Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Welcome to the Philippine Nurses Association of Michigan (PNAM)! Working with a group of loyal and dedicated Officers and Members, my job gets lighter and the PNAM goals are highly attainable. It has been a very challenging position and very inspiring to map the course of this prestigious professional nursing organization. We network, nurture each other, and learn together.
Founded in 1972, the PNAM has gone through stages of transformation. In line with global information technology, we recently purchased a lap top computer used during our Alaskan Educational Cruise in August 2006. Related technology equipment including a copier and scanner were recently purchased.
Last year 2005, the PNAM created a CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) Task Force to propose the removal of CGFNS in Michigan prior to taking the NCLEX - RN examination. At this point in time, we are waiting for legislators to approve a House Bill.
We revised the PNAM bylaws to be congruent with the PNAA term of two years to reflect the current 2006-2008 administration. Among all chapters of PNAA, PNAM is the first to write a book of its history. The second book is in progress telling stories of nurses’ challenges, inspirations, and experiences. All members are invited to write their story.
We have been busy fundraising for the PNAM Surgical Mission to Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines scheduled in February 2007. I need your help to fulfill this mission to assist our needy kababayans back home. This will also enhance our visibility locally, nationally, and internationally.
The PNAM will be hosting the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) 8th North Central Regional Convention on April 27, 28, 29, 2007. This will also mark the PNAM 35th Anniversary Celebration. Two of our members are officers of PNAA, namely Remy Solarte – PNAA Executive Director and Past PNAA President, and Sofy Bole – PNAA Board Member and North Central Regional Liaison Officer. Dr. Annie Vista is a member of the Board of PNAA Foundation, and Martha Cabarios was reelected as Treasurer. Several PNAM members were also officers of PNAA in the past.
The PNAM is a four-time recipient of the PNAA PRIDE (Professional Presentation, Relevance, Inspirational, Diversified, and Educational) Award of its newsletters published in 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2004 (the latest during Erlyn Diao’s administration). The award is usually given during the PNAA national convention. The pride in quality publications sustain our effort and drive to produce high quality presentations.
On behalf of the PNAM Officers, I thank you all for your commitment to professional excellence but most of all for sharing your precious time, special talent, and expertise. This concerted effort will surely make the PNAM Visible, Viable, and Vital in serving the membership as well as the Filipino American community. I invite you to be a member and share the pride but most of all discover your potential for greater opportunities through your membership! Please remember, I’m only a phone call or an email away. Hope to hear from you. God bless us all!
With sincerity,
Signed
Ellen Bongabong Dioso, BSN, RN, CCRN
PNAM President 2006 - 2008
Email: ellendioso@comcast.net Phone # 734-658-3223 Cell# 734-658-3223
© 2006 PNAM