Sequel to my previous blog in Nursing Now Challenge,https://www.nursingnow.org/news/the-moment-i-found-my-voice-how-health-action-training-shaped-my-global-nursing-journey/"Compassion defines the DNA of a nurse, and our rhythm is in the pulse of care itself."- Kathryn Luanne Sanico, Nurse Leader
Introduction: Personal and Professional TransformationCompassion defines the DNA of a nurse, and our rhythm is in the pulse of care itself. Thispersonal ethos has guided my professional journey, shaping my nursing voice and practicewhile embracing the art and science of nursing. My transformation is both personal andprofessional: personally, I cultivate humanitarian and social justice values throughcommunity service; professionally, I uphold ethical excellence, evidence-based practice, andglobal leadership competencies.Through my academic journey—including a Diploma in International Health from theUniversity of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), where I excelled in health promotion, equity, and sustainability, and my pursuit of a Master’s in International Health—I havehoned interdisciplinary skills essential for global nursing leadership, aligned with theInternational Council of Nurses (ICN) redefined standards of nursing and professionalism.
Advocacy and LeadershipAs a Challenger Committee member of the Nursing Now Challenge, I proposed a NursingWorkforce Integrity and Resilience Initiative aimed at strengthening the credibility,accountability, and professional competency of nurses globally. I identified the challenge ofnurse identity theft and fraudulent credentialing, which threatens patient safety and qualitycare. My solution emphasizes membership in high-reliability organizations, such as SigmaTheta Tau International, to demonstrate a nurse’s ethical and professional credibility.My advocacy work aligns with Sigma’s mission, vision, and values, and integrates withUnited Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health andWell-being. Through these initiatives, I advance global health equity, telehealth integration,and nurse-led innovation.I further realized that Health Action Training, an applied drama approach, provides anexperiential platform to strengthen person-centered care, critical thinking, and empatheticdecision-making, reinforcing my nurse-centered, globally competent leadership practice.Organizational Leadership and ManagementMy service as a public chair for mental health in the Rotary International and engagementwith the Global Nurses and Midwives E-Club of Rotary Club Australia allowed me to practicemission-driven leadership, organizational awareness, and talent development. This virtualplatform fosters collaboration across global communities, providing replicable frameworksfor local, national, regional, and international impact.Notably, during my first international speaking engagement, the Rotary Club of Australiaawarded a monetary contribution to the Rotary Foundation in my name, demonstrating theintegration of financial acumen, governance, and social responsibility into my nursingleadership journey. This experience strengthened my humanitarian lens, inspiringinitiatives that advance social justice, mental health advocacy, and global service delivery.
Telehealth Integration and Nursing InformaticsI champion nurse-led innovation through telehealth, telemedicine, and e-health integration,emphasizing the importance of health information systems as resilient healthcareinfrastructure. Nursing informatics, at the intersection of nursing, computer science, andinformation science, enables nurses to manage complex data-driven environments, enhancepatient safety, and support evidence-based decision-making globally.  My role in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) highlights the significance ofculturally competent Filipino nurses in Kuwait, who form the majority of the workforce.Leveraging my nine years of experience, I bring effective communication, data-informedsolutions, and telehealth leadership to ensure a resilient health system.Forensic Nursing and Trauma-Informed CareAs a member of the International Association of Forensic Nurses, I advocate for trauma-informed care, which is increasingly essential given global statistics on violence and humantrafficking victims. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 35% ofwomen worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Highly skillednurses trained in forensic care ensure ethical, patient-centered interventions whileadvancing social justice and equity in healthcare systems:Visionary LeadershipSigma Theta Tau International provides a global platform for nurse leaders, where I feelconnected and empowered to transform healthcare. Here, I continue to develop advocacyskills, corporate governance competence, and interdisciplinary knowledge, expanding myprofessional and personal growth.I envision Sigma’s advocacy aligned with the United Nations SDGs, promoting global health,universal health coverage, and resilient health systems. Through mentorship, scholarships,and professional networks, this visionary leadership pathway offers rewardingopportunities both personally and professionally, allowing me to exercise leadership,expand skills, advance knowledge, and inspire others.Volunteerism and Humanitarian DevelopmentLocal engagement in Rotary International fostered my humanitarian lens, shaping how Iintegrate service with professional practice. Collaboration with the Rotary Action Group onMental Health Initiatives enabled me to translate community-based interventions intoscalable global practices, enhancing public health and social justice. Training inHumanitarian Information Management further strengthens data-driven, effectivehealthcare delivery in emergency and vulnerable contexts.Where I Make a DifferenceAs an empowered nurse leader, I contribute to community health, organizational excellence,and global nursing impact. By aligning mission, vision, and values of each organization withmeasurable outcomes, I create a foundation for ethical decision-making and capacity forcontribution. My focus on advocacy, telehealth, trauma-informed care, nursing informatics,and evidence-based practice positions me to improve healthcare systems globally while remaining authentically nurse-centered.“We only feel whole when we share.” -Dr. Grace Javier Alfonso, UPOUhttps://youtu.be/jSgU2_lvnd4?si=fZ1xaO_e5xRv2mVvThis reflection encapsulates my holistic lens: the culture of sharing wisdom nurturescollaboration, mentorship, and global health advancement, embodying nursing leadership,service, and advocacy.Conclusion: Personally and Professionally Rewarding LeadershipThrough Sigma Theta Tau International, Rotary engagement, EMRO collaboration, andglobal advocacy, I recognize that leadership is both a personal and professional journey.Nursing leadership expands skills, advances capabilities, enhances professional networks,and empowers action. It is inspirational, fulfilling, and globally impactful, demonstratingthat compassion, expertise, and strategic advocacy together drive nursing excellence andsocial justice worldwide.ReferencesInternational Council of Nurses. (2021). ICN definition of nursing. https://www.icn.chWorld Health Organization. (2021). Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018.Geneva: WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240022256Sigma Theta Tau International. (2023). Mission, vision, and values.https://www.sigmanursing.orgSpringer. (2022). Telehealth, telemedicine, and telepresence in nursing. SpringerHealthcare.Oster, C., & Brayton, J. (2020). High reliability organizations: Healthcare handbook forpatient safety and quality. CRC Press.Marion, S. (1992). The Wounded Healer. Doubleday.Special Operations Medical Association. (2021). Prolonged field care: Nursing and virtualcare integration. SOMA Press.Rotary International. (2023). Global Nurses and Midwives E-Club overview.https://www.rotary.org
 
 
 
 

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