PNA’s Leonardo M. Nuestro is ‘Association Executive of the Year’

img_7449Mr. Leonardo M. Nuestro, Jr. Executive Director of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), won this year’s PCAAE ‘Association Executive of the Year Award’. The recognition was presented during the Gala Dinner and Awards Night on November 23, 2016 in conjunction with the PCAAE Association Summit 4 (AS4).

The PCAAE “Association Executive of the Year” Award is an individual recognition to an association executive who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the association management profession and to the entire association community as a key leader in a membership-based/non-profit organization and has demonstrated outstanding achievements in advancing the mission of that organization.

Mr. Nuestro, Jr. was cited for his sterling performance and unwavering commitment in transforming the PNA into a well-rounded organization of nurses and for his dedication in his work as Executive Director of the PNA.

Mr. Nuestro assumed his post as Executive Director of the PNA since June 2013. PNA is the only accredited professional organization (APO) for nurses by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Mr. Nuestro has introduced a more dynamic and participative culture to the national operations of PNA. As a living proof to his outstanding contribution to PNA leadership and governance, PNA has been awarded twice (2014 and 2016) during his term as the Most Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization by the PRC. This is in recognition to its achievements, services, and commitment to the nursing profession.

With unwavering commitment, perseverance and faith, together with the hardworking PNA Board of Governors and the National President, Mr. Nuestro was able to push for the first-ever Nurse Undersecretary of the Department of Health (DOH) in the person of Dr. Roger P. Tong-an. Mr. Nuestro has worked with Dr. Tong-an when the latter was the PNA National President in 2014 and the governor of Region XI. Tagged as the “Little President” of the Association, Mr. Nuestro has been the closest adviser and right hand of whoever is elected National President of the Association. He has worked with past presidents Noel Cadete, Dr. Mila Delia Llanes and currently BGen. Paulita B. Cruz (Ret).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)—Region IV has also recognized PNA twice for its selfless contribution to aid and assist survivors of calamities and disasters. Mr. Nuestro has actively participated in several lobbying for the passage of the Comprehensive Nursing Bill 2015, which was eventually vetoed by former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, but is now being refilled in both Houses of Congress.

Mr. Nuestro was also instrumental in the implementation of the PNA Roadmap 2030 which guide all the officers and members in its day-to-day operations. He constantly coordinated with all 92 local chapters and 11 foreign chapters of the PNA. He co-drafted several position papers of the Association; collaborated and maintained good working relationship with the Department of Health, Philhealth, PagIBIG Fund, Philippine Red Cross, and other agencies. As a licensed instructor, he conducted Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Trainings of the member-nurses. He also conducted lectures as an advocate of Wellness, implementing the International Council of Nurses (INC)’s Wellness Tree Program, coveted the top place for the ICN’s Wellness Photo Contest in 2013, besting other participants from different countries. Mr. Nuestro is also a certified Parish Nursing Educator by the International Parish Resource Center (IPRC).

Mr. Nuestro actively engaged himself to the PNA’s RED CAP Movement, a nurses’ movement to bring to the attention of law and policymakers and the public the worsening healthcare system in the country. Mr. Nuestro was one of the organizer and participant to the first ever PNA Nursing Leadership Institute (PNLI) in 2015 designed to train upcoming young nursing leaders.

Mr. Nuestro has provided the PNA personnel the following: Enhanced Staff Development Program; Improved Performance Evluation; Occupational Safety and Health Consciousness; Holistic Fitness (including spirituality) and Improved Work Places.

Prior to going full time with PNA, Mr. Nuestro, Jr. was fulltime nursing educator. He has worked as Dean of the College of Nursing in 2008 in St. Jude College-Cavite, Academic and Clinical Coordinator, St. Jude College, Manila (where he was awarded as One of Ten Outstanding Faculty Members), Overall Clinical Coordinator of Arellano University, Manila and Coordinator, United Doctors Medical Center. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Magna cum laude from the United Doctors Medical Center, College of Nursing (presently Southeast Asian College) in Quezon City.

Congratulations, Lenard!

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