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Matilde S. Upano
MSN, RN, FNP-BC

PNA Indiana President
2022-2024

Blessed and Forever Grateful

Thanksgiving Message of Mattie Upano, PNA-IN President

This Thursday as we celebrate Thanksgiving I can only reflect on how I feel so blessed and grateful for my family and friends and for PNA-Indiana for trusting me to be its’ President four times – in 2008 -2010, 2014–2016, 2020 – 2022 & 2022 – 2024.

 

With the invaluable support of the Executive Board and our members our PNAA leaders, and in collaboration with the Indiana State Nurses Association, IU Health, IU Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research & Policy, Brickyard Healthcare, Indiana Philippine Medical Association (IPMA), Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) of Indiana, Barangay Club of Indiana, Linda & Steve Koerner & Pastor Jack Haun & Life Point Church, etc. we were able to support our Filipino American Nurses, accomplish several milestones and provide services to our community and beyond.

PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA, INC.

A Member of Philippine Nurses
Association of America

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PNA Indiana is a membership organization whose mission is to promote professional growth and provide health information and educational services to the community.

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Indy Awaits You!

20th North Central Region
Conference

The Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) is holding its 20th North Central Region Conference on April 25 – 28, 2024, at JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Indiana. PNA-Indiana (PNA-IN), Inc. is honored to host this conference for the third time.

 

PNA-IN and the 10 chapters of the PNAA North Central Region (NCR) are committed to providing an educational experience that highlights excellence in leadership, education, research, and exemplary clinical practice. In addition, this event will serve as a forum for community thought leaders who are committed to promoting health equity and nursing excellence.

 

Our speakers are nationally recognized leaders and subject matter experts in various nursing specialties. The 2022-2024 PNAA Mantra “Our United Voices: WE CARE” stands for Wisdom, Excellence, Collaboration, Advocacy, Respect, and Equity.

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Annual PNA-IN Members, Families and Friends Appreciation Picnic

Summer Picnic 2023

Eagle Creek Park (Shelter A)

7480 W. 56th St. Indianapolis, IN 46254

Sunday, July 30th 1100-1700

RSVP deadline: Sunday July23, 2023

East Side: Veggies

South Side: Fruits

West Side: Cookies

North Side: Desserts

RSVP contact persons:

Mattie Upano (317)319-7448

Peter Rufon (463)253-5675

Ghaby Dela Llana (317)306-9154

   Entrance Fee: $5.00 per car Indiana Residents  

SPECIAL FEATURES

Embrace your Now!

By Earl A. Salavante DNM, RN

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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. 

PNA-IN's FIRST APPRECIATION SUMMER PICNIC

By Redempta A. Knotts, BSN, RN, PNA-IN Executive Director

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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.

PNA-IN HIGHLIGHTS

Virtual Induction of 2020 – 2022 PNA-IN Executive Board

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The 1st virtual induction of the elected officers of the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana (PNA-IN), Inc. for the term of office 2020 – 2022 were finally done on April 24, 2021, hosted by Engr. Basil & Mrs. Nitz Delacruz from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm EST.

Top to Bottom: PNAA President Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, Guest Speaker & Induction Officiant 

Leila Bush, MSN, RN PNAA NCR Vice – President gave remarks

Lena de Jesus, PNAA Chair of Constitution and Bylaws, ZOOM Co-Host

DISTINGUISHED HOOSIER AWARDS

Blayne Miley, JD, Indiana State Nurses Association's Director of Policy & Advocacy

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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

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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

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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 

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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

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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

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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

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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"

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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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Calendar of Events

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PNA-IN POSTCARD

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Michelle McKee: An Advocate in Action

By Mattie Upano, MSN, RN, FNP-BC

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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

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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

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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.

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