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PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA, INC
UNITY . GROWTH . SERVICE
VISIBILITY . VIABILITY . VITALITY
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Published: March 27, 2026
From Unawareness to Understanding: A Journey Sparked by Nurse Unseen
By: Katherine Feley, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, Indiana State Nurses Association
Indiana Governor Mike Braun Distinguished Hoosier Awardee
Watching Nurse Unseen was a deeply humbling and eye-opening experience. The stories of Filipino nurses—past and present—revealed a profound legacy of resilience, compassion, and strength that has long been underrecognized in our profession. Their courage and commitment are interwoven with the very fabric of nursing and healthcare, yet too often their voices have gone unheard. I was not aware of what I didn’t know and now I am yearning to learn more.
This film reminded me how much more there is to learn and understand about the diverse experiences that shape our nursing community. It calls us to listen more deeply, to honor those whose stories have been unseen, and to lead with empathy, inclusion, and gratitude for all who give so much of themselves to the care of others.
If you are not familiar with Nurse Unseen, I highly recommend watching. The Indiana State Nurses Association is committed to fostering a sense of belonging and unity across the nursing profession. Once I learned of the opportunity to host a viewing of the film, I knew it would be a great fit for our community.
I did not realize the film would affect me at such a deep level. The film is two parts with the main purpose highlighting Filipino nurses who have or are currently serving in the United States, and the second is to bring attention to their commitment during the initial outbreak of COVID-19, all the while facing anti-Asian hate.
As a nurse I was naively unaware of the history, culture, and drive of my Filipino colleagues. I wish I had learned this earlier in my career, and I encourage educators to bring these important stories and perspectives to students so they can build understanding and appreciation from the very start of their nursing journey. The film brings universal relevance not only within the nursing profession but as community members of diverse populations here in the U.S. Understanding the journey of our peers builds respect, unity, and a deeper appreciation of one another.
This film is more than a story about Filipino nurses – it’s a lesson in resilience, empathy,and the power of community. It is both a mirror and a reminder: we are never alone inthe work we do. There is a special bond among nurses — one built on sharedexperiences, unspoken understanding, and deep compassion. We are more thancolleagues; we are a family bound by the call to care, to lift one another up, and to walktogether through both challenge and triumph.
L-R: Teresa Gonzalvo, Mattie Upano & Josie Jimenez
L-R: Mattie, Anjanette Wicker & Terri Bogue
"I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to stand in solidarity with my Filipino colleagues. May we all be inspired to listen more deeply and lead more thoughtfully."
L-R: Anjanette Wicker, Major Jim Gonzalvo, Dr. Emily Sego, Past ISNA President, Terri Bogue, Joy Pearson