov. 5, 2011

General Assembly from p. 1

New Era of Health Care in the US: Do not be left

behind.”

All were amazed by the changes we have seen

in the health care system throughout the years.

Mrs. Barlaan chose a great topic by discussing

the past, present, and future changes that will be

expected in the upcoming years of health care.

All of the members who attended received

one contact hour. A brief question and answer

was welcomed by the guest speaker after her

presentation.

The assembly closed by planning the PNA

Tampa’s future events in the upcoming year. The

yearly program reminds its member of the great

benefits of being an active member and the

networking opportunities available to fellow

Filipino nurses.

Next year’s events will be led by our

president-elect Ariel Zabala, RN, MN. All of the

members are looking forward to the following

General Assembly’s educational opportunities.

Participants to the South Padre Island Beach Clean-up Drive. One of the fun activities during the 11th SCR Conference in Browsnville, TX held on March 27, 2011.

P A G E 4

Nurses’ weekend of reflections

On May 14-15, 2011, the PNA of

Tampa Bay celebrated Nurses

Week with the theme, "Nurses’

Weekend of Reflections" at the

DaySpring Episcopal Conference

Center, Parrish, FL.

The first day commenced with

a business meeting presided by

President Victoria Fabreo and the

chapter's five nursing scholars were

annou nc ed ( t hre e f rom t he

Philippines and two from Tampa, FL).

A short talk was presented by

S t e p h e n W e i k , f i n a n c i a l

representative from Westshore

F i n a n c i a l G r ou p o n w e a l t h

maximization, retirement planning,

and investment services.

Ning Bonoan, chapter Chairperson

of Education and Scholarship took the

group to a four hour CEU on the topic,

"In Search for Holistic Wellness as

We Reflect on the Nightingale DNA

Within Us."

She did a combination of lecture

forum and personal and group

reflection presentation followed by an

outdoor activity, commune with

nature.

The activity concluded with recital

of the Nightingale's Pledge as a

remembrance of our commitment to

the profession and a blessing of the

hands facilitated by Rev. Fr. Rey

Bonoan. To complete the concept of

holism, a healthy dinner was served.

A fellowship followed after in the

community area by the cabin where

the officers and members played

games and danced the night away

while some continued to work on

counting the money earned from the

piggy banks.

After a restful sleep, the group

went for a morning walk and

meditated via the Stations of the

Cross. The Spiritual Reflection

and Service was given by Geal

I r v i n e , p a st p r es i d e n t a nd

Victoria Fabreo.

The second day ended with a

breakf ast before t he group

departed and checked out. It was

a very meaningful and refreshing

weekend for those who graced the

celebration. MMZ

Ning Bonoan (right) presented a four-hour CEU entitled "In Search for Holistic Wellness as We Reflect on the Nightingale DNA

Within Us," as part of the Nurses Week Celebration held at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center, Parrish, FL, May 14, 2011.

Victoria Fabreo,

president (top) pre-

sided the Business

Meeting

while Stephen Weik

(bottom) of

Westshore Financial

Group gave advice

on money matters.

T H E P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T I N G A L E

It all started as an idea during one of the PNA-Tampa meetings while the officers were discussing the financial status of the organization. Through the herculean effort of Cris Hermano, she coordinated the cruise aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas by Royal Caribbean.

PNA-Tampa was very grateful to Educational Opportunities Travel Agency for their donation of $50 per person to our organization who signed up for this trip.

The weather was excellent! It was sunny, clear, crisp, just a bit cold but not too cold. The glaciers at Juneau, Skagway, and Tracy Arm Fjord were just beautiful and some were iced blue. It is sad to say that the floating icebergs were small since it was summer and also because of the global warming. There were lots

of places to see on the ship’s itinerary. In Juneau, we did the City Tour and went up

to White Summit Pass over 3, 200 ft high and crossed the Canadian border. There were no houses, just surrounded by nature at its best. We went on the tram to climb another mountain. It was very beautiful at the top to see the Juneau downtown and its surrounding areas.

We again joined in the City Tour of Skagway where the population is only 800. We visited a very old cemetery with colorful stories about the dead gold prospectors in the past, witnessed school of salmon spawning against the current, and climbed some more mountains.

In Tracy Arm Fjord, we saw some more glaciers. This time, it was closer, bigger, and

T H E P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T I N G A L E

P A G E 5

President’s Message 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 of service and enable our

organization to reach its goals. I am also encouraged by some officers who have

shown their unstinted loyalty and dedication by giving their time and talents. Their undying support

is what has continued to make our organization viable and visible. 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.

by Victoria Fabreo, RN, BSN, CPN

Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise

A way to raise fund and still have fun by Gealdina Irvine, RN, BSN, MSHSA, CPHQ

Continued on p. 13

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

P A G E 6

This Bayanihan spirit was

exemplified by the Filipino-American

community of Tampa Bay during

the 2011 World Dragon Boat

Racing Championships held in

Tampa, Florida from August 2nd

to August 7th when they rallied

together and began a grass roots

effort to support the Philippine

Dragon Boat Federation Team

(PDBFT) of 20 athletes and 6

coaches and managers. Due to

al leged pol it ical turmoil ,

corruption and false reports by

individuals within the Philippine

Olympic Committee (POC), the

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)

and the Philippine Canoe-Kayak

Federation (PCKF), the Philippine

Dragon Boat Federation was stripped

of their monthly living stipends,

training/travel funds and their

recognition as a Philippine National

Team. With grit determination,

sacrifice and the desire to defend

their International Dragon Boat

Titles, they were able to procure

sponsorships from Philippine

Airlines and Cobra Energy Drink for

flights to Tampa and lodging

expenses for half of their team,

enough to compete in the small boat

races. The PDBFT would have to

forgo defending their standard

dragon boat titles. Through the

generosity of the USA Dragon Boat

Team and several dragon boat clubs,

they were able to race in the

Championships using borrowed

paddles. Having arrived safely with

a skeletal crew of 26 members, they

were short on food supplies, money

and moral support. They were only

able to bring with them some canned

foods, instant noodles and rice.

At the Opening Ceremony of the

2011 World Dragon Boat Racing

Championships, the PDBFT met

several members of the local Filipino

-American Community. After

hearing of their plight, the Filipinos

of Tampa Bay rallied around their

“kababayan” or fellow countrymen

with Gail Gutierrez spearheading the

e f f o r t . P h i l i p p i n e C u l t u r a l

Foundation, Inc. President Roger

Caculitan disseminated the call for

“Bayanihan” to all the Filipino-

American organizations within the

Tampa Bay area. Several key

individuals worked daily and

tirelessly in order to assist, raise

funds, and support the Philippine

Dragon Boat Team. That night, a

“Support Philippine Dragon Boat

Federation in Tampa” Facebook

page was created for the sole

purpose of organizing a grass roots

support system which included team

supply needs, race schedules, race

updates, news, events, and

miscellaneous information.

The following day, the team

received bottled water, sports

drinks, canned salmon, canned

sardines, corned beef, energy bars,

The 2011 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships:

A Show of the Bayanihan Spirit Compilation

notes of

witnesses to

the spectacular

event.

T H E P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T I N G A L E

Jose Ijalo, one of the paddlers and Ariel Zabala, presi-dent-elect at the 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Rac-ing Championship, Tampa, FL.

Maribel Soriano, VP and Ariel Za-bala, president-elect sporting their Dragon Boat T-shirt as they support the Philip-pine Delegation to 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Rac-ing Champion-ship, Tampa, FL.

P A G E 7 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

bread, peanut butter, snacks, fruits, boiled eggs, home cooked meals and rice cookers. Together, the Filipino-American community and the PDBFT were able to raise money through private donations and PDBF Team Shirt sales to afford meals and drinks for nine days, shopping money for each athlete, and a trip to Busch Gardens, as well as luncheons, dinners, and shuttle services.

On August 4th, the first day of races, Filipino fans gathered in support branding red, blue and yellow in honor of the PDBT. They were rewarded with a gold medal victory in the 1000 meter Premiere Open Men’s Division Small Boat Event. With news of the PDBT spreading throughout the Filipino channels, the next three days were filled with growing crowds of proudly chanting Filipinos eager to cheer their beloved team across the finish line first. Everything culminated on Sunday, August 7th, as the PDBFT and its staunch supporters held a moment of silence just before the start of the 500 meter Men’s Division Small Boat Event. A horn blared across the channel as the dragon boat teams pounded their drums and their beats echoed off the buildings in erratic tempos. A cloud of mist rose from their paddles and engulfed the pack as the PDBT led in the front. The Filipino fans broke into cheer, as a rhythm came over the crowd and they began chanting, “PHI-LAH-PEENS!…PHI-LAH-PEENS!” The atmosphere intensified and exploded in celebration as the PDBFT crossed the finish line in First Place. The Filipino fans were giving each other hugs, high-fives, laughing, crying, and basking in the glory of victory. A sense of pure jubilation could be felt within their ranks, as they gathered for the final Award Ceremony and traded stories about their experiences with the Team. Athletes and supporters alike, beamed with pride when the PDBFT received their gold medals. As the Philippine National Flag was being raised, the entire Filipino community joined Cara Gutierrez in singing Lupang Hinirang while everyone else stood back in silence and admiration.

The following day, Monday, August 8th, several individuals headed by Ann Bartlett and Ferdian Jap sponsored, organized, and prepared a banquet luncheon at the Bayanihan Arts & Events Center to recognize and honor the PDBFT and all the volunteers who had taken part in supporting the team. It was followed by a shopping trip and a celebration steak dinner sponsored by the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. and hosted by Clem & Roland Lazaro.

On Tuesday, August 9th, the Philippine-American Association of Tampa Bay took the PDBFT to Busch Gardens where they were able to relax and finally enjoy the city. Lucy Bautista, Roque & Emma Barrido, and the Lazaro’s kindly provided their lunch and transportation. After an exciting and rainy day of rides, shows and sights, Dr. Jonathan & Aileen Alvior hosted a farewell dinner party for the PDBFT where they were promised a donation of carbon fiber paddles by generous and loyal supporters.

Finally on Wednesday, August 10th, after several days of newly shared experiences with their kababayan, the PDBFT boarded their plane and returned to the Philippines amidst a frenzy of proud Filipinos welcoming their Champions home. Although their homecoming has been filled with television appearances, news interviews, awards, accolades, recognition, and much needed celebration, the future still remains unknown for the PDBFT. Differences with the POC, the PSC and the PCKF have yet to be resolved in order for them to be united, once again, and officially represent the Philippines under the banner of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation.

After all is said and done, the 2011 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships and The PDBFT, through their hardships back home and here, enabled the local Filipino Community to rise up to the call of Bayanihan and support their fellow kababayan in their time of need with food, supplies, donations, leisure, moral support, and lasting friendships. The Filipino-American Community of Tampa Bay should

T H E P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T I N G A L E

P A G E 8 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

be proud that they were able to show the

world on an international stage that the

Filipino Bayanihan spirit is very much alive

and can accomplish anything.

- Mel D. Allego

It was such a wonderful experience

watching our Philippine delegates go to the

medal stand, getting their gold medal, looking

as the flag being raised up while the Philippine

Anthem is playing. It was such a proud

moment. Besides the monetary contribution,

PNA Tampa members donated candies to our

delegates. I attended the medal ceremony on

Sunday and gave bags of candies for their

“pasalubong” to their families in the

Philippines. I also gave them five shirts, one

Tampa Bucs jersey, three Tampa Lightning

shirts, and one Gator shirt. My friend said

they wore it right away to show their

enthusiasm with these unexpected gifts from

PNA Tampa. Most of the athletes came from

poor families who are fishermen and some are

from the Philippine military. At the Barrio

Fiesta held at the PCFI, the female athletes,

since they are done with their race, sold some

jersey shirts to help fund their trip to this

event.

- Maribel Soriano

Those who missed it really missed a

phenomenal win by the Filipino team who

came in 1st, the Aussies were 2nd, and the 3rd

place going to Japan beating out USA, Canada,

Russia, Germany, China, Trinidad/Tobago,

etc. The Filipino team won five gold and two

silver medals. I am so proud of them. It is so

moving, I had tears in my eyes during the

awarding ceremony and singing of "Lupang

Hinirang." Those who came to PCFI on August

8th showed their support and appreciation for

this team and gave them recognition and

honors for winning the race. The team’s shirts

and other souvenirs sold so fast as other

foreigners were also snapping them being the

champs. Well, I just wanted to share my

experience this afternoon in the company of

our CHAMPIONS.

- Julie Lindsey

Maribel Soriano, VP with the crowd cheering for the Philippine Team on 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Champi-onship, Tampa, FL.

The Philippine Nurses Association of Tampa Bay

cordially invites you to see Save the Date!

2PM Saturday, February 11, 2012 David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra seats starts at $80.* Normal ticket price is $75.50 plus $13.07 Service and Handling Fee. You save $8.57 per ticket.

Your participation will help our Nurse Scholars to fulfill the dream they dream. Reserve your tickets now.

*Additional donation is optional for patrons who are gen-erous enough to fund our Nursing Scholarship Program.

Contact Person: Ariel Zabala 813-334-2414/813-671-0402 yeljet@hotmail.com

Photo courtesy of Straz Center

P A G E 9 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

The recruitment of nursing has been one of the major in demand professions in the United States and around the world as a result of nursing shortage. Ways to help resolve short staffing in the hospitals and other health care facilities is one of the major challenges we all face. I for one have experienced the adverse effects of short staffing in my years of nursing practice.

Short staffing has shown detrimental effects to patients and nurses. This issue of short staffing in the hospitals has always been associated with potential risk for safety in patient care and nursing practice safety. As a result of this staffing shortage, patient outcomes and quality of patients care are affected.

The projected nurse-staffing crisis will continue to rise in critical areas when the aging population will retire resulting to higher rates of staffing shortage (Buerhaus, 2000). The nursing shortage estimated in the year 2020 will reach to one million by the year 2020 in which 50 states will experience nursing shortage in varying degrees (Scott, 2006). The shortage of nurses in staffing the hospital was estimated by the Federal Government to rise up to 29% or 800, 000 (Alpasch, 2000). Nurses have asked, “Why other nurses leave bedside nursing?” “What have we done to help resolve this issue?” “Why such a staffing shortage?” and “Where have all the nurses gone?” These questions are so familiar to all of us.

Nurses recognize the difficulty of staffing their units and keeping up with the demand of work in patient care as presented in every level of patient acuity. We all know that certain skill levels of nurses exist in different nursing units. The mixture of that nursing skill levels resulted to better patient outcomes. Therefore, nursing management

must seriously consider evaluating nurses’ level of training, flexibility and level of nursing practice, and expertise when delegating patient assignment. Serious consideration of this matter will help ensure the deliverance of quality care to our patients. It is crucial that management educate, mentor, and motivate the next generation of nurses to promote commitment in the nursing profession.

This nursing shortage has also brought negative effects to the nurses’ health and patient care outcomes. It was even associated with morbidity and mortality rates in the hospital related to break in the norm of procedures. Nursing shortage are likely related to resignation in relation to aging population of nurses who are facing their retirement, higher turn-over rates related to over-stressed, and mandatory overtime related to short staffing. These reasons accounts to unreasonable patient – staff ratio, no flexibility with scheduling, low pay and no work incentives, no opportunities for growth and adequate support for educational training, and advancement. The working environment is stressful that allows less time for training which results for the new nurses to be overwhelmed. Moreover, critical consideration on patient assignments also takes the lead as to why nurses leave. The evaluation of patient’s acuity level is necessary in making up assignment. Furthermore, staffing shortage has resulted to higher demands of mandatory overtime and staffing nursing personnel’s resulting to spending longer time at work and less family time. Because of less family time, it affects the nurse’s communication and bonding of the nurse to her/his own siblings. This is making the nurse less involved and less effective in assuming her dual and multi- role at home and at work (Scott, 2006). Moreover, longer working hours results to health crisis

Resolving Nursing Shortage

Influencing the Future of Nursing and Health Care by Maria Caridad B. Arnobit, MSN, RNC-NIC, PCRN

P A G E 1 0 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

among nurses. To name some of the common medical conditions that nurses can develop are gastric ulcers, sleep disorders, heart attack, and depression (Mion, 2007). In addition, inefficiency, unsatisfactory nursing care, and frustration from nurses are reflected with their behavior, outlook, and attitude towards work. Sleepiness, irritability, increase anxiety, and negative attitudes are the results of exhaustion (Reanim, 2007). Nurses are also prone to medical errors due to inability to focus and lack of vigilance to patient safety (Scott, 2006). On the contrary, the autonomy style in management is a major concern of nurses, too. Adopting a shared governance style of management along with effective communication and rapport in the team is a great way to build a holistic team that will surely help retain nurses and decrease turn-over or resignation resulting to a decrease rates of staffing shortage and improved patient outcomes.

Proposals presented by different surveys and research suggested ways on how to resolve staffing shortage to meet the hospitals’ issue on short staffing. Among the solutions presented talks about the recruitment of nurses overseas, the collaboration of nursing school and the hospital, the provision of structured and informative orientation process to help nurses adapt and guide in their nursing practice, and increase pay for nurses to help improve and maintain retention (Nelson, 2006). I strongly agree that the adaptation of the aforementioned methods will help resolve shortage of staffing. Moreover, I would like to emphasize the development of a more cohesive collaboration among the team in policymaking and policy decisions. The provision of higher salary and incentives given to the nurses will help increase retention along with the provision of working flexibility to balance family and work is important. I also believe that the recruitment and immigration of qualified nurses from other countries will help decrease nursing shortage in United States.

As a nurse coming from a different country, my parents always say that the best gift that they can give me is my education. I sincerely believe in that! At this point in my career, valuing education is a gift from my parents. It gives me the opportunity to make a difference not only to myself but also to the people that surrounds me. It gives me the freedom, the vision, and the mission that has sent my path towards my personal and professional goals. I believe that education is a powerful tool, a key to help resolve nursing shortage. For me, this is a way to touch lives and make a difference. I also believe that engaging myself in education and in the academia has paved the way for me to help build the next battalion of nurses for the coming generation. I am an advocate of our nursing profession as I continually encourage and motivate both the experienced and inexperienced nurses to continue and advance their education to achieve their maximum potential. Knowledge through education is a powerful tool. Nurses should start within themselves in order to train and precept new nurses or inexperienced nurses. My personal philosophy is that, knowledge if not shared is useless. Continuing education and training are crucial in this profession. Let us keep ourselves abreast with the new evidenced-based practices and get involve in education. I have indulged myself in education because I know that in educating the inexperienced nurses, I will be able to contribute in ways to prepare the next generation of nurses.

The next step is to engage ourselves to train, precept, and mentor nurses. We need everyone’s input and contribution in training inexperienced nurses. Let us build a team of competent, efficient, and effective nurses. In order to attain this goal, we, as experienced and educated nurses must take a role in this matter. I urge you my colleagues, my co-educator to put up the armor and be an active participant in educating and training the next generation of nurses who will be taking care of us. Moreover, nurses, leaders, and educators

T H E P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T I N G A L E

P A G E 1 1 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

in the nursing profession, let us motivate our students and preceptees to continue on the legacy so that in time they will also be motivated to educate, train, mentor, and precept their orientees.

On the contrary, the United States government together with Immigration Officers, and the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) should cut the requirements for English Proficiency Tests. The need to pass four-part English tests where curriculum and medium of instruction is English must be lessened. We all know that our nursing curriculum in the Philippines and possibly to other countries was based from the United States and that our medium of instruction are all in English. The State Boards of Nursing and the CGFNS should reconsider revamping this English test and consider lowering the immigration costs and shortening the length of waiting time and processing of qualified nurses to join the work force (Stankus, 2005). Although, I believe that there is still a need for us Filipino nurses to take the NCLEX-RN examination due to difference in environmental practice and to comply with the requirements of each Board of Nursing (BON) in the USA. In addition, the state’s BON must provide a country assignment to one of their personnel to facilitate faster and efficient processing. Filipino nurses applicants wait for at least one year to process nursing eligibility here in the United States. On the other hand, I would also propose that the employers pay for the immigration expenses. In return, Filipinos and qualified nurses from other countries must adhere to a term of contract in fairness to the employer. The educational background and advancement of nurses from other countries may have or can be a ground for developing good leaders due to cultural diversity and experiences.

From an economic point of view, it is expensive to recruit nurses from other countries, but to have the assurance that a hospital can have full-time and a lengthy time of nurse coverage is a great help to the

economy. I do agree on this matter. Hiring and re-hiring, training and re-training nurses within United States will even pile up twice if not thrice the costs of international recruitment. The provision of a short, solid, and well-structured program of orientation with different approach provided for an experienced and that of inexperienced RNs will help decrease frustration amongst the preceptor and orientee. By keeping them abreast with the new evidence-based practices and providing them knowledge and training, nurses will be able to perform and develop their full potential towards achieving quality and safe patient care. The management together with the Federal, State, and Local governments should look into increasing wages to compensate nurses who are also sacrificing their health and family in rendering services in the community as a way to motivate and encouraged them to fulfill their tasks (Nelson, 2006). It is important for the public to join efforts in addressing the nursing shortage because it is essential to the improvement and delivery of quality patient care.

References: Alpasch,G., (2000). Another nursing shortage wake-up call.

Critical Nurse. 20(6),8. Retrieved on November 27, 2011 from the web http://proquest.umi.com

Buerhaus, P., Stagier, D., & Auerbach, D., (2000). Implication of aging registered nurse workforce. 283, 2948 – 2954. Retrieved on November 28, 2011 from the web http://www..med.gov

Hodges, J., & Hansen, L.(1999). Restructuring a competency-based orientation for registered nurses. Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Retrieved on November 28, 2010 from the web http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Loquist, R., (2002). State boards of nursing respond to the nurse shortage. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 26(4), 33-9. Retrieved October 28, 2011 at ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source from the website, from the web http://proquest.umi.com

Reanim, A., (2007). Risk for safety: which stakes? Retrieved on November 28, 2011from the web http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Nelson, J, & Folbre, N., (2006). Why a Well-Paid Nurse is a Better Nurse. Nursing Economics. 24(3), 27-130. Retrieved on November 26, 2011 from the website http://www.medscape.com/

Scott, L.D., Rogers, A.E., Hwang, W.T., & Zhang, Y.,(2006). Effects of critical care nurses' work hours on vigilance and patients' safety. 15(1), 30-37. Retrieved on December 27, 2011 from the web at http://www.pub.med.gov/

Stankus, M., (2005). A note to the global nursing community on the recent publication by the California Nurses Associations "Code to Promote Ethical Practices for the International Recruitment of RN's."Retrieved on December 28, 2011 from the website www.NurseImmigrationUSA.com

Stanton, MW. & Rutherford, M.W., (2004). Hospital Nurse Staffing Issue and Quality of care. Research and Action. 14, 4-29. Retrieved on December 28, 2010 from the website http://www.ahrq.gov/

32nd PNAA Annual Conference

Engage and make a difference PNA-Tampa President Victoria Fabreo,

Gealdina Irvine, advisor, and Flory Magsakay, auditor attended the 32nd PNAA Annual Convention in San Francisco, California last June 28th to July 3rd, 2011.

The theme for this year's conference "Engage and Make a Difference" was spearheaded by PNAA President Dr. Rey Rivera. The chapter host, PNA of Northern California (NC) did an excellent job in making this conference a worthwhile event for the attendees.

Traditionally, PNAA annual conventions combine educational programs with fun activities that make participants feel ready to face the challenges of the nursing profession after leaving the conference. Leadership development is one of PNAA's priorities in all of their conferences and the tools they provide for each of the chapter representatives are adaptable to all levels and specialties in nursing.

On June 30th, the Leadership Institute Session's theme was "Roadmap to Engagement" and included topics such as "Behavior of Engaged Leader," "Benefits of Engagement," and "Roadmap to Engagement and Engagement Behavior." Dr. Rey Rivera set the tone of this theme with enthusiasm. The attendees discovered how individual engagement can make a difference in their own profession and the communities they served.

In the afternoon, the American Heart Association educators offered the “Train the Trainors’ program to the chapter leaders who are committed in implementing the Healthy Heart, Healthy Family (HHHF) program in their communities. They provided the tools necessary on how to reach out to the communities and teach a healthy

way of life and prevent heart disease. On July 1st, the day started with topics

such as the “Challenges and Opportunities for Nursing Leadership,” “Quality Improvement Demonstration Study,” “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” “Ramifications of Federally Mandated Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Implementation to Clinical Practice,” “Management of Adult Patients Requiring Sedation and Analgesia,” “Analyze Curricular and Pedagogical Implications for Educating Nurses,” and “Current Global Guidelines for Asthma Management.”

The keynote speaker, Wilhelmina Manzano talked about her personal reflections and learnings as an engaged nurse leader.

There were also poster presentations on Climate Change, Infectious Disease, Nursing Governance, Surgical Options in Heart Failure, Anesthesia Awareness, and The Journey to Magenta for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. There were also vendors presenting the latest in technologies and current therapies, hospital recruiters, representatives from different colleges offering different nursing programs from baccalaureate degrees to doctorate in nursing, and companies offering different items used by nurses and other personal products.

On July 2nd, PNAA continued the tradition of the Wellness Challenge 5k Walk/Run and most of the attendees were up early to face the challenge. After breakfast, the General Assembly (PNAA members only) meeting started with discussions on the changes on the by-laws, financial reports and chapter reports with each one abiding by the Robert's Rule of Parliamentary Procedure.

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The Alaskan Cruise from p. 5

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more iced blue and the air seems a lot fresher. Words and pictures are not enough to describe this spectacular beauty of nature.

In Victoria, BC, flowers abound with over 1600 hanging baskets in most of the lamp posts. We went to the second oldest Chinatown in North America where we had lunch, went shopping, and saw gorgeous houses along the

bay. I presented an educational program entitled,

“Prevention of Norovirus Infection” for 1.5 contact hours. It had been reported in the media about the spread of this infection on cruise ships so this was a relevant topic for the participants.

To show how serious the cruise ships are in their efforts to halt the spread of norovirus, Royal Caribbean placed anti-bacterial hand sanitizers at the ship entrance and in their dining rooms. They made it mandatory for all passengers to use them.

At the cruise ship, there was plenty of food and the head waiter granted our request for pork “adobo” and “sinigang na hipon” in one of our dinners. Thus, the waiters received good tips from our table.

There was line dancing everyday where Cris, Wilma, and Adora couldn't help to miss those moments. There was karaoke night almost every day and yours truly sang bravely enough knowing that I will not see those people again. Then, there was the Quest Game for adults only where my hubby participated. It was too racy to even describe it here.

It was an excellent tour and I will go back again. For those who did not go, you have just missed an opportunity of a lifetime but as the saying goes, “There’s always a next time.”

Participants to the educational program “Prevention of Norovirus Infection” aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas, Aug. 5, 2011

PNA of Tampa Bay officers, members, and their family as they enjoy the 7-Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Fundraising Cruise.

The day concluded with the Gala Night. Besides the dancing which everyone enjoyed, there were awards handed to each chapter. The announcement of the scholarship recipients and the PRIDE award winner was the highlight of the evening.

On July 3rd, the last day of the PNAA conference and after the religious services, PNA NC hosted a picnic celebration but unfortunately the PNA Tampa attendees were unable to attend due to personal commitments with their families and relatives in California. Nevertheless, all three of them were quite enthusiastic and more than happy to report their PNAA conference experience to the PNA Tampa members when they came back to Tampa. They were all ready to face the challenges of their nursing profession and the running of PNA Tampa organization. GI

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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare which was signed into law on March 23, 2010 requires individuals to maintain essential health insurance coverage. Insurance companies are being required to provide preventive services, thus the call for provision of primary care and wellness programs are imperative.

In this light, the nursing profession which constitutes the largest workforce and can provide basic wellness services is called to the forefront to respond to the challenges to make this Act's objectives a reality. But the question remains, “Is the nursing profession ready for this?”

In 2008, The Institute of Medicine on the Future of Nursing conducted a two year initiative to address this question. They had arrived at four key messages as follows: nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training; nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression; nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health care professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States; and effective workforce planning and policy making require better data collection and information infrastructure.

In the local scene, one of the largest hospitals in Tampa Bay has started encouraging nurse managers to be master’s prepared to assume the leadership role. This was just phase one of this hospital's initiative to promote a higher education among nurses. The plans are underway to make each and every nurse in the said hospital a Bachelor of Nursing degree holder.

As a local chapter, the PNA of Tampa Bay supports aspiring nurses who wish to complete their Bachelor's and Master's degrees by awarding scholarship grants annually. Last year was the chapter's first time to give a grant to a student in the master's level.

The PNAA also supports the same mission to encourage higher education among Filipino nurses by offering scholarships to any member who wants to pursue post-graduate studies.

This health care reform will definitely transform the nursing profession and may pose a challenge among nurses to look beyond the realms of bedside nursing and gaze into a broader horizon in the areas of education, practice, and research. Many have started their journey to respond to this change yet others are still out to find out. MMZ

Editorial

The future of nursing, a call for higher education

T H E P H I L I P P I N E N I G H T I N G A L E

The Philippine

Nightingale

The Official Newsletter of the

PNA of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Vol. XX Spring/Summer 2011

Ma. Milani Zabala

Editor-in-chief

Ariel Zabala

Associate Editor

Mel Allego

Maria Arnobit

Mary Balunos

Victoria Fabreo

Julie Lindsey

Maribel Soriano

Contributors

Gealdina Irvine

Advisor

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Her spir i t of volunteerism is part of her life and she devotes her t i m e t o d i f f e r e n t causes close to her heart. These are March of Dimes, Glitz and Sticks, Ronald McDonald House, Heart walk and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Mary is a role-model to upcoming new nursing graduates and nursing students. She has shown through diligence and perseverance in trying to attain a higher degree in nursing will always be possible as long as you continually follow your dream, know different financial resources, and always keep a positive attitude in the face of different adversaries in life. GI

Mary Rose Balunos is one of the PNA-Tampa scholars and currently passed her ARNP Board certification. She also finished her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida. She currently works at Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in the Pediatric Medical-Surgical Unit since May 2006. Mary loves working with children and this is one of the reasons she majored in the Family Practice program.

Mary is the youngest daughter of Ogie Gullett who is also a nurse at Neonatal ICU TGH and a clinical instructor at Hillsborough Community College. Like mother like daughter, indeed! Mary started as a nurse technician at TGH and continued on to become a nurse practitioner. She is a preceptor to nursing students and graduate nurses and achieved the Clinical Nurse Ladder Level III. She was given different awards as an exemplary and diligent nursing student namely: Ginger Oliver Scholarship Award 2008 and 2010, TGH Scholarship Recipient 2009, PNA Gulf Coast Chapter Scholar of the Year 2008 and PNA Tampa Scholar of the Year 2009.

December 3 Family Christmas PNA Tampa Party 6PM-11PM Northwood Lake Clubhouse Wesley Chapel, FL Tess Ebrada (813) 391-2236 December 17 Pasko 201 1 sa Tampa Bay 3PM-10PM, Admission $3 PCFI Grounds, Tampa, FL www.pcfitampa.org January 7 Feeding America Tampa Bay 8:30AM to 12NN Food Bank volunteers needed High School students earn volunteer hours feedingamericatampabay.org January 15 PNA-Tampa Channelside Cruise and Induction Ball 4pm- 8pm Yacht Starship II 603 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602 www.yachtstarship.com

February 11 Les Miserables PNA-Tampa Fund-raising Event 2PM, Straz Center, Tampa, FL www.strazcenter.org March 30 PhilFest 2012 to April 1 PCFI Grounds, Tampa, FL Volunteers needed for First Aid Booth, Tickets Sales, and PNA TB Pavilion www.pcfitampa.org May 4-6 12th PNAA South Central Regional Conference “Keep the Flame of Engagement Burning Through Collaboration and Teamwork” PNA of Central Florida, Host Chapter Walt Disney World Dolphin, Orlando, FL valagano@yahoo.com July 11-15 PNAA 33rd National Convention “Engage, Transform, Celebrate!” Marriott Rivercenter, San Antonio, TX www.mypnaa.org/33rdconvention

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Spotlight

Mary Balunos, MSN, ARNP

Mary Balunos accepts her Scholarship Award during the Nurses Week Celebration held at DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish, FL, May 14, 2011

PNA-Tampa Bay, Inc.

Officers 2010-2012

President

Victoria Fabreo

President-Elect

Ariel Zabala

Vice-President

Maribel Soriano

Secretary

Nannett Tupaz

Treasurer

Mila Germino

Assistant Treasurer

Wilma Garay

PRO

Ma. Milani Zabala

Assistant PRO

Elena Garcesa

Auditor

Flor Magsakay

Board of Directors

Ning Bonoan

Roy Covarrubias

Virginia Elminshawy

Cris Hermano

Gloria Lacuesta

Edna Mapugay

Amy Marquez

Beth Morris

Advisors

Tess Ebrada

Geal Irvine

Gwen Iyog

Philippine Nurses Association of Tampa Bay , Inc.

(501C organization 85-8015082191c-6)

Membership Application Form MISSION STATEMENT: PNA-TAMPA is a non-profit, professional, educational, and community-service oriented organization whose purpose is to uphold the positive image and welfare of its constitu-ent members, promote professional excellence and contribute to significant outcomes to healthcare and society. GOALS: Unify Filipino-American Nurses in the Tampa Bay area. Develop, implement and evaluate programs in nursing leadership, practice, education and re-search relevant to professional growth of its members and healthcare needs of the community. Promote a positive image of nursing to the community through health programs and projects, independently or in collaboration with other local, state and national nursing and other allied health organizations Participate actively in socio-cultural activities of the Filipino-American community. To encourage, assist and support worthy causes as determined by the Executive Board. Date: ___________ ( ) New Member ( ) Renewal

Last Name:______________________________ First Name: _____________________________ Middle Name:____________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________________ Employer:_______________________________ School of Nursing _________________________ Degree Attained: _________________ Year Graduated:_______ Other Degrees: ________________________ Address:_____________________________________________ Home Phone: _______________ Work Phone: _____________ Cell Phone: _________________ Fax no: ____________ E-mail: _____________________ Please indicate which committees you are interested in: ( ) Bylaws ( ) Publication ( ) Education & Scholarship ( ) Nominations and Elections ( ) Membership ( ) Awards ( ) Budget and Finance ( ) Community Service ( ) Socio-Cultural ( ) Ad Hoc:

Referred by: _______________________ Visit our website: www.pnatampa.com

Membership Fee $40 Make check payable to: PNA of Tampa Bay, Inc. c/o Nannett Tupaz 1805 Sassafras Dr. Wesley Chapel, Fl 33543 e-mail: nannett_tupaz@yahoo.com PNA-Tampa website: pnatampa.com

“Thank you very much for your interest and payment”