NMC highlights AHEC scholar Angela Borlongan
The week of March 25-29, 2024, marks National Area Health Education Center week, during which Northern Marianas College will highlight its AHEC scholars. These scholars are currently pursuing studies to become registered nurses, aiming to bolster the local healthcare workforce and contribute to the community of CNMI.
NMC proudly presents Angela Nicole De Guzman Borlongan, a second-year Nursing student, as the featured Area Health Education Center scholar for 2024 National AHEC Week.
As an AHEC scholar, Borlongan has gone above and beyond in her academic pursuits. Over the past two years, she’s gained valuable experience by diligently completing 80 hours of clinical training and enriching her theoretical foundation through 80 hours of didactic education focused on emerging healthcare topics. These topics include Interprofessional Education, Behavioral Health Integration, Social Determinants of Health, Cultural Competency, Practice Transformation, Virtual Learning and Telehealth, Connecting Communities and Supporting Health Professionals, and staying current on the latest health issues.
With an expected graduation in May 2024, Borlongan’s journey at NMC is distinguished by her unwavering commitment to healthcare and her passion for advocating for positive change within the industry.
Borlongan’s aspiration to pursue a career in nursing stemmed from her profound realization of systemic issues within the healthcare sector and her strong desire to be a catalyst for reform. Witnessing instances where patients and healthcare professionals were deprived of the quality care they deserved ignited Borlongan’s determination to take action and contribute to transforming the system. Nursing, to Borlongan, is not just a profession but a vocation rooted in compassion and a deep-seated commitment to making a tangible difference in individuals’ lives.
“Embodying the change I wish to see in the healthcare system is what propels me forward,” Borlongan said. “Nursing is more than a career—it’s a calling.”
As Borlongan progresses through her nursing education at NMC, she is drawn to specializing in emergency care with a particular focus on geriatric nursing. Her passion lies in providing support to older patients, empowering them to maintain their independence and quality of life amidst health challenges.
Despite the rigorous demands of the nursing program, Borlongan has implemented strategies to manage her workload effectively while prioritizing self-care. By adopting a day-by-day approach and carving out dedicated time for personal reflection and connections with loved ones, Borlongan maintains a harmonious balance between her academic pursuits and well-being.
“My experiences have underscored the importance of self-care throughout one’s career,” Borlongan said. “Neglecting self-care compromises one’s ability to provide effective care to others.”
Looking ahead, Borlongan aims to bring compassion and amplified patient advocacy to the healthcare system in the Commonwealth. She believes in fostering trusting relationships with patients, thereby enabling effective advocacy and the delivery of compassionate care.
“Above all, I look forward to bringing compassion and heightened patient advocacy into our healthcare system,” Borlongan said. “Being a nurse involves not only providing care but also advocating tirelessly for patients’ rights.”
In a region where healthcare resources are scarce, Borlongan underscores the significance of a robust nursing workforce for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. She emphasizes nurses’ pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment and delivering essential care without necessitating referrals off the island.
“As nurses, we play a critical role in promoting community health and facilitating disease prevention,” Borlongan said. “A robust nursing workforce is indispensable for addressing our islands’ healthcare needs.”
As Borlongan continues her journey toward becoming a registered nurse, her steadfast dedication to healthcare and unwavering commitment to driving positive change serve as a beacon of inspiration to her peers and the community.
For more information about NMC Area Health Education Center or the AHEC Scholars Program, contact (670) 237-6802/6810 or email ahec@marianas.edu.
About AHEC
Created by Congress in 1971, the Area Health Education Centers program was developed to recruit, train and retain a health professions workforce committed to underserved populations. The AHEC program helps bring the resources of academic medicine to address local community health needs. It is an important part of the nation’s health workforce development infrastructure. (NMC)
Angela Nicole De Guzman Borlongan
