Philippine Nurses Association of America

Hi everybody and welcome to the Lefora talk show. This is Season 3 Episode 9. I cannot believe that afford talk show has been going for three years. And we are so excited today to present to you a very interesting topic. I'm your host, Tanya Freedman, CEO of Connetics USA.

Our topic today is the Philippine Nurse Association of America. Today we're going to be learning more about this organization, this awesome organization, what they do and how they help Filipinos from Filipinos when they come to the United States. I'm joined today on the panel by two esteemed guests. We are joined today by Dr. Mila Sprouse. Hi. Hi, Mila. Hi, how's everyone? Welcome, welcome. We're excited to have you here. We also have Fatima joining us. Welcome Fatima. Hi. Hello, everybody. Good morning. Good morning. So we are going to be picking the brains of Dr. Mila and Fatima who are going to be sharing the experience with the Philippine Nurse Association, giving advice to nurses who are in the United States or coming to the United States. And we're really excited to hear more about this amazing organization today. Before we get started, I want to just give a shout out to Lefora admin team. Every month in the for admin team give us the opportunity to speak to nurses in the Lefora forum and share information. Knowledge is power.

And it's really important to empower yourself about this process. Dr. Miller's nodding her head Fantomas nodding her head about this process about coming to the United States and what to expect because knowledge is power. So we're gonna get started. If you have questions for Dr. Mila, and for fattener, please put them in the chat. And I will be happy to ask any of the questions that you are asking about the Philippine Nurse Association of America. Okay, so let's get started. I think Dr. Mila infatuate if you want to maybe introduce yourselves. Tell us a little bit about your background and your journey of coming to America. Let's maybe start with Fatima first. Yes. Good morning. I have been a nurse here in the US since 2006. I came first and then my family followed a year after I've been fortunate to land a job here under the state of Tennessee, where I worked for 13 years and became an I also became a founding member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Tennessee in 2016. Wow, that is an amazing journey that but so was there no Filipinos Association says sorry, Service Association contract this morning in Tennessee when your mind actually we don't have that yet. We were the 31st our 35th  Chapter of the P and A we were just fortunate that one of the would call this Executive Board of the P N word read one of the hospitals here and she found the PNA tn so as we call it now. Okay, well, well, we are going to be digging deep into the specific chapters and the history of that. But Dr. Muller, do you want to maybe go ahead first and introduce yourself. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey of coming to America?

Absolutely. Good morning everyone or good evening to some My name is Mila Sprouse. I came to the United States in the early 1980s. I graduated from college to the Sun Augustine and the holid. And I started my journey as the staff nurse mostly in the critical care, cardiovascular arena and progressively been actually move into a professional ladder. And currently I am the vice president of one of the largest hospitals in the country. And I am the Vice President in patient care services. My journey with the Philippine Nurses Association goes back to actually rooted in why I want to actually give back to our culture. I was very involved in another Association here in the United States, from a local level, regional as well as national level and for many years I've spent my time and gave my all To that association, however, I felt that I need to go and actually give back to my culture. And thus, it led me to the Philippine Nurses Association. And I've been with them for almost eight years. And I am currently the president of the Philippine Nurses Association of northeastern and I am involved in numerous committees in the national level. And I am humbled to be a part of the Philippine Nurses Association of America. So that's my journey and a lot more, but we don't have enough time to actually share that journey. So here I am, I'm humbled to be here, and privileged to be talking with Al.

Well, we are humbled to have you here, we are privileged to have both of you here to speak to us. And to all the viewers around the world, they are 1000s of viewers that watch the show every month, and therefore a talk show. And we really are, it's just so amazing for you to give your time, both of you our American success stories, and Filipino American success stories. And I think it's going to be a really interesting hour. Why don't you share your experiences, your advice, your input on how the Filipinos Association of America can be a very integral part of any, any immigrants journey coming to the United States. And okay, so today, we're going to be talking just a general overview about the organization. We're going to be talking about how it's structured geographically, we're going to talk a little bit about the history of the organization. And then we're going to dig a little deeper into the Tennessee and the Houston chapters, and find out a little bit more specifically about how things work in those locations. We're going to be about talking about the process of applying, we're going to be talking about the leadership, development, continuing education opportunities, we're going to be talking about scholarships, we're going to be talking about community outreach, so fundraising lots and lots of topics that we're going to cover over the next hour. So if you're joining us now, please put any questions that you had in the chat, and I'd be happy to ask them of the panel. Okay, so let's start with an overview. What actually is the Filipinos association of the of America, the PNA. And Dr. Miller, maybe I think you've got a slide on this. Do you want to maybe talk us through that slide?

Yeah, absolutely. Do you want me to actually share that? Okay, here, here it is. Yeah, since you look at the slide it tells me is that the Philippine Nurses Association of America was established in 1979. And of most associations are non for profit associations. And we actually have 55 chapters. And I believe that's going up to 56 chapters across the country. And there are over 5000 members, and these members do not have to be Filipino nurses, they may be non Filipino nurses, which actually increases our reach across the country and around the world. We have four regional area, we have the north central region, we have the Eastern Region, the western region, and I belong to the south central region. And I believe Fatima as well. And so, again, it is a nonprofit organization Association, and with provides us a lot of opportunities to really do a lot of things within the community, and also provide support to a lot of our Filipino nurses that need us. Okay. Do you have anything to add? So, yes, be in a as an organization has been vital in the role of nursing. They have lobbied a lot of nursing in the nursing arena, and I correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Miller, I think having the NCLEX in the Philippines is one of the it's one of the work that the PNA has done, you know, to make it more accessible to the Filipino nurses back home in the Philippines instead of going outside of the Philippines before to take the NCLEX it is now available in the Philippines.

Yes, Fatima, you are absolutely right on that one. on not only the NCLEX, we also are very involved with the CGFNS. And the key is the advocacy of the Philippine Nurses Association of America reaches into the human rights aspect of the state of our nurses. We know that there have been an MS. Friedman, you know this from your organization, there have been an exponential recruitment of nurses and across the country, there are so many agencies, and our association is so connected with human rights that we actually support those that need us when there are some areas that are questionable as far as recruitment. And it's one of my passions because I was recruited here and I was basically fortunate that I had an agency that guided me through and in really work in my assimilation with the American culture. That is one of the challenges that we have not only a Philippine recruitment, but also in other countries. And I'm sure Miss Friedman would actually share that information because he is in that space. And the Philippine Nurses Association is a huge piece in supporting and decreasing human rights. I mean, increasing human rights and decreasing exploitation of nurses that are being brought in here. It's actually one of our goals at the Philippine Nurses Association of North Houston. That's why we connect with the right agency to make sure that our cohorts are actually taken care of when they get the year. Yeah.

Lots of lots of initiatives that the association has been involved in and continues to be involved in. As we see the landscape in the United States changed with explosive growth, very important to have the organization there as backing and support for all nurses, not just Filipino nurses coming to the United States. Fatima. We mentioned on the slide that there were 55 chapters. Can you explain to everybody who's watching today, how the chapters work? Is there like a chapter in every single state? And if not, if somebody is in a state where there isn't a chacha, can they join a chapter that doesn't have that's not represented? Yes. Yeah. Currently, we have 55 and PNa. T and is the 35th. Chapter of the PNA. And then, I believe most of the states have been represented, though, not all. But there's always an avenue and like a chance for the nurses to be part of an association of their choosing. Like, for example, we have, we have friends, like in North Dakota, she does not have we don't have an association right now, over there. So she connected with us and she became a member of the PNA. Now, we also offered her the same. The same courtesy as we do with our members here in the Tennessee area. She can also join our on live, streaming live of the continuing education, if he's got anything that you know, needs to be brought up to the to us with some of the with some shoes with her workplace. We also give her the same time and help us we deal with our members here in Tennessee.

Okay, so that's really interesting. If somebody is arriving in the United States, there isn't a specific chapter in that state. There are ways to connect and still join the association. And in fact, North Dakota is a great place for the next chapter. Because we have hundreds of nurses you could have been arriving in North Dakota soon. So maybe that can be the next chapter of the Philippine Nurses Association. may add something to that mistreatment. Categories actually across Philippine Nurses Association is actually divided into three or four, the one that you were asking and Fatima was actually talking about Up is considered as a Member at Large were in a professional RN residing in a state where a local chapter does not exist, can actually be a member. And this will be connected with the closest chapter or the chapter that they choose. And like Fatima was saying, you're able to actually be involved through zoom, and a lot of other ways of connecting with the members. So that's the one membership category that's available, where ever you are even in North Dakota. And yes, we would love to start a chapter there. Okay, fabulous. So very exciting update there. And thank you for sharing about the different memberships. I think we have a slide actually coming up on that. So we will be sharing that in a few minutes, and specimens. So if I was a nurse arriving in the United States, and I think we have a slide on this as well, what are the benefits of that just kind of the overall benefits if you can walk us through those benefits of coming to join the association? me Miss Redman, I think Dr. Mila can explain more on that one, as in, you know, as the one discussing the PNA, inside of this association of our mother, notice, do you want to take this line?

Absolutely. Thank you for that the privilege of representation means that we actually are going to represent your voice. And I think for the most part, a lot of associations, and organizations have members and the members voice are heard. voices are heard. And that is going to constitute representation not only in the local level, but regional as well as national level. And any advocacies that we actually support. The networking piece is something that is very important for anyone who's coming to the United States, because you will get to be assimilated easier, because you are among Filipinos that have been in here and actually have worked. And they can actually share with you what professional things or personal things that would help you grow as you assimilate in the culture. The educational app opportunities is massive. And when I say the word massive, it is because we have local levels like Fabula. Actually, they present zoom, information, education, continuing education, we do it face to face now that we're able to do that. And that's not only in the local level. But we also have regional conferences. In fact, the South Central region actually just finished the South Central Region conference, which was held here in Euston and the attendees were from all over the country. And we have evidence based practice. It actually talks about health equity, as well as education, leadership and all the other things that will help you develop the interactive website. If you go to my P n a.org. It has a gamut of everything from education from publication, and so forth, then, the subscription to the journal of the Philippine nurses of America, you should be reading that and that's available to you free when you are a member. And what does that do for you? It actually makes you just so proud that the authors of that of the journal are Filipinos and they talk about evidence base and research and also serving your colleague, working with your colleagues. It's their strength in numbers. And we are a force here in the United States. We represent 150,000 Filipino nurses across the country, and we have them all over the country in different levels as far as leadership, education at the bedside. So staying in touch Finally, with your foot in grants, as well as your country is one of the pieces so that we provide for Filipinos that want to join the Philippine Nurses Association of

America. Wow. Well, that is so impressive really so many initiatives, so many different endeavors that the orgonite that association is involved in. And I think really the one thing that really kind of felt that I was an immigrant myself, I came here 22 years ago from South Africa, I think that really can touch any immigrants heart is really just that sense of community. Because I think the sense of community, the sharing of information, the sharing of resources, very, very valuable for any new immigrants. So, you know, really a great organization to join. And Peter has a question, where to train for the BLS or ACLs, does the Philippine Nurse Association have resources for that? Across the country, there are ACLs and BLS. Areas that provide that, and we as the association can actually guide you and connect you to them. Okay, so there you go. Peter, thank you for that question. If you have any other questions for the panel, please put them into the chat. And I'd be happy to ask them. And Peter, just to add to what Dr. Miller said, most of the hospitals or nursing homes that that we tend to work with around the United States will have resources will BLS and ACLs as well. And okay, so let's take a little bit of a deeper dive into the specific chapter chapters. I know we have some graphics about that. So Fatima, we got some graphics about the Tennessee chapter. And do you want to maybe talk us through a few of those, those slides?

Yes, um, in the slide says there that we have been the PN NTN has been founded in April 2016. So we were the 35th Chapter of the PMA. And our organization is responsive to Filipino American Nurses needs and a positive force in the world arena of nursing. And PMA Tn is a 501 C three, nonprofit professional organization. And our mission is to unify Filipino American Nurses in Tennessee and in the US to develop, implement and evaluate relevant programs in nursing leadership, practice, education and research. We also facilitate professional and cultural adjustment of Filipino nurses through agency collaborations in the unit in the US, and of course, in the Philippines. We also participate actively in the professional and cultural activities with professional organizations, and other agencies here in the Tennessee area. And we review and act legislations and public policies affecting healthcare and nursing practice here in the US. So our advocacy is our we do the community outreach program. We have a symbiotic relationship with other organizations here in Tennessee in the Tennessee area, we have an active field, Filipino American associations, and here in Tennessee, in Memphis area, to be specific. And we also have the Memphis Mission of Mercy.

So we work with them hand in hand, because we believe that, you know, for every organization, you have to be able to work with each other. So that you know, to bring out the best ways to help our nurses, and the Filipinos who are here in the US in general. We also provide continuing education, we do it two to three times a year, and we are certified in those continuing education have units that are equivalent, which the nurses can use when they renew their licenses. And those are those continuing education that are approved by the Board of Tennessee also and ANCC. We also do we also provide scholarships, which we started actually last year, we provide scholarships to nursing students, who are children of our members are active members. So last year, we had five of them. So we are hoping to continue do we are hoping to have this as our annual thing, because I believe that you know, it's one way of giving back to our to our members.

Wow, well that is really impressive. There are a lot of things that I've done. I'm just looking at was pictures. That's a lot of work and a lot of activity. So is the scholarship Fatima is that new? That's it sounds like that's a new initiative. The scholarship? Yes. For the scholarship program that we did last year, that was the we did it initially last year. So we're going to continue it. And so far the feedback of this student, student nurses is that it helped them a lot. You know, it's not much $500 for each is not much, but it came from the heart. I mean, like, we had it from our funds, we work hard for it to provide, you know, those nursing students that money to help out in what, when whichever they deemed necessary. Wow. Well, every bit helps. So that's an amazing contribution. We've got a question in the chat from Maria asking about NCLEX RN salary in the US. So maybe Dr. mela and Fatima you can both share your views on that. Can we share with the viewers how RN salaries work in the United States? Dr. Miller, do you want to maybe take that question first?

Yes, absolutely. Thank you for that question. Of course, salary depends on where you are, right? What part of the country, I think geographically, it's just different. Coming, if you're working in California, versus in Tennessee, or in Texas, I know that for our new grads. And as the leader in several of the hospitals in the past, we would start between 28 to $42, the postman that I'm giving you a range, because again, it depends on where you are. The other piece of that is whether you're working in a community hospital, acute care, or a nursing home, or at an academic center. So there's lots of variations on that. But here is what my recommendation to all, no matter what it is, you start, it is a job. And sometimes it is not what you're looking for. But you put in your time, and you work. And then after you get the experience, you negotiate. It's always, it's always a struggle to come and start, but just start get done. And then after a year or so whatever your contract is, the world is your oyster. And that's where I was. And that's where I am right now.

Yeah, you've lived that journey, and you the proof of the American dream. Right. And, Matilda, just to add to that, you know, we've done shows on salaries, I would encourage everybody to watch some of those shows. But the important thing with any salary that you look at in the United States is never to look at the salary in isolation. Always look at the salary in relation to the cost of living the tax in the area, as well as the facility as Dr. Miller has pointed out, and fair to my anything to add about salaries for Maria. Yes, it is all there's always a difference in salary according Yeah, just like Dr. Miller said, if you live in California, you have a different salary range, it's because the cost of living in California is high compared to the Tennessee area. So that means our three bedroom apartment here that would cost 1700, the 1800 would be about $3,000 over in California. So that means you need to you need to have a higher salary over there compared over here. So what I have learned from the new nurses that I have talked to their basic salary is $27. And it's based on the hospital or the area that they're working. They have they do an annual evaluation, and with that the salary also increased depending on the evaluation that they get. Okay, thank you for adding that very important information. And I see we have people putting questions and in the chat, which is fun. If you're watching today, please put in the chat where you're watching from. It's so great to see everybody watching from all over the world. And so we have Rommel from the Philippines. Welcome Rahman Irish is from Pakistan. Joan is asking How old would be too old for Filipinos to try work in the United States? Dr. Miller?

Oh, my goodness, Joan, that question. Age is just mine. It's just a number. And we look for nurses with great attitude, with great passion for taking care of our patients, not about the age and to begin with, we're not supposed to be asking about someone's age. And so come over, it's  again, the world is your oyster, you're a nurse come over. Absolutely. They are. I was we've been connected to be doing this for many, many, many years for 1000s of nurses to the United States, I would say, the demand for nurses right now, the word I always use these days is explosive. There is explosive demand for nurses. And there is no age discrimination in the United States. So I see Benish has a question about age as well. Oh, I see. Somebody's put in the chat, no age limit to work in the United States. So. So thank you for asking that question. Because that might be a worry. So now you don't need to worry about that. Miriam is asking Fatima why only for Filipinos? I think Dr. Miller and Fatima you said that the Filipinos association is not only for Filipinos, is that correct? Can you clarify that for Mariam?

Yes. We have associate members. Currently the BNA has about I think three associate members. So this is not just open to Filipino Americans or the Filipino nurses are also open to other nationalities as long as they need or they see the need to become a member. So there's only a slight difference in what they can and what they can do with Sha Shan compared to the pureblood Filipino or Filipino Americans. But we are definitely, you know, open to all to all nationalities. Okay, perfect. So there we go. Marian. Everybody is welcome in the organization, which is amazing. And okay, Jeffrey saying hi to you miss Fatima. She's fed. It was good to see you soon Jeffrey. Finishes preparing for my PT II. So best wishes finished for that. And Joan is encouraged by your comments Dr. Miller about age. And Rhea saying thank you, Dr. Miller, for your words of encouragement, watching from the United Arab Emirates. So if you're watching anywhere in the world today, please put in the chat where you're watching for and any questions for the panel. We'd love to get your questions and this is your chance to ask the experts from the Philippine Nurse Association of America. Okay, we spoke a little bit about the Tennessee chapter. Dr. Mila, can you you've got a few slides about the Houston chapter, Northeastern chapter if you if you want to just walk us through that a little bit.

Of course, similar to what Fatima shared about Tennessee, right. The Philippine Nurses Association of North usin is just like what Fatima's chapter is, it is a non for profit professional nursing organization. And we represent the northeastern part of the Euston metroplex, it actually was established in 2011. Our mission is pretty aligned with our Philippine Nurses Association of America. And added to that, of course, is upholding and fostering Filipino American Nurses positive image and welfare, and also promote professional excellence. And that's why we do a lot of Education's education program and contribute to the significant outcomes for health care and society through education, research and clinical practice. We just held our which is actually the Nursing Excellence and recognition and scholarship gala that was actually attended by almost 300 attendees. And when we talk about non Filipinos, half of our attendees are actually Americans, and that we had so much fun. And number one, it's because we elevated our culture and showed to the world that it's not just about fun, like the dancing, yes, we showed it to them, and they were so amazed. But more importantly, we provided some hardship just like Fatima saw chapter dead, we provided three nursing scholarships for those who are in school, and even graduating from high school with their track into nursing. We are into the future of nursing, which is actually the strategy initiative of the Institute of Medicine. And that is actually developing our young nurses into becoming our future.

And also in chapter two, two, that is really put health equity and decreasing disparities in this country, when it comes to delivering health care. We did that for the high school and the college students. And then we also gave a scholarship to those that were, that are advancing their nursing career from a bachelor's degree to an advanced degree because we believe that we continue to promote ourselves by advancing our education. The other piece that we did was provided recognition. Recognition is part of a healthy work environment that we embrace our model this next two years, is being bold and unstoppable. And that's what we showed everyone. And we provided recognition to those clinical outstanding clinical nurses, outstanding advanced practitioner, outstanding nurses that are actually in business, because we have to recognize all the efforts across the board. And it's not just those that are working in the clinical setting. So um, yes, we do a lot of community service. In fact, one of our biggest initiatives Initiative is a medical mission to the Philippines in September of 2023, which probably will be one of the biggest because we're pulling all our partners, American doctors, American nurses to actually go with us. And a lot of things happening, and I'm so excited to actually share, share it with you all in here. Just go to our website, www dot PNA, North Euston, that calm and you will see what we do there.

Wow, very exciting. So many initiatives. It's amazing how many things are coming through from the Filipinos Association. Not just from a community perspective, but so inspirational, educational, paying it forward? And really a lot of very, very impressive initiatives. Okay, finish is saying I started my process as an it's my dreams to come and work in the United States, all the exams, I'm preparing. Please pray for me. So I've finished we are praying for you. We want you to live the American dream like Dr. Mila and Fatima. And Joan is saying, and thank you to Connetics for organizing these discussions very helpful. So don't don't thank me thank the four of admin forum. So thank Louise and Paul and Miss Jean and nurse one and James and Anna. All of the amazing admin of the four admin team that do such an amazing job of nurses helping nurses. And okay, so, and if we talk about the process, I mean, we've spoken about a lot of the amazing things that the organize that the association does and offers, if a nurse wants to join, how do they do that?

Okay, um, for the Tennessee area, all you have to do is go to our website, the web that PNA tn that org, or you can, you know, call one of the executive boards and ask for a membership form. And we can email it to you so that you can fill it out and send it out and send it back to us with a $75 initial a membership fee that $75 is $50 that goes to the PNA NDA and $25 stays with the PNA tn now for the renewal that would be only $60 per year. So um, that's actually our membership fee is the you know the cheapest there is in Um, the association. I don't know about Mr. Houston. But so far as I know, the cheapest one. I think it's the same across the board, because we want to make sure that there's equity and you know, people are not signing up in other places because it's cheaper, right? So, yes, but the process is pretty simple. You just really go to the website. And you can, because it's going to get connected to the P N A, because they actually pull all that information for us. And as soon as you sign up, you will get connected with one of the Executive Board members of the local chapter. And they will reach out to you and share with you what we do. And then you will start getting invitation for a lot of happenings in that chapter. So yes, thank you.

Okay, great. So if you are interested in learning more about the Philippine Nurse Association, or signing up with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, then we've just gone through the steps of how to do that, which I think is really helpful. And we'll give people an incentive now that they can see all that that is offered. So we have a few minutes left to dig a little deeper into some of the initiatives. And so we spoke about the leadership development. And Dr. Mela, can you share with us a little bit more about the leadership development? And what is included in the program? Who qualifies for that? Oh, I think is Dr. Mila, we seem to have lost her connection. Fatima. Can you hear me? Okay? Yes. Okay. Do you want to maybe take that question about leadership development?

Yes, the PNA has a leadership development, this is what we call I LDP. This is actually kind of like a three, three month course for those who are who are willing or who are interested to join this one. So they have mentorship also on this one, and they will do the think they have to have their over call this a topic that they need to discuss, and, you know, research onto and presented during the annual convention. So this is one way of, you know, helping them develop their leadership program. Okay Dr. Miller is back. I don't know what's happened. But I'm using my cell phone now. So no problem. We were, we were just talking about leadership development. And Fatima gave us a little bit more detail about that. So maybe we can move now to the continuing education program. And I think and Dr. Miller, we have an a graphic on that. So maybe you can just tell us a little bit more about the continuing education program, and what is included who qualifies that kind of thing.

So our continuing education program, and I'm gonna tag into earlier was that it is for our nurses, and we also bring in those that are not members if they just really want to have a taste of what is happening. We have a gamut of presentations from leadership, Crucial Conversation, or how to survive pandemic and also health equity. Just a turn from a clinical presentation, to a leadership presentation, to a motivational presentation and to what is hot topic across the country, which right now is about decreasing disparities. And so we have basically continuing education for that. We usually have sponsorship for these continuing education, we usually have it in a restaurant and it becomes a way of also connecting with each other. And so your membership provides you that opportunity and advantage to be in the front and center of continuing education which will develop your profile personally, professionally, and personally, and I'm speaking for myself over the years that I have been here, I'm going to be here almost 40 years, and I am where I'm at right now, it's because of the education that I took advantage, whether it's continuing education, whether it's a 15 minute or a 30 minute continuing education, or an entire week of continuing education, that's what's going to help you move into where you want to be, and what you want to be in the future. So it's an advice that I lived through, and just really take advantage of continuing education. Thank you.

Well, that's very inspirational and very encouraging to see your success and what you're attributing that to so for any nurse who is from, you know, is outside the United States right now, or arriving in the United States, or has been here for a while, that opportunity is there for you. It really is a gift for the Philip from the Philippine Nurse Association of America. So as Dr. Mina said, take advantage of that, and you'll be able to grow yourself and your career. And Fatima, if we talk a little bit more about the community outreach, I think we've got some slides about some of the outreach, the first stage volunteers, etc, do you want to maybe talk us through about some of those initiatives that you've experienced? Yes, um, the community outreach is always, you know, a part of being a TN. So, we take pride in the, you know, in what we do, and most always, the Fill am associations here, the Mission of Mercy always stops a P na t and to provide first aid for their activities. They will also give, give back to St. And Church, which we always use, you know, we always use their facility for free. So we try as much as we do a fundraising, we try to give back, you know, to them as a way of saying thank you for their help, always with a PNA, TN and then we the, during the pandemic, we also be in a TN was also present during the vaccination program, which is a big one, because I think we did it three times. And we always had this feedback that this nurses is so fast and quick and always, you know, on the go, and, you know, always do this stuff with a smile, we, which is true after because we were able to finish about we were able to do about 200 to 300. Recall this vaccination vaccinations in its given time, so and then we also do, you know, I like the zoom, but on, that's our fundraising thing.

And we did once a 5k run as our fundraising. And that would also benefit, you know, those fundraising benefits the nurses itself, because it's during our continuing education and other family gathering for the nurses, they don't shell out any money. It's always been taken care of by the association through those fundraising events. So the continuing education is always free of charge. And there's always, you know, lots of food, lots of political this fun, find all yes, we always make it fun for everybody. And not only that, you know, I'm just thinking as you speaking for both of you. And there's been so many instances when we talk about community outreach, it's not even just like the bigger outreach of like, you know, like vaccinations or first aid clinics or things like that. But what I've seen over the years is lots of outreach just to new families when they arrive just that one on one contact, and fair to manner if you want to maybe share I know we've had some families that have arrived in Tennessee and the amazing support that the organization has given those nurses when they arrive

Yes, um, as much as we can we try to help them out, you know, from before they arrived in the airport, you know, we try to communicate with them and get them ready. And, you know, give them you know, an overview of what Memphis is and what to expect, you know, during our text messages or you know, the chats. So, once they arrive, we make it a point if, you know, if we have an available resource Since we meet them at the airport, or if not, we tried to meet them one on one after they settled in, and you know, go for lunch, you know, or go for dinner, or wherever, you know, or just accompany them somewhere that they want to go, since most of them does not have, recall this a mode of transportation. So we we tried to, you know, help them out. And, you know, just bring them around Memphis and see what's there to see.

Yeah. And I think I love that because I think it's not just as a bigger organization, but just that one on one, contact that one on one paying it forward. And really, sometimes it can be just the little things of somebody feeling seen and heard when they arrive and having that support from the Association. And okay, so we spoke a little bit about some of it, we spoke a lot about all the different initiatives, and we spoke about the fact that the organization is a not for profit. So obviously, fundraising is really important. And there are a lot of events, Dr. Miller, that nurses attend, you've mentioned some of them, Fatima's mentioned some of them but some pictures of some of the fun events, and how does somebody get involved in the annual fundraising or in the donating to the organization. And I know, we've got some pictures about some of the events as you speak.

Right. As a member, association, you will get AIDS from us. For me, for my term, I actually started having my weekly reflection newsletter. It's a way to connect from the President's desk, I call it to actually get our members to know what's happening. So when it comes to fundraising, of course, our fundraising will involve other organizations like Connetics, as well. And they have been very generous in also helping the Philippine Nurses Association of America. And we tap in, in a lot of organizations, in our network, our hospital leaders, we ask them to support us, for example, with the medical mission, we're going to have a fundraising gala for that. So that we can raise the number or the amount that we need, if we need to, we also are doing concerts. And so our members will be out, will also be working with that and also participate and our educational programs, we like Fabian said, We do not charge our members how vendors that actually will help with a lot of the things that we do. So again, when it's a non for profit, the money comes in, and it goes back to the community. And that's what we do as a non for profit organization. And you can individually actually donate through our website. And there's a ton donation button, anytime you want to actually donate and, and it doesn't have to be a huge amount. Little things cumulative efforts will always bring us big gains. So thank you for the support, especially from Connetics nurse recruitment agency.

Well, we love supporting the Filipinos Association, because we know the valuable that work that you do. And we know many organizations support you. And because of the amazing job that you all do. And I'm just looking at the clock and we almost at the hour, and it's gone so quick. But if we want to maybe finish off just with maybe I didn't maybe each of you want to just share a story about like maybe your most gratifying moment as being part of the Philippine Nurse Association. Dr. Miller, you're nodding your head is something coming to mind. Yeah, absolutely. Again, being involved in the Philippine Nurses Association of America is something newer to me. But the most gratifying piece of it is reconnecting with our Filipino culture. I've been here 40 years. I'm married to an American, and we move quite a bit and the places that I've been actually did not have a lot of Filipinos and to my work for 15 years before I got into this position that by man was actually in medical device and I traveled across the country and in Europe and not being around Filipinos that much. And when I started working with the Philippine Nurses Association, it brings me tears to actually reconnect and just really getting the culture the, the Filipino culture because the Philippine Nurses Association actually promotes that.

And it gives me pride to be walking and talking because I do a lot of presentation, that it's an it's not even about Filipinos, it's the Asian, it's the foreigners coming to the US, because it's actually impacting the healthcare industry. And that, to me is the most satisfying. And when I'm being introduced to the crowd, I am a foreigner that actually contributes so much to the culture of the American culture and the healthcare industry. So it just brings a smile to my face. A smile to my face, too. And I think to everybody who's watching and listening around the world, very, very gratifying. Fatima, is there anything that you want to share a final words, to the viewers who are watching right now. And yes, leave your American dreams, you know, it is an opportunity not afforded to everyone. And once you come here, you know, make the most out of it. And, you know, make yourself a better person, if are the best that you can be. Filipinos are known to be caring, gentle, and, you know, we give those TLC I have. So far I have received comments from my patients saying that we are the sweetest nurses that they could ever have. And they're fortunate to have us, you know, and then and being part of the PNA, TN it's always been a pleasure to meet a whole lot of new nurses young, and you know, same age as mine. And then I'm, you know, making lifelong friends along the way with those new nurses that I have met. And like Jeffrey, hi, Jeffrey. And so, you know, the sense of belongingness is always there, you know, when you're a part of an association, because you know, that no matter what somebody's you, you know, you're somebody will always have your back. So, enjoy every moment of your life and enjoy every moment of being a nurse. It's hard. Yes, not everybody is cut off to be a nurse. But it's a very fulfilling profession.

Yes, Miss Frieden. May I add something to that? Yeah, I just want to tell everyone. And this is one of my favorite quotes. You must dare to be great. Excellence knows no barrier. And we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage. And you have to be courageous, and you have to go for it. You are going to be face to face with your destiny. And you must meet it with a high and resolute courage. That quote came from Theodore Roosevelt's our past president, and it is so true. You cannot stop yourself. Only you can stop yourself.

Wow. Well, we couldn't say it better. That was a perfect way to end of the show. And thank you so much to both of you, Dr. Mila to Fatima to everybody who's been watching all around the world. And we are so honored and humbled to have you on the show today. And thank you for sharing your advice your experience your insights, about how the Filipino Nurse Association of America can help support not just Filipino nurses but all nurses as they come to the United States and in park on their American Journey and fulfill the American dream. Before everybody leaves just a note about some upcoming shows just as a reminder, and we have on onwards and upwards every Friday at 7am Pacific Time check the time finder for the time in your home country on the 21st we are going to be talking about we did a poll and saw which state don't want to be no more about and North Carolina came up as the next state on the 28th. We are speaking about how to help your spouse through the transition. On the fourth of November.

We have a kind showcase advent health in Florida on the 11th of November and the immigration Q&A And on the 18th med techs in the United States, and the Connetics College. Oh, and if you're interested in being on the next Lefora talk show, please let us know if you're interested. We have on the 15th of November we talking about next generation NCLEX. Very important topic. The NCLEX will be changing that in April 2023. So really important to educate yourself about that. And if you're interested in being on the show, please let us know. And on the 13th of December we are talking about clinical differences in med surg overseas as opposed to working in the United States. So please let us know if you are interested and also a reminder by Connetics college every Monday, check the time zone converter in your time, lots of free information about the IELTS about the NCLEX with our awesome partners, Niners IPASS, aspire and Swoosh. Thank you everybody for joining us. Thank you to Fatima and Dr. Miller, and we will see you next month on theLefora talk show. Thank you. Bye bye bye