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Nurses association hosts tour of CHC
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Posted on Jul 04 2008
As part of the observance of CNMI Nurses’ Week, the Commonwealth Nurses Association toured guests, dignitaries, and officials around the different departments at the Commonwealth Health Center to highlight the important role nurses play in ensuring the health of the community.
Acting Gov. Timothy Villagomez, together with Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, Deputy Secretary James Santos, House Health, Welfare and Education Committee chair Rep. Ralph DLG. Torres, Stellar Marianas president Laila Boyer and 2008 Miss Teen CNMI Ariel St. Clair were given a guided tour of the hospital by NMI Nurse Association president Lee Castro, who was joined by other nurses.
The group visited the Emergency Room, Triage, Family Care Clinic, Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric, Surgical unit, OB-Gynecology ward, Hemodialysis, Operating Room, and the D-side.
As they went through the tour, the group would greet all nurses on duty a “Happy Nurses’ Week,” much to the appreciation of the nursing staff.
The association reportedly prepared for the event for two months, conducting a series of fundraising events.
“We had a lot of work that needed to be done. We had to start everything. We had no resources and no income. In two months, we had to come out with a new website and addresses,” said Castro. “But with the hard work of a lot of members I think we are really doing well.”
The association has been hosting a series of professional development sessions for the nurses to upgrade and enhance their skills. Some of the topics covered included “Wound care and Palliative Care,” held on June 30; “Concepts of Wellness and Respiratory Assessment,” held on July 1; “Effects of Diabetes on Bones and Safe Staffing Saves Lives,” held on July 2; and “Listening to the Heart Murmurs,” held July 3.
The association currently has 102 members, while the CNMI itself has about 300 nurses.
“We have about one third of the nurses here,” said Castro. The association’s goal is ‘to give continuing education for the nurses.”
Castro has been the president of the association since April 2008 and is currently the vice president of the American Pacific Nurses Leaders Council since June this year.
