President's Message"I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet." Author, Anonymous. With my father's passing away... I feel a great loss and at the same time deep appreciation for what both my parents have given and taught me through all these years. All my life, there have been many ups and downs and somehow, each circumstance has given me much strength to conquer and opportunity to learn and grow. As I write this message, I would like to convey my sincerest gratitude to everyone for all your support and prayers during my time of mourning. Our time here on Earth is brief and time passes and things change. Right now I view my circumstances as possessing value regardless of the apparent complexities and challenges I encounter in my day to day activities. As PNAGKC's president, I must say that the 7 months that have gone by so quickly and we've accomplished so much already, with the diligence and hard work of all the officers and the committee chairs. PNAGKC delegations just came back from New York City, who attended the 20th PNAA Annual Convention. Our Chapter's name shines definitely on the map as we were proclaimed as the "CHAMPION" during the Talent Show. We did it again! We were faced with a bigger competition this year and the pressure was on us because all the chapters came prepared with very interesting talents such as a mini Broadway style show, group singing, funny jokes and lot of short humorous plays that carry heavy messages regarding the past, present and future of nursing practice. The panel admitted that it was tough to judge this year, as they eliminated the contestants. PNA of Washington, D.C. and PNA of Illinois were the runner up and PNAGKC was awarded 1st Place. This fully demonstrates what team effort could accomplished! And, yes we did it two years in a row. I am truly proud to have participated last year in San Diego, and this year in New York City. Thank you to all that has contributed to this performance. To my favorite wife who has had several ideas and plots and for which Vicky has greatly expounded and ignited an utterly timely and extraordinary story and script the night before our flight; Emily, for taping the music- "Desperado", "Anak" "Take It Easy" and to the "Famas Awardees": Helen Austria, my "on screen" wife; Arvin & Irma, the "super nurses" and to Del, who did a splendid job narrating and capturing the panel of judges and the audience's attention. "P. R. I. D. E., The Nursing Agenda for the Next Millennium", was this year's theme for the Educational Seminar of the convention. P. R.I.D.E stands for Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence in Nursing. All the speakers were very eloquent & did an outstanding job conveying their messages, led by Barbara Joyce, Ph.D., RN CS, currently serves as President of the New York State Nurses Association. She focused on Mental Health and Holistic Nursing. On her presentation, she led us to a human journey of finding our sacred selves and offered us a cosmological perspective on the new millennium and our nursing role in this evolutionary process. A very interesting speaker was Dr. Carol Llamanzares, Ph.D., RN, a Clinical Child Psychologist in private practice at Makati Medical Center, Philippines. She presented her "Research: Absence of Overseas Working Mothers: Effects on their 6-12year-old children," a 5-year study. She whole-heartedly donated her time and expertise to PNAA. Other topics included the seminar were "Creating a Magnet Environment for Nursing Practice." This is about the five magnet hospitals in the US and the criteria and standards to meet to qualify as a Magnet Hospital. "Ethical Healthcare Issues in the 21st Century" and "Humor: Healing the Human Spirit" were equally informative and relevant to what is going on in the healthcare industry. Overall, it was an excellent and inspiring educational program for all of us. On the Gala Night of the 20th Anniversary of the PNAA, the founder and all the past presidents were recognized and honored. Rutgers University Archives in New Brunswick, New Jersey has agreed to include PNAA in their achieve collections. This turn of the century convention has been a benchmark for us to identify our aspirations and our accomplishments. Our rich history was methodically collected compiled and titled "The History of Filipino Nurses in America and the Evolution of the PNAA." These unveil the proud story of Filipino nurses who have survived, prevailed and succeeded in America. And all of us are vital part of this great history. Two important parts of the agenda in the executive meeting that were discussed and voted upon were 1) no increase on the annual dues to the PNAA but the issue will be revisited in two years; 2) update on legislative issues- H-1 Visa for Foreign Graduate Nurses is still closed but there is a bill sponsored by an Illinois Congressman to grant 500 work visas for foreign graduate nurses and the bill is still in the House of Representatives. Locally speaking, our chapter will be hosting the Second North Central Regional Conference here in Kansas City at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on April 28 and 29, 2000. Mark your calendars! I am counting on full support from all of you and to see you at our next event, our educational seminar on August 28,1999 at Baptist Medical Center. Remember, "You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you." Have a Wonderful and Safe Summer!
Ernesto L. Rosas, RN BSN PNAGKC, President 1999-2001 |
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© Copyright 1999, Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Kansas City |