On May 18, 2024, the Filipino nursing community in Abu Dhabi, UAE, marked a significant milestone with the inaugural national roundtable meeting of Filipino nurse leaders. Spearheaded by Raquel Masaga, RN, MAN, the country representative of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network (FNDN), an international organization of Filipino nurses based in Sydney, this hybrid meeting focused on addressing the current issues encountered by Filipino nurses in the UAE.
The roundtable meeting had two primary goals: first, to identify and discuss the key challenges facing Filipino nurses in the UAE, and second, to formulate strategies and collaborative efforts to enhance their professional development and well-being.
Raquel Masaga, RN, MAN, a driving force behind this initiative, opened the meeting with an inspiring speech. “Our aim is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where Filipino nurses can voice their concerns and work together to find solutions,” she said. “This roundtable is just the beginning of a more significant movement towards empowering our community and ensuring that our contributions to healthcare are recognized and valued.”
Among the participants was Dr. Arnel Salgado, an associate professor at RAK University, who shared her perspective on the importance of professional development. “Though many of us may experience discrimination and prejudices during our transition, we generally find our situation to be better off compared to back home,” he noted. “This underscores the need for hiring institutions to implement clear transitioning policies that focus on career pathways. Migrant nurses should also be proactive in pushing their careers forward instead of maintaining a culture of silence.”
Another participant, Fitz Gerald Camacho, RN, MBA-MAN, a PICU manager, highlighted the need for better work-life balance. “It’s essential that we, as migrant nurses, actively seek opportunities to advance our careers,” he explained. “Despite the challenges we face, we must not settle for maintaining the status quo. Instead, we should advocate for our professional growth and well-being.”
The meeting also laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at strengthening the Filipino nursing community in the UAE. One of the significant future plans discussed was collaboration with the UP Vinta program, a well-regarded initiative from the University of the Philippines-Open University that focuses on professional development and continuing education for nurses. This collaboration aims to bring educational resources and training programs to Filipino nurses in the UAE, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Additionally, the roundtable resolved to conduct a nationwide poll survey of Filipino nurses in the UAE. This survey will gather data on the challenges and needs of the nursing workforce, providing valuable insights to guide future policies and initiatives. “Understanding the specific issues we face is the first step towards meaningful change,” Raquel emphasized. “The survey will help us tailor our strategies to address the most pressing concerns of our community.”
As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination among the participants. The discussions and plans set in motion are expected to lead to significant improvements in the working conditions and professional development of Filipino nurses in the UAE. “This roundtable is a testament to our commitment to uplift each other and create a better future for Filipino nurses,” Raquel Masa remarked in her closing statement.
The inaugural national roundtable meeting of Filipino nurse leaders in Abu Dhabi has set a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration and advocacy. With leaders like Raquel at the helm and the support of dedicated professionals, the future looks promising for Filipino nurses striving for excellence in the UAE.
