Hello

I was born in Camp Philips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon in the Philippines. I went to the University of Sto. Thomas and Liceo de Cagayan University for nursing school. I have been a nurse since 2000. I started as an ICU RN in 2016 and have been a peri-operative nurse since 2014. I currently work at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital as a PACU charge nurse. 

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What do you love about the profession of nursing?

For me, nursing is the greatest profession in the world. Being a nurse touches and changes lives every day. It is a profession powered by love and compassion and founded on service to humanity.

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Who has impacted you and why (professional or personal or both)?

My mother was always sick when I was growing up, and I always accompanied her to the hospital when she had an asthma attack. I was 3 yrs old, my first memory is when I first took care of my mom.  Growing up, the calling to become a nurse was strong because I was surrounded by aunties who were nurses, and my Auntie Ninay (godmother), who was a doctor, encouraged me and sent me to school to become a nurse. I also pick up a habit (sometimes it’s a good habit, but sometimes it’s also bad) of fixing “broken” people.

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What makes you get up and do something every day?

My dogs wake me up and make me take care of them every day lol… honestly, I look forward to waking up every day and just grateful that I am alive and that I can make a difference in someone’s life, it may be at work, or just thru social media or thru text message. I just know that every little thing I do will make a difference in someone one way or another.

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Why do you belong to an association like the PNA NH?

When I was asked why I want to be a nurse back, then my answer was, “I want to serve humanity.” Back then, I didn’t know that what I said is so full of meaning and profound. I realized that, indeed, being a nurse is truly serving humanity. Every time I hear one of the nurses say, “I did not sign up for this,” I remind them that yes, you did, unknowingly, and that is why I belong to PNA-NH because this organization rekindles my passion for service to humanity again and again.

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What do you do for fun?

I used to travel a lot, take cruises and taste different cuisine from all over, but in the last 5 yrs, I started enjoying being at home with my dogs, either sewing hats or masks, playing with my dogs, watching Korean dramas or just doing nothing at all. I am also busy with fostering for PugHearts of Houston Pug Rescue, although my foster now is not a pug but a Pekingese who thinks his a pug.

Where and what do you want to be in 3 years?

I want to be on my private Island somewhere in the Philippines, rescuing dogs and taking care of the elderly, but in reality, I still want to be a nurse, perhaps a nurse leader in a hospital system that acknowledges my potential for greatness and talent.
 

Anything that you want to share about yourself, family, pets, etc., that may surprise others?

I love skydiving but am not a big fan of roller coasters. I was once a cheerleader, director, choir conductor, and choreographer in my college years. I used to have a carabao named Imelda and BongBong. I have three brothers, two nephews, and a niece. To date, I have seven tattoos, all of which have meaning.

What does being bold and unstoppable mean to you?

To be a go-getter and be great at it. As we Texans say: Go big or go home!

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