New Filipino Registered Nurses’ Oath-Taking in La Union

(Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes)

Nursing is more than just a profession; it’s a calling, a commitment to care and compassion. On June 23, 2024, our newly licensed La Union nurses participated in their mass oath-taking ceremony. Moreover, the Philippine Nurses Association-La Union Chapter organized this event in collaboration with IPASS. This ceremony was more than a formality; it was a significant milestone in the professional lives of these dedicated individuals.

La Union, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture, is also home to a resilient and skilled nursing community. The history of nursing in La Union is rich with stories of perseverance and dedication. Over the years, La Union nurses have made significant contributions to healthcare, both locally and nationally, demonstrating exceptional skill and compassion.

About three years ago, a group of nurses from La Union went viral on social media. During the peak of the pandemic, the Aringay COVID-19 Diagnostic Team faced daunting treks to conduct swab tests in remote barangays. Photos on Facebook captured their dedication as they navigated rivers on rafts, trekked up hills and fields, and crossed makeshift bridges. This dedication showed their unwavering commitment to public health, demonstrating their willingness to go the extra mile.

The Nurse Oath-taking Event Details

The nurses’ oath-taking, themed “High Touch Amidst High Technology Healthcare,” was hosted at Hotel Ariana in Bauang, La Union. PNA-La Union president Kristel Gizelle Almojuela-Beñas, RN, MAN, led the ceremony. Nurses, their families, organization leaders, and esteemed guests gathered for the occasion. Moreover, Hon. Zenaida Concepcion-Gagno, RN, MAN, representing the Professional Regulation Commission-Board of Nursing, delivered the keynote address as the distinguished guest speaker.

Joining her were prominent healthcare and education leaders who graced the occasion and shared invaluable insights and wisdom. In addition, 56 nurses were inducted in the oath-taking ceremony, representing various regions across Luzon, including nearby provinces.

The speeches reinforced the importance of embracing technological advancements in healthcare. Additionally, they emphasized that nurses must always maintain sight of the human touch since that is at the core of nursing. Furthermore, the ability to provide compassion and empathy alongside technical expertise will define their success as nurses.

Significance of the Nurse Oath-Taking 

Each nurse, standing proudly, recited the solemn oath that binds them to their professional duties. The oath, a powerful pledge, emphasized principles such as patient advocacy, confidentiality, and lifelong learning. Moreover, this moment marked the nurses’ formal entry into the profession as they prepared to serve with dedication and compassion. In addition, this oath signifies a nurse’s commitment to:

1. Support and Defend the Constitution: The nurse pledges to uphold the Constitution of the Philippines, showing loyalty to the country’s foundational laws and principles.

2. Obey Laws and Orders: The nurse promises to follow the laws and directives issued by legitimate authorities in the Philippines.

3. Voluntary Commitment: The nurse makes this promise willingly, without any doubts or intentions, to avoid their responsibilities.

4. Adhere to Ethical and Professional Standards: The nurse commits to following the accepted ethical and professional guidelines of the nursing profession in the Philippines.

5. Perform Duties Faithfully: The nurse vows to carry out their duties and responsibilities as a nurse practitioner to the best of their ability.

Overall, the nurses’ oath-taking ceremony signifies their commitment not only to their profession and ethical responsibilities but also to the Philippines.

Future Plans and Aspirations

The nurse oath-taking in La Union also provided an opportunity to explore the plans of these newly inducted nurses. Moreover, the interviews with several oath-takers revealed diverse career aspirations.

Many expressed their intention to stay in the Philippines, hoping to build their career within the local healthcare sector. One of the new nurses shared, “I’m excited to contribute to our local healthcare system. There’s so much we can do to improve healthcare delivery in our own communities.”

Simultaneously, others expressed a desire to pursue career paths abroad because of the prospect of higher salaries and opportunities to advance their careers internationally. Another newly licensed nurse mentioned, “I plan to take the NCLEX and hopefully work in the US by next year. It’s a chance to gain international experience and better support my family.”

The diverse career aspirations and motivations among nursing professionals today reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the Philippine healthcare system. However, the future of nursing in La Union looks promising. The nursing community is poised for growth and innovation with a new generation of committed professionals. Furthermore, upcoming initiatives aim to enhance training, support continuous nursing education, and foster a collaborative environment for nurses to thrive.

The Takeaway

The nurses’ oath-taking ceremony for La Union, supported by IPASS, marked a new chapter in their professional careers. As these nurses advance in their careers, they carry the values and principles guiding their practice. Their commitment to balancing new healthcare technologies with a human touch shapes nursing’s future both locally and internationally.

The ceremony reminded us of nurses’ critical role in our healthcare system. Moreover, it underscored the importance of supporting and celebrating their roles as essential healthcare professionals. As La Union’s nursing community grows and adapts to new challenges, events such as this oath-taking ceremony mark significant milestones. This milestone signifies the ongoing journey towards healthcare excellence.