Dear PNAVA members and community friends,

I know you are tired of hearing about COVID-19 but we are not tired and we are not going to let our guard down during these summer months. The pandemic has not gone away and we will continue our efforts more than ever to educate those who still are not firm believers in vaccinations.  

Please join us on August 14th at 10:00 am for our next General Assembly meeting with guest, Mayor Bobby Dyer.  This virtual meeting will focus on engaging communities about the importance of vaccination and collaboration with trusted messengers.

On July 16th, The Founders Inn Swan Terrace was the venue of our latest Executive Board leadership meeting to celebrate successes, discuss strategic goals and grant projects. We warmly welcomed our newest Health & Wellness committee leaders, Marygrace Soriano and Christine Sanchez as they introduced their project plans to promote wellness engagement in our membership. 

In August, we will launch our frIENd Project. Being a “Friend of an IEN” brings forth an engagement between an internationally educated nurse seeking NCLEX testing and an experienced RN mentor. The importance of this initiative is to increase the nursing workforce. Over the next 3 months, the frIENd/mentor partnership will work together to re-ignite their spark to test for NCLEX and promote self-esteem, confidence, and knowledge. Contact me for more information at catpaler06@gmail.com.

On July 10, we participated in our first community event of the year, Fil-Am Friendship day First Aid Tent, under the leadership of our Community Outreach committee chair Mia Padua-Malasa and in collaborative partnership with Filipino-American Community Action Group (FilAMCAG) led by Tricia Orpilla. We also extend our gratitude to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad for their support.

Members are the heart and foundation of our association.  Without members, we have no mission!  July 1st was our deadline to meet a membership goal of 15% increase from last year. As a result of an assertive and devoted membership engagement team, Maria Alburo and Ruvi Inocencio, we exceeded our mission with an 81% increase and over 40 new members and renewals. Way to go!

One last piece of good news – PNA Virginia was recognized as a Team Daisy nomination honoree. As a result, each chapter member as of June 30th will receive a honorary Daisy pin.

Thanks to a grant awarded by a partnership between United Way of Hampton Roads and the VBRelief Fund we are able to see our visions unfold!

Thank you all for being a part of our Team PNA Virginia! Let’s continue to CONNECT – CREATE – COLLABORATE!

Best Regards, 

Catherine Paler, MSN, RN, PCCN

26th PNAVA President

Open Positions:

• Grant Writer: One of the best ways for nonprofits to receive critical funds is through grants. Philanthropic individuals and foundations want to fund organizations like ours. research, write and submit grant requests on behalf of PNA Virginia. 
• Members for any standing committee on Human Rights, Ways and Means, and Community Outreach, Health and Wellness, Education and Research

 Member Opportunities:  

• Ask us about Passport Nurse’s membership engagement sponsorship.
• Retired RN’s who are community church members and are interested in Filipino health education and outreach.
• Immigrant RN’s who have the desire to review for NCLEX or need guidance to get started.