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PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA, INC
UNITY. GROWTH. SERVICE.
VISIBILITY. VIABILITY. VITALITY
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Peter June Rufon, BSN RN
President, PNA‑Indiana
2026–2028
MESSAGE FROM PNA-IN PRESIDENT
Welcome to the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana!
PNA‑IN stands on a proud legacy of leadership and service—and now, we move forward with purpose and possibility. As President, I am committed to honoring the leaders who paved the way, celebrating the dedication of today’s nurses, and boldly shaping the future of our profession.
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Leadership​​
We will elevate Filipino nurses as confident leaders, advocates, and changemakers—strengthening our voice and influence across Indiana.
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Service​​
Service is at the heart of who we are. We proudly recognize the compassion, excellence, and commitment of our members as they serve patients, communities, and one another.
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Future ​
Together, we will invest in mentorship, innovation, and growth—empowering the next generation of nurse leaders and ensuring a strong, sustainable future for nursing. United in purpose and driven by heart, we move forward leading with integrity, serving with excellence, and shaping the future of nursing.
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United in purpose and driven by heart, we move forward leading with integrity, serving with excellence, and shaping the future of nursing
WHAT'S NEW!
Nurse Spotlight
The PNA-IN Nurse Excellence Award 2026 recognizes outstanding members of the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana (PNA-IN) who exemplify excellence, leadership, and dedication in nursing. This recognition celebrates nurses who make a meaningful impact in patient care, their communities, and the nursing profession.
Eufrocina Esteleydes, BSN, RN
PRESIDENTIAL AWARD/ PNAA SCR VP OUTGOING PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
Eleanore Wilson, MA, BSN, RN
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Monica Domingo, BSN, RN
BAYANIHAN SPIRIT AWARD
April Angeles BSN, RN, CCRN
CLINICAL STAFF NURSE EXCELLENCE AWARD
PNA-IN Scholarship Grant
Oladele “Del” Oyedele, PhD, RN
2026 PNA-IN DNP Scholarship Grant Award
2015 PNA-IN BSN Scholarship Award
Published: March 17, 2026
My decision to pursue nursing did not originate in a classroom or with a degree, but rather with the faces of patients I observed in Nigeria. In particular, I recall those battling cancer, whose suffering frequently extended beyond the reach of medical interventions. Their experiences have profoundly influenced my professional journey and continue to inform my aspirations.
FEATURED ARTICLES
Popcorn, Politics and Perseverance
By: Earl A. Salavante, DNM, RNPNA-IN
Published: March 20, 2026
On February 19, 2026, the Indiana Statehouse was filled with the aroma of popcorn, yes you heard me right; flavorful popcorn, a signature treat from the Hoosier state of Indiana and the energy of determined nurse advocates from different organizations. The event titled "Indiana Nurses are Poppin’ into the Statehouse," brought together nine premier nursing organizations, including the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana (PNA-IN).
PNA-IN Photo Highlights
Induction of 2026-2028 PNA-IN Executive Board
Top 10 reasons to join PNAA/PNA-IN
Ready to join PNAA or Renew your membership?​
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It's that easy!​​
By Earl A. Salavante DNM, RN
Embrace your Now!
Every day when we wake up, there is always something that we look forward to whether personal or at the career level. There is always a move for us to make a new step, perhaps a leap for somebody, a motion that urge us so deep that we call it “Change”
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As a transitioning nurse here in the US, it is a challenge to build your nest and adapt to the complexities of the current system. There are moments that you want your routine back but then reality will strike you and remind you of your promise to yourself as you move forward.
PNAA North Central Region Conference Highlights
The Philippine Nurses Association of America has strategically scheduled national conventions and regional conferences. From April 25 to 28, 2024, the North Central Region, with one of its chapters, the PNA Indiana hosted the 20th regional conference.
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This significant event was held in Indianapolis at the site of the Indy 500. The theme, "WE CARE: Leveling the Field for the Future of Nursing," symbolized the mantra of the present administrationand expressed diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
PNA-IN's FIRST APPRECIATION SUMMER PICNIC
By Redempta A. Knotts, BSN, RN, PNA-IN Executive Director
For the first time in the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana’s (PNA-IN) history, an appreciation summer picnic for members (current and new), families and supporters was held on July 30,2023 at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. The attendance of 130 plus nurses with families, children, and friends from the community including administrators of Brickyard Healthcare more than met expectations.
By Chuchi Esteleydes
A PNA-IN CELEBRATION AND RECOGNITION OF ITS ‘OFFICERS, MEMBERS, NURSING LEADERS, LEGISLATORS AND SUPPORTERS
By Mattie Upano, MSN, RN, FNP | Photos by Van Gaviola
PNA-IN held its’ first in-person induction after the pandemic on August 27, 2022 at the Murat Shriners Arabian Room in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. It was a very sunny warm day and despite the traffic created by the bike race and the final preseason game between the Indianapolis Colts vs Tom Brady & the Buccaneers, PNA-IN dignitaries, awardees & guests came in record numbers and on time to celebrate the 12th PNA-IN Induction, Awards and Fundraising event.
DISTINGUISHED HOOSIER AWARDS
Blayne Miley, JD, Indiana State Nurses Association's Director of Policy & Advocacy
Mr. Miley has the qualities and characteristics that reflect the best of Indiana. His “actions endear them to the hearts and minds of all Hoosiers” specially with his long enduring working relationship with the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana (PNA-IN) in their advocacy to expand pathways for RN licensure of foreign educated nurses (FENs) in Indiana since 2012. Prior to this PNA-IN worked with Ernest Klein, ISNA Executive Director in this FEN issue with the Indiana State Board of Nursing thru Rule Promulgation until he retired in 2012 and Mr. Miley took over.
Jason H. Gilbert, PhD MBA RN NEA-BC, Vice President & CHIEF NURSE EXECUTIVE, IU Health
Dr. Gilbert epitomizes the attributes of Indiana’s “Disting-uished Hoosier Award.” He has significantly contributed to the successful implementation of Governor Eric Holcomb’s “Healthy Indiana Initiative” and HEA 1003.
Dr. Jason Gilbert provided invaluable assistance and support in the successful passage of House Bill 1003 including its’ implementation.
PNA INDIANA CELEBRATES THE PASSING OF HOUSE BILL 1003
By Matilde Delos Santos Upano, MSN, RN, FNP
Great news from PNA-IN! Gov. Holcomb signed HB 1003 into law on March 10, 2022. This bill includes additional pathways such as the Credentials Evaluation Services (CES) Professional Report and Visa Screen for RN licensure of foreign educated nurses (FENs) in the state of Indiana! Finally! Legislative success after working on it thru Rule Promulgation since 2008. This law modernizes Indiana’s license requirement and enhances Indiana’s ability to recruit qualified nursing professionals.
MODERNIZING INDIANA’S LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATED NURSES: ADDING ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS TO LICENSURE
WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
Foreign-educated nurses (FENs) complete nursing education outside of the United States. Indiana’s registered nurse (RN) licensure requirements for FENs differ from those of nurses that completed their education in the United States. In addition to passing the NCLEX, the nationally-recognized prerequisite exam to RN licensure, FENs in Indiana are currently required to complete a second prerequisite exam:
DR. GOPAL KRISHNA, SAGAMORE OF THE WABASH AWARDEE & PNA-IN ALLY
By Matilde Delos Santos Upano, MSN, RN, FNP
The Sagamore of the Wabash Award dates back to Indiana Governor Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949. Governor Gates was to attend a tri- state meeting in Louisville with officials from the states of Ohio and Kentucky. Aides to the governor discovered that the governor of Kentucky was preparing a Kentucky Colonel certificates for Governor Gates and Senator Robert A. Taft, who were to represent the State of Ohio. Thus, the Hoosiers decided that Indiana should have an appropriate award to present in return.
ASIAN FEST: CELEBRATE THE CULTURE OF CARING COMMUNITY
By By Matilde Delos Santos Upano, MSN, RN, FNP
Despite the pandemic, there was a good turnout at the Asian Fest. For four hours we tested 54 participants. There was a steady stream at an average of 13 plus persons per hour. Our volunteers were only too happy to accommodate them, with PPEs observed all throughout. Some of us may have taken our masks off momentarily to enjoy a photo op specially with Indiana Governor Holcomb who towered over us! Not to worry, all of us have been vaccinated.
Standing on Her Shoulders: Ms. Victoria Navarro, MAS, MSN, RN
By By Matilde Delos Santos Upano, MSN, RN, FNP
In the late 1960’s, Victoria “Vicky’ Navarro was one of my nursing students doing clinical experience at the Medical Center Manila (MCM), Philippines where I was a Nursing Supervisor. Upon graduation in 1970 she proceeded to work in MCM as a Clinical Nurse at the Medical-Surgical Unit, OB/GYN, & Pediatrics.
FEATURED ARTICLE>>
When the Universe Conspires:
My American Dream
Criselmer C. Ducanes, BSN, MAN, RN
After review of House Enrolled Act 1003 (“HEA 1003”), the Indiana State Board of Nursing (“Board”) seeks to clarify the requirements for graduates of foreign nursing schools who are applying for licensure by either endorsement or examination.
NEWSFLASH>>
May 18th, 2022 Clarification of Implementation of HEA 1003 from Indiana State Board of Nursing"
After review of House Enrolled Act 1003 (“HEA 1003”), the Indiana State Board of Nursing (“Board”) seeks to clarify the requirements for graduates of foreign nursing schools who are applying for licensure by either endorsement or examination.
PNA-IN SPARK: THE GAVIOLAS
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Michelle McKee: An Advocate in Action
By Mattie Upano, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Kudos to Michelle McKee, MSN, RN, a PNA-IN Member and past MSN Scholarship Awardee who continues to show her commitment to Filipino nurses and to ensure diversity and better representation in the Indiana medical community. Since last year, Michelle has worked with Mattie Upano, President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana, Inc. (PNA-IN) to advocate for more inclusion of Filipinos and Asian-Americans at IU Health.
My Husband Survived COVID-19: A story of resilience and coping!
By Maria Leah Chua, MBA, MSN, RN
I am originally from Davao City, Philippines. I obtained a BSN degree from San Pedro College, Davao in 1994. I had a myriad of enriching nursing experiences: ER Nursing, School Nurse/Chemistry Teacher, Clinical Instructor in the Philippines and Psyche Nurse at Woodbridge Hospital Singapore. On May 15, 2006 my husband and I arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana. Along with 12 other nurses from the Philippines, we were recipients of ...
A Millennial’s Nursing Journey: Commitment and Compassion from the Heart
By Maria Regina Alib, BSN, RN and Mattie Upano, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Maria, also known as Reggie to her family and friends, began her personal journey with PNA-IN Chapter when Mattie Upano, current President of PNA-IN invited her to become a member. Mattie made a positive impact in Reggie’s life when she was just starting her career, along with Reggie’s loving family who have been the source of her strength and her shoulder to lean on. Mattie encouraged Reggie to become actively engaged in PNA-IN, and Reggie eventually landed a position as Assistant Secretary.