Elizabeth de Leon-Gamboa President, Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada

By: Ryan Tejero

 

In 1992, a group of visionary immigrant Filipino nurses established the Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada (PNANV), which is a 501c3 nonprofit professional nursing organization. Its purpose is to foster excellence in areas of nursing practice, leadership through education of its constituents, to promote professional growth and to help address the growing health care needs of the general public.

For thirty years, PNANV has served the FilAm community through various outreach programs that address the health care disparities. Semiannual seminars are offered to nurses so as to provide continuing education units (CEUs) required for nursing licensure renewals. These are focused on up-to-date, evidence-based practices, health care innovations, and specialty programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of nurses. In 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has chosen to be a part of the solution, to be a beacon of hope, and be a source of inspiration amidst the overwhelming challenges of health care. The health care delivery system crisis has subjected nurse frontliners, health care workers, and the public to insurmountable physical, psychological, financial, also emotional stress. During the PPE shortage in the valley, PNANV Board of Directors and members worked tirelessly and unselfishly in sewing cloth face masks and making face shields using transparencies and pool noodles to protect the healthcare workers. Through the Masks On, Shields Up: Protecting Nevada Together project, about 3,700 masks and shields were distributed to acute care hospitals, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, home health, hospice, clinics, church members, elementary school teachers, and the public. PNANV started a prayer group to strengthen our faith in God and promote fellowship with our peers. The Gift of Sharing brought holiday cheers and meal packages to COVID afflicted families. Nurses who worked in the forefront of patient care were awarded a total of 1,200 massage gift certificates for self-care and relaxation, amounting to $140,000 through the Give to Nurses Campaign. PNANV has actively volunteered in various COVID-19 vaccination clinics and continues to promote the vaccination program. The FilipiNars, PNANV’s podcast via PHLV Radio, highlights health care organizations and their causes while providing invaluable health information to the public. To help promote the mental health and well-being of nurses, PNANV offers Mentorship and Self-Care programs. In support of the future generation of nurses, nursing scholarships have been awarded yearly for prelicensure and nursing advancement. PNANV has generously donated to charitable institutions locally and internationally.

On May 7, 2022, the PNANV will hold its 30th Anniversary Fundraising and Gala: Pearls of Wisdom and Resilience in Celebrating Nurses. It will be held at The French Quarter Ballroom, Orleans Hotel and Casino. This event will honor PNANV members and all the nurses who sacrificed and dedicated their lives daily towards serving mankind, likewise the community partners who have extended their benevolence in supporting the organization’s mission. The event’s theme will center on PNANV: Strength, Resilience, and Resolve Through Unity.

Currently, heading PNAV is Elizabeth de Leon-Gamboa. She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She started her nursing career of 30 years as a rehabilitation nurse, medical surgical nurse, case manager, and clinical nurse educator in the Philippines, California, and Nevada facilities. Using her clinical and administrative nursing experience, she evolved into the health insurance industry landing quality and compliance roles in managed care. Liza is currently a Senior Clinical Quality Review Nurse at Optum Medical Network of Nevada Medical Management. She is a Certified Practitioner in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certified Case Manager (CCM), and a Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN). Interests in nursing education, leadership, and innovation inspired her to pursue a post-graduate course, Master of Science in Nursing, with emphasis on Nursing Education at Capella University.

Equipped with her passion and fortitude, she strives to advocate for the mental health and welfare of Nevada Nurses through the self-care, MindBodyStrong classes and as well as through PNANV’s Mentorship Program. She supports the nursing profession’s advancement through education and research, while addressing the health care delivery’s socio-economic and cultural challenges in collaboration with various community partners. Liza has served in the Executive Board since 2017 and is the current President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada for 2021-2023. She continues to lead the team in various outreach projects such as the Masks On, Shields Up: Protecting Nevada Together, Give to Nurses Campaign, Gifts of Sharing, PNANV Prayer Group, COVID-19 Vaccinations, Semi-annual Educational Seminars for Nurses, and Food Pantry.

Elizabeth says, “I am thankful to Via Times for this opportunity to promote our PNAV’s 30th Anniversary. I truly appreciate your assistance!”

PNANV Officers and members

Elizabeth de Leon-Gamboa
President, PNANV