Fellowship of the European Transcultural Nursing Association Committee:
Transcultural nursing and cultural competence are integral to my professional philosophy, shaping both my academic career and my approach to nursing education. As an internationally educated nurse in Finland, I have been deeply committed to embedding transcultural nursing principles within the nursing curriculum. My goal is to ensure that future nurses develop the cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness necessary to provide equitable and patient-centered care in an increasingly diverse healthcare landscape.
For the past five years, I have taught transcultural nursing and ethics at two esteemed Finnish institutions: Oulu University of Applied Sciences and JAMK University of Applied Sciences. Through my teaching, I emphasize the importance of cultural awareness, ethical considerations, and the ability to provide care that respects diverse backgrounds. Additionally, my scholarly work has focused on the migration experiences and challenges faced by internationally educated nurses in the Nordic region, particularly in Finland. This research has provided valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities within the healthcare system, reinforcing the need for policies that support both migrant nurses and culturally competent patient care. I am also the President of the Filipino Nurses Association in the Nordic Region- the only professional nursing association for foreign nurses in a Nordic level. The organization has spread awareness on racism, discrimination and as well as work integration.
While my direct involvement with ETNA has been somewhat limited due to my professional responsibilities, I have actively sought ways to integrate its valuable resources into my work. I have invited esteemed scholars, such as Professor Irena Papadopoulos and Alfonso Pezella, to share their expertise on cultural issues with my students, ensuring they gain exposure to global perspectives on transcultural nursing. Moreover, I have incorporated materials from the IENE projects as key educational resources, enriching the learning experience and fostering deeper discussions on cultural competence. I have also participated in ETNA webinar sessions to stay updated on developments in the field.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to furthering the mission of ETNA by advocating for the integration of transcultural nursing principles within nursing curricula and policy discussions in Finland. I strongly believe that advancing cultural competence in healthcare education is crucial to shaping inclusive and effective nursing practices. My ongoing efforts will focus on promoting awareness among policymakers and educators, ensuring that transcultural nursing continues to be a fundamental aspect of healthcare education and practice in Europe.