Nurses all over the world celebrate nurses’ day every May 12 of the year to commemorate the birthday of Florence Nightingale. The International Council of Nurses leads the celebration of the International Nurses’ Day amongst its 130 member association.

This year the theme of the ICN International Nurses’ Day “Closing the Gap: From Evidence to Action”focuses onempowering nurses to assist them in the pursuit of this goal.

Aligning with this theme, the Philippine Nurses Association, through its Chairperson of the Committee on International Affairs, Mr. Fernando Urrutia, RN, MAN, spearheaded a week-long celebration with these activities:

Seminar was held last Monday, May 7, 2012 with the topics, “Learning evidence-based practice in nursing” delivered by Sheila Bonito,DrPH, RN, ; “Literature search using technology” delivered by Juanito H. Formoso, JR. ,RN; and International Patient Safety Goal (IPSG) Maria Luisa M. Medina,RN, the Acting JCIA Nursing Coordinator of the Riyadh Military Hospital

Revisit on the Neem Tree Planting Project was conducted last May 8-9, 2012 and Simultaneous Neem Tree Planting was held last May 10, 2012 at the PNA National Office and various PNA Zones and chapters.So you might wonder, why Neem Tree? Neem has been used traditionally for many centuries. In India it is known as "the village pharmacy". The Neem tree can cure any disease, halt the spreading of the desert, end poverty and stop global warming. The biggest benefit of Neem oil and Neem leaf is that they are good for general health, the condition of the skin and body, and that of the immune system.Neem is just about anti-everything:anti-viral, anti-bacterial anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, blood –purifying and spermicidal (a natural birth-control!).

Motorcade and Ecumenical Service for the PNA New Building was conducted last May 12, 2012. The motorcade was participated by various nursing organizations including the Critical care Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc (CCNAPI). Highlights of the motorcade were stopover at the OspitalngMaynila and the Philippine General Hospital. At the PGH, a short program was held to the past PNA President, Dr.Teresita I. Barcelo. Likewise, the current PNA President Noel C. Cadete, gave the participants and nurses of PGH a heart-warming inspirational message.

 

The celebration of the International Nurses’ Day truly have been an opportunity to be proud of what we do as nurses and be a person holding the most caring profession… nursing!