By Modesta C Tenay, PNASF President, SCR PNAA Contributor

The success of the 8^th SCR conference has been predicted…only thing it exceeded expectations.

     With all duty and anticipation, President Julie Locquiao of PNANEF (Northeast Florida) sent the invitations to all the 12 Presidents of the region - already with a sense of accomplishment - a yearlong of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

     Although busy promoting the vision, mission of PNA in their own region, the Presidents have now become pro – hide the invitation in a safe place but save the date so all can once again meet, be re-energized, be challenged, be inspired, be re-educated and bring home the bacon for the year.. and the cycle goes on with evident changes that go with the times.. only changes for the better… and once again it happened…

     The theme of the conference: “Promoting a Culture of Excellence, Dedication, and Commitment in Enhancing the Care to Older Adults” May 15-18, 2008; at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 East Coast Line Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202.

     Present were Grace Diaz-Font of Metro Houston; Christie Candelaria of Rio Grande Valley (host of the 29^th National Convention); Ed Villanueva of Georgia; Tess Ebrada of Tampa represented by Geal Irvine; Orpha Mineque of Gulfcoast FL; and Modesta Tenay from PNASF. All came with their own delegations. From PNAA, local leadership was welcomed by President May Mayor; President-elect Leo Jurado; VP Ernie Rosas and lovely wife Beth Rosas, President PNAGKC; Treasurer Merlita Velasquez; and Gloria Beriones, sweet but steadfast SCR RLO.

     With its 4 years of existence, PNANEF is raking recognition for its accomplishments. SCR chapters salute the new kid on the block for hosting the 8^th SCR conference. It will go down in history that for 3 days they gave us memories that sent us home oozing with LOVE and PRIDE in our hearts.

     May 15, 2008 – registration and welcome reception (Hors D’Ovres). SCR has been lucky to celebrate the birthday of our dear President May Mayor two years in a row (May 14). The warm & song-laden welcome set the tone for the days ahead.

     May 16, 2008 – Conference opening, parade of delegates, parade of colors  (NJROTC students, Bishop Kenny High School presented by Ret. U.S. Navy Comdr Ed Callao Colors – formal opening that
 

should set the trend. The official welcome remarks  was given by Ms. Diane Raines, CNO & VP Baptist Health System, Jacksonville. President May Mayor once more gave us PNAA and its Cultural Journey to Excellence in Leadership. Leo Jurado, with his‘leonic’ voice, gave us a talk on persuasive leadership–a tear-jerker to the core. Atty. Maria Aguila gave us, “Immigratin Option for Foreign Nurses.” Lot already kept her calling card.

     Afternoon- Board/Chapter Presidents’ Meeting. Presidents learned from each other and Leo’s talk gave us more oomph to our reports. Concurrent  was 3 hrs of continuing education seminars: Topics included: High-Alert Medications; Legal Implications and Nursing Documentation; Enhancing Quality of Healthcare Through Arts. The rest of the day: Gala Night – fun, recognition, memories. Awesome was the dancy, swingy number from the husbands/auxiliaries.

     May 17, 2008 CE-laden day (thanks to Gemma Rio, PNANEF Education chair). It started with breakfast “Managing Pain Safely Among Elders,”   keynote address, “The Past, Present, & Emerging Trends in Elder Care.” Other topics were: Delimiting the Burden of COPD; Dementia and Aging Games; Current Advances in Wound Care; Hepatitis B Review; Aging & GI Problems; Update on Constipation.

     The rest of the day was a looser LUAU “Filipiniana Nite.” Presentations superb – most were well-prepared like the “KKK” where Ed Villanueva’s theatrics was tested playing Jose Rizal & Andres Bonifacio. The impromtu collaboration number from PNASF, PNAMH, PNAST-RGV stole the show with the special participation of May & Leo (money-tree dance) Ernie & Beth. Very symbolic was the torch - relay from Merlita Velasquez to Gloria Beriones to Julie Locquiao, with the background music from, “Chariots of Fire.” More than enough memories to last us a lifetime. MABUHAY PNANEF & all the Executive Board.