A Filipino nurse based in Abu Dhabi has been named one of the top 10 finalists for the prestigious 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. Nelson Bautista, who serves as a Nurse Educator at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, UAE, was selected from a pool of over 78,000 applicants representing 202 countries.
His remarkable contributions to the field of nursing, particularly in education and frontline support during the COVID-19 pandemic, have earned him this global recognition.
Bautista’s career spans 23 years, with extensive experience in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. His international background has helped him develop a unique approach to nursing education, combining cultural sensitivity with modern methodologies.
“My experience in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE has shaped me into a more adaptable and culturally aware nurse educator,” Bautista shared in an interview with The Global Filipino Magazine.
“At Tawam Hospital, I emphasize innovative learning methodologies to develop globally competitive nurses.”
The ‘Your Health First’ program
One of Bautista’s notable achievements is the creation of the ‘Your Health First’ program, initiated in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, which focuses on the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of healthcare workers, gained global recognition as it helped nurses cope with the immense pressure of working on the front lines during the pandemic.
“The inspiration came from recognizing the growing need to prioritize the wellbeing of healthcare workers,” Bautista explained.
“When the pandemic struck, our program was already well-established, allowing us to extend support seamlessly. It played a crucial role in building resilience and helping nurses manage stress during one of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare.”
The program achieved a 5-star rating at the International Best Practice Competition in New Zealand and received an ‘Honourable Mention’ at the International Hospital Federation Awards in 2022.
Bautista also spearheaded the Digital Transformation in Nursing Education at Tawam Hospital, revolutionizing how training is delivered to nurses.
“Shifting from traditional face-to-face teaching to a digital learning environment was a challenge, but it significantly improved training,” he said. “Nurses now have the flexibility to access learning materials at their convenience, and we’ve enhanced the tracking of competencies and progress.”
This transformation has been instrumental in boosting nurse preparedness and resilience, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare delivery across the UAE.
Representing the Filipino community
Bautista expressed pride in representing both the UAE and the Filipino community on the global stage. “It’s an immense honor to be one of the top 10 finalists for the 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. The UAE has been my home for many years, and I’m proud to contribute to its world-class healthcare system. At the same time, being a Filipino, it’s meaningful to showcase the excellence of Filipino nurses globally.”
Bautista is joined by two other Filipinos among the finalists. Laarni Conlu Florencio from the US, a Program Director for Nursing Continuing Professional Development at New York Presbyterian Hospital, is recognized for her work in promoting mental health among nurses. In the Philippines, Maria Victoria Juan, who holds a leadership role in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, was pivotal in developing the country’s first aeromedical evacuation system and has contributed significantly to the nation’s COVID-19 response.
The winner of the 2024 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award will be announced at a gala event in Bengaluru, India, in December 2024. The grand prize of USD 250,000 will be awarded to the winner, with the other nine finalists also receiving recognition.
“Each of these nurses has showcased excellence – going above and beyond their duties for the wellbeing of patients and the community,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare. “This award was established to honor, celebrate, and reward the remarkable contributions of nurses globally.”
As Bautista continues his journey, he envisions a future where technology further transforms nursing education.
“I hope to see nurses empowered with tools to become leaders and innovators, shaping the future of healthcare.”
