Filipino nurses have been a valuable asset to the healthcare industry in Australia and all over the world. Their dedication, professionalism, and caring nature have earned them a reputation as some of the best nurses in the world. To celebrate their contributions, the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network is gearing up for their annual celebration, the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day, on 7th May 2023.
This year’s celebration, with the theme “Filipino Nurses Together: Strength in Caring for Global Health,” will honor the contributions of Filipino nurses to global health. The event will be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t dampen the excitement and enthusiasm of the organizers and participants.
One of the highlights of the celebration is the testimonies of Filipino nurses who have made significant contributions to the healthcare industry in Australia. These nurses have shared their experiences, insights, and reflections on the role of Filipino nurses in global health.
One of the Filipino nurses who will be sharing her testimony is Hannah Mary Navidad. Hannah has spent most of her career in aged care for nearly five years, where she has seen firsthand how language barriers can make it challenging for patients to communicate their needs and feelings effectively. However, Hannah believes that building strong relationships with her patients is key to providing the best possible care.
“I believe that every patient deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their language or cultural background,” Hannah says. “By taking the time to listen and communicate effectively, I can better understand my patients’ needs and provide the best possible care.”
Another nurse, Jeralyn Hipolito, who has been working in Mittagong, New South Wales for over two years, said, “As a Filipino nurse, I feel a great sense of responsibility to represent my country and my profession in the best possible way. I strive to provide the highest level of care to my patients, and I’m proud of what we, as Filipino nurses, have achieved in the healthcare industry.”
Interestingly, the couple, Arlene and Oliver Adao, both working as clinical nurses in Perth, Western Australia, shared their thoughts on being Filipino nurses in a foreign land. “We feel like we’re part of a big family here in Australia,” says the couple, who have been working in the country for several years. “It’s not always easy being away from our family and friends, but we’ve made friends with other Filipino nurses including other nationalities, and we work together to provide the best possible care to our patients.”
The couple highlights the diversity of Australia’s healthcare workforce, where they work alongside colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. “What is good with Australia is we work with different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. It is very diverse that we got to learn strategies that are evidence-based in the care of our respective patients and families,” says one of the nurses.
The couple also highlights the holistic approach to patient care in Australia, which includes not just treatment but also admission, rehabilitation, and discharge. “It is a holistic approach from admission, treatment, rehabilitation, and discharge,” says one of the nurses. “We ensure that we are providing the best care possible to our patients and that their needs are being met.”
The president of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network, Professor Violeta Lopez, has expressed her excitement for the upcoming celebration of Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day on May 7, 2023. This annual event is an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of Filipino nurses to global health, and this year’s theme is “Filipino Nurses Together: Strength in Caring for Global Health.”
As the world continues to navigate the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Lopez emphasized the importance of unity and strength in caring for others. “This year’s theme highlights the resilience, dedication, and compassion that Filipino nurses bring to the healthcare industry,” she said.
Filipino nurses are a vital part of the global healthcare workforce, and they are known for their exceptional clinical skills, hard work, and dedication to patient care. According to Professor Lopez, the celebration of Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day is a way to recognize and appreciate the significant contributions of Filipino nurses worldwide.
“Filipino nurses are highly valued for their knowledge and skills, and they play a critical role in providing quality care to patients,” she said. “They are known for their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to excellence, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
The Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network is a global organization that aims to support and empower Filipino nurses worldwide. It provides resources and support to Filipino nurses who are working abroad, and it promotes the advancement of the nursing profession through education and research.
“We believe that by working together and sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can make a difference in the lives of our patients and communities,” Professor Lopez said. “Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day is a time to celebrate our achievements, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on our work and to continue to strive for excellence in everything we do.”
This year’s theme, “Filipino Nurses Together: Strength in Caring for Global Health,” highlights the importance of collaboration and teamwork in healthcare. As healthcare becomes more complex and demanding, it is essential for nurses to work together and support one another to provide the best possible care to patients.
Professor Lopez added, “We encourage all Filipino nurses to celebrate this special day with us. Let us come together to recognize and honor the contributions of Filipino nurses to global health, and let us continue to work together to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients and communities.”
