Draft:Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network

Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network
The Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network was established following an international roundtable meeting of Filipino nurses at the Australian Catholic University North Sydney campus in July 2018. This significant event brought together eight Filipino nursing professionals from across the globe to discuss common challenges and opportunities in the global healthcare landscape. The need for a structured network to support and advocate for Filipino nurses internationally was identified, leading to the conceptualization of a dedicated organization.

History
Establishment of FiND

In November 2019, this vision was realized with the official registration of the FiND Network with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). . The Network's mission is to provide a platform for Filipino nurses to connect, collaborate, and support one another both professionally and personally, while also promoting the contributions of Filipino nurses to the global healthcare system.

Founder Professor Violeta Lopez, RN, PhD, FACN, is the founding president of the FiND Network and continues to lead the organization. With her extensive experience and academic background, including her role as an adjunct professor at Central Queensland University, Professor Lopez has been pivotal in guiding the Network's growth and development. Under her leadership, the FiND Network has expanded its reach, fostering a strong sense of community among Filipino nurses worldwide and advocating for their recognition and advancement within the nursing profession.

Global Advisory Board
The Global Advisory Board is a crucial element in the governance structure of the organization, offering essential insights, expertise, and oversight to align the organization with its strategic vision. Unlike directors, advisory board members provide non-legal guidance, drawing on their extensive backgrounds and experience in nursing to offer unbiased and non-partisan perspectives.

The board is composed of representatives from five major geographic regions: Oceania, North America, the Middle East, Europe, and the Far East. This diverse and inclusive composition enriches discussions and enhances the network’s capacity to address the varied challenges and opportunities in the global nursing profession

Through their collective wisdom and strategic guidance, the advisory board significantly influences the network’s strategic priorities, identifies emerging trends, and fosters collaboration across different regions. Their oversight ensures that the network remains true to its mission while responding to the evolving needs of its members and the broader nursing community.

Programs
Developing and promoting programs that meet the needs of Filipino nurses entails creating and advocating for a variety of initiatives designed to support their professional and personal growth. This includes educational programs, professional development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy efforts tailored to address the unique challenges faced by Filipino nurses. Additionally, these programs aim to enhance their skills, improve their working conditions, and recognize their contributions to the healthcare sector both locally and globally. By fostering a supportive and empowering environment, the organization seeks to ensure that Filipino nurses have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for their advancement and success in the nursing profession.


 * Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day - The celebration of Filipino Nursing Diaspora Day is highly significant as it acknowledges and honors the invaluable contributions of Filipino nurses worldwide. Observed on 7th May, coinciding with International Nursing Week (6-12 May), this day serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication, expertise, and compassion that Filipino nurses contribute to healthcare systems around the globe.
 * Filipino International Nursing Symposium - The annual symposium featuring Filipino nursing experts from abroad, now in its fourth edition, is a crucial platform for thought leadership and knowledge exchange within the nursing community. By bringing together leading academics, this symposium enables in-depth discussions on important nursing and healthcare topics, fostering critical thinking and advancing the field.
 * Health COVE - Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - ASEAN Council, this initiative is crucial for strengthening the resilience of the Philippine health system in response to current and future pandemics. The project's significance lies in its multifaceted approach to addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. Through a comprehensive strategy, HealthCOVE aims to enhance the capacities of local public health units across key regions, including Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
 * Caring for Goodness - The collaboration between the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network and Shearwater Health, known as the Caring for Goodness program, represents a significant advancement in nursing development within the Philippines. Centered around two key projects, this program aims to drive transformative change in the country’s nursing sector.
 * Webinar- The webinar series featuring Filipino nursing experts from the diaspora plays a pivotal role in knowledge dissemination, professional development, and fostering connections within the nursing community. By sharing their research activities and findings, these experts provide valuable insights, best practices, and evidence-based approaches to address pressing healthcare issues.