My Story
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!