Greetings valued members!
It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I welcome you all to PNASC, an association of committed professionals—the Filipino American nursing organization choice of Filipino American nurses in Southern California. We are united by our shared commitment to excellence in nursing and the well-being of our patients and the community. As the newly inducted President, I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this responsibility and to have the opportunity to work alongside with resolute and enthusiastic Executive Board (2024-2026).
First, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the members and past leaders who have contributed to the growth and success of our association. Each day, we are privileged to touch lives, offer comfort, and make a difference in countless ways. Our work is both challenging and rewarding, and it is through our collective efforts that we continue to advance the standards of healthcare. It is your hard work, compassion, and resilience that define the essence of nursing.
As I embark on this journey as your president, I would like to share a brief introduction about myself. My humble beginnings at UCLA Health as an immigrant nurse has been a journey of learning, service, and advocacy. With experience spanning over 33 years I have worked in various capacities, from bedside nursing to specialty nursing and leadership roles in various nursing and civic organizations. I always believed in the power of nursing to transform lives and communities. In my nursing career, I have found that balancing volunteer work with my professional responsibilities enriches my ability to provide compassionate care. Volunteering has allowed me to develop skills, gain diverse experiences and contribute meaningfully to my community. As a Public Health Nurse at Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, I advocate for initiatives that promote health equity and access to care for all individuals.
Our profession is at a pivotal moment. The challenges we face are significant, from the ongoing impact of global health crises to the need for advancing nursing education and practice. We must continue to pursue opportunities for professional development and embrace innovation. Each one of us has the power to lead by example, to inspire our colleagues, and to elevate the care we provide. I would like to share to you my “MANTRA,” for the next two years, PNASC Term (2024-2026) ....I.N.S.P.I.R. E.
As we move forward, my priorities will include strengthening our association’s support systems, promoting research and evidence-based practice, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. I am committed to ensuring that every member, regardless of their role or specialty, feels valued and empowered.
In closing, I want to thank each of you for your dedication to the nursing profession. Your work makes a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. Let us continue to support one another, to share our knowledge and experiences, and to strive for excellence in all that we do.
Together, we can build a brighter future for our association, profession and for the patients we serve. Thank you for your trust, and I look forward to meeting and working with all of you to achieve our shared goals.
With gratitude and commitment,
Catherine Rubio, MSN, RN, PHN, HFEN
27th PNASC President
