Two nurses from Bohol received national awards from the Philippine Nurses Association of America for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Arlene Painagan and Elmer Amparo were among eight recipients of the “National Achievement Excellence Awards” presented at the PNAA’s 45th National Convention held July 17-21, 2024 in Long Beach, California.
Painagan, a nurse-attorney from Carmen, Bohol, won in the Nurse Entrepreneur category. She founded Powerhouse America LLC, a Texas-based international nurse recruitment agency that promotes ethical practices and advocates for Filipino nurses’ welfare.
Amparo, a nurse practitioner from Guindulman town, was recognized in the Community/Population Health Nurse category. He established a free medical clinic for uninsured Filipinos in Maryland, improving healthcare access for the community.
The PNAA Awards Committee selected the winners from hundreds of nominations through a rigorous screening process.
Painagan holds multiple degrees and certifications, including a Juris Doctor, Master of Arts in Nursing, Master of Arts in Education, and designations as a Registered Nurse, Real Estate Broker, Certified Legal Nurse Consultant, and Certified Health Risk Consultant.
Amparo has earned a Master of Science in Nursing and is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
PNAA, a professional organization representing over 5,000 Filipino-American nurses across 57 chapters in the United States, annually recognizes excellence in nursing.
The awards highlight the recipients’ significant impact on their communities and the nursing profession. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to fellow nurses, particularly those from their home province of Bohol.
Filipino nurses have long played a crucial role in the U.S. healthcare system.
According to the National Nurses United union, about 150,000 Filipino nurses work in the United States, making up a significant portion of the foreign-born nursing workforce.
The recognition of Painagan and Amparo amplifies the ongoing contributions of Filipino healthcare professionals to the U.S. medical field. Their work in entrepreneurship and community health addresses important needs within the healthcare industry and immigrant communities.
Painagan’s focus on ethical recruitment practices is particularly relevant as the demand for international nurses continues to grow amid ongoing staffing shortages in U.S. hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Amparo’s establishment of a free clinic for uninsured Filipinos addresses a critical gap in healthcare access for immigrant communities, many of whom face barriers to obtaining adequate medical care.
The PNAA, founded in 1979, advocates for its members’ welfare and professional development while promoting the positive image of Filipino nurses in the United States. The organization also supports various philanthropic efforts, including medical missions and disaster relief programs in the Philippines.