PNAA Holds Second Annual National Convention
By Irma Labre-Wright, RN

L-R: Mary Aragon, Irma Labre, Emilie Turalba, Sonia Tumanut and Marilyn Moyo. Back: Emma Florentino and PNAA delegates from New York City.

The Philippine Nurses Association of Hampton Roads hosted the PNAA's 18th National Convention on July 9 -13, 1997 at the Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel, Virginia Beach, Virginia. The six members of the PNAGKC delegation were warmly welcomed during the Reception Night on the first day of the convention. The "Colonial Virginians" fed the delegates with heavy hors de ovres and provided stimulating fellowship environment where everyone had good fun and laughter. While several chapter members presented their talents, PNAGKC won the third place with their female version of the "Village People". "Exploring New Horizons in the Changing Health Care Environments" was the theme of the educational program. The keynote speaker, Dr. Ann Cary, talked about the changing health care market; transformation of the health care delivery system; globalization of health care; and healthcare as a new frontier for private sector investment. Dr. Beverly Malone, the President of the ANA, discussed major ANA initiatives on managed care and research. She emphasized the importance of nurses being in decision-making positions and ready to make contributions. She encourages nurses to belong to a professional organization, to a specialty organization, and to a special interest association. Lois Kercher presented survival strategies for professional success. She suggested several books to read: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goldman; If it ain't broke - BREAK IT! by Robert J. Kriegal and Louis Patler; and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. At the end of the day, Nancy Kennedy, gave the participants a healthy prescription for managing change.

Village People 3rd Place, PNAA Convention Fellowship Talent Show

The Spirit of Norfolk Cruise, the Dinner Dance, and the picnic provided opportunities for the several chapter members to develop fellowship, to network, to develop friendship, to learn from one another, to renew old acquaintances and gain new ones. This in turn fulfills PNAA's goal of strengthening the unity of Filipino nurses across the country. As Ampy dela Paz, the PNAA President, had said, "PNAA is the standard bearer for the collective interests of every Filipino nurses in the United States."

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