Filipino nurses shine in prestigious American Academy of Nursing induction

Photo from Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc./Facebook

In another remarkable achievement, four Filipino nurses have been chosen to join the esteemed American Academy of Nursing (AAN) as fellows for the Class of 2023.

Sofia Aragon, Danilo Lovinaria, Jennifer Kawi, and Irvin Ong will join over 2,900 AAN fellows recognized as nursing leaders in education, management, practice, and research.

The “Pagdiriwang ng Kahusayan” (Celebration of Excellence) event, held at the Philippine Embassy’s Romulo Hall on Oct. 4, was a momentous occasion where the embassy and the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) honored the nurses.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez acknowledged the crucial role of healthcare professionals, particularly Filipino nurses, and emphasized their impact beyond patient bedsides. He highlighted the evolution of nursing into a diverse field with specialized skills comparable to other professions.

The four Filipino inductees proudly displayed their Filipino heritage by wearing specially designed sablays provided by the PNAA for Filipino fellows. The event featured a toast to honor the accomplished fellows, led by PNAA executive director Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado, and closing remarks by Dr. Christine Pabico, president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan DC.

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But the achievements of Filipino nurses in the AAN are not isolated to the Class of 2023. In a prior induction, Filipino nurses Larissa Ann Africa, Erlinda Palaganas, Daisy Palompon, and Rhoda Redulla, who joined the AAN Class of 2021, were also honored by the Philippine Embassy and PNAA.

The recognition by the American Academy of Nursing underscores the significant contributions of Filipino nurses to the healthcare industry in the United States and their dedication to upholding professional excellence and making a positive impact on healthcare outcomes and society.