Continued from page 1…..PNAA Silver Jubilee
and ending with our delegates  inviting everyone by presenting  a whimsical but  clever  top 10  reasons why they should attend the next  2005 PNAA national convention in Kansas City.
During the  dinner dance gala, the newly elected  2004-2006 PNAA  officers and Board members  were inducted to  office with Ernesto Rosas as Auditor and Rizvend Pecana as Board Member and appointed Regional Liason  Officer of  PNAA North Central. The  PNAA  National Excellence Award  were  presented to   Arvin Figueroa  as Community Service Nurse on the Year  and to  Tess Laorunagroch  as Clinical Nurse of the Year. We are a very proud  of our deserving members  for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the nursing profession.
Ho' okele ia keia mua aku e ka wa i hala !  Our future is guided by our past! The past has brought hundreds of delegates from all the chapters to attend this national convention with the theme;  "Reflections of the past 25 years and visions of the future."  Convention topics discussed  included :

1) organizational networking , the key  point  is on developing professional and personal relationships for better collaboration to achieve same  goals;
2) organizational culture-  emphasizing  on the importance of unified goals and ideals to achieve success,
3) nursing   recruitment and retention- which foresees  and the future impact of the  aging  nursing workforce and the general population and  its impact to health care
4) trends in education and   research - which includes  improving the image of nursing  and developing a better lifestyle behavior  and enhancing end to life experiences 
5 )current  clinical areas of interest -which includes   geriatric mental health, biotechnology including genetics, and managed health care to reduce health care cost  and
6) forging ahead and meeting the challenges of the future-  focusing on strategies to lead PNAA to a preferred future  by assisting  in developing strategies to meet these  challenges, create synergy and  alliance with other organization, build community based on mutual trust, respect for diversity and focusing on visible results.

A famous mantra says "No matter what direction you want to go, you have to start somewhere. Go where there is no path, and leave a trail."  Today, we follow the course   laid by  our  PNAA pioneers.  Twenty five years ago, we were known as the   Federation of Philippine Nurses Association, then  later changed to Philippine Nurses Association US  then becoming into a  national organization as we know today,  Philippine Nurses Association of America with  our  all familiar slogan:  viability, visibility and vitality! Through  these years we have  met and overcome  challenges, developed new programs, and  addressed issues  relevant to leadership , profes

sional and personal growth and improving patient care. 

The convention was well attended, inspiring ,rejuvenating and  afforded a great deal of opportunities  to   learn, network and share our  personal and professional experiences .  I feel very fortunate to have  opportunity to attend this conference and to learn from the best.
But alas, even good things have to come  to an end, even in a paradise island. We will miss our lazy  unhurried strolls  along the beach as we watch the island's sunkissed  turquoise cascading waves  ruffle its calm water.  It would be hard to forget the magnificent beauty and splendor of its garden, colorful sea creatures,  the thrilling  adventures  of flying the skies,  or simply visiting villages so rich in culture and heritage.

Ahohu ,until we meet again, and I am sure that   we will  put our best foot forward to make the 2005 PNAA  national convention here in  Kansas City , a truly memorable one.