When Care Knows No Bounds

By: Desserei Anne P. Lictaoa

Nursing is a dynamic and a demanding profession essential to the healthcare system. A

strong commitment to patient care, technical expertise, and empathy are relevant elements in this
line of work. From providing direct patient care to promoting health and educating patients, this
profession encompasses a range of functions. As it has been always stated, “Nursing is the
noblest of all professions as it is based on motherly care and sisterly affection.” This quote is
truly justified by Filipino nurses working all over the globe, and as much as it is noticed by
prominent persons, the stories shared by their patients and the people they encounter embodies
the true symbolism of how a Filipino nurse’s passion for work is ignited.

In an article written by Senator Francis Tolentino, posted by the Manila Bulletin last July
13, 2023, he stated,” This might be a bold claim, but there is great reason to believe that Filipino
nurses are the most sought-after health care professionals in the world.” With a large number of
Filipino nurses aiming to work outside of our country there is also a proportionate number of
countries seeking the care of these healthcare professionals. As observed, there were numerous
acts of Filipino nurses abroad which are recognized not only by their patients but even prominent
people in that specific country. One example would be when May Parsons, a Filipina nurse, was
awarded by then Queen Elizabeth II the George Cross Award in the United Kingdom as she
became the first healthcare professional to administer a CoVid-19 vaccine outside of clinical
trials. Although she was representing the whole of UK health workers, the mere fact that a
Filipina is able to receive the highest award given to non-military courage shows how strong of
an impact Filipinos have in the healthcare scene, no matter where they serve or who they work
with.

Another example would be Aeron Aquino, a Filipino nurse working in Guy’s and St.
Thomas’ NHS, who was recognized by British anchors in a show called Good Morning Britain in
the United Kingdom. His dedication to work has been recognized by the anchors, along with his
fellow Filipino nurses and immigrants in the UK, during the spike of the CoVid-19 pandemic,
where in they described Filipino nurses to not only give the service needed on their job but as
well as the empathy, concern, and care that they render to their patients, especially in time where
almost everyone in the healthcare industry sacrifice their life just to take care of the people. More
stories about Filipino nurses and their dedication to their profession have been shared through
various shows, vlogs, and blogs made by the people they encounter. Foreign doctors also share
some of their positive views about their Filipino nurse colleagues and on how dedicated are
Filipino nurses to their chosen work.

Filipino nurses really have a heart to serve whoever needs their help. As much as they
want to provide a better life for their family through working abroad, whenever they render their
service in foreign countries, it still shows that their main agenda in working as nurses is to
provide service to those who need it, provide support to those who are in difficult time, provide
care to their patients, and show compassion to other people. They still carry with themselves the
true nature of a Filipino, someone who is welcoming, warm, and caring, not only to the people
they love, people of their own race, but to all people around the world. As shared by Senator
Tolentino (Caring for Filipino Nurses, 2023), “ Elsewhere in the world, Filipino nurses continue to
shine, giving not only the basic health care which patients need, but sharing as well, a part of themselves
to offer compassion, comfort and care.”

Reference/s:

Caring for Filipino nurses. (2023). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/12/article-724

Philstar News. (2020, April 13). British anchor gives shoutout to Filipino nurses and other immigrants in
the UK [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyUQf0H9wjU