Filipino nurses in the UK observed Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day on 7 May to celebrate their contributions to advancing the health and well-being of the people in Britain.
Members of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network came together on 7 May to celebrate the occasion. Husband and wife Angel and Julius Aquino shared their views about nursing. They have been working in the UK for over two decades.
“As Filipino nurses, we have always been known for our strong work ethic and dedication. Our values and principles were instilled in us by our parents and our culture,” said Angel Merin-Aquino, Dementia Unit Nurse in Belfast, Northern Ireland. “Working in the UK has been challenging, but our determination to provide the best care for our patients has always been our top priority.”
Her husband, Julius Aquino, a senior nurse in a hospital in Belfast, added, “Being a Filipino nurse in the UK has given us the opportunity to learn and grow professionally. We have been able to share our knowledge and skills with our colleagues and have been recognised for our contributions to the nursing profession.”
The observance of Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day has been spearheaded by FiND Network, an international Filipino nurses’ organisation based in Australia. The inaugural Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day was celebrated in 2020.
This year’s theme is “Filipino Nurses Together: Strength in Caring for Global Health,” emphasising the importance of collaboration and unity among Filipino nurses worldwide.
Another Filipino nurse, Vivian Nagnal Lucero, a clinical nursing specialist, spoke about her experience as a nurse at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Foundation Trust. “As a Filipino nurse, I feel proud to be part of the global nursing community. Our contributions to providing quality care and expertise in different healthcare settings are vital. It is essential to recognise and celebrate Filipino nurses’ hard work and dedication” she said.
FiND Network president, Professor Violeta Lopez, said “Our nurses are known for their hard work, dedication, and compassion in providing quality care to their patients. Their contributions to the nursing profession are significant, and we must recognise and celebrate their achievements.”
The organisation was founded in 2018 by Filipino nursing academics and practitioners in Australia. The network has members across the world. The organisation provides support, guidance, and mentorship to Filipino nurses, especially those working overseas.
Top Photo credit: FiND Network
