16 October 2013 - The Philippine Nurses Association of Milan (TPNAM) celebrated its 4th anniversary foundation last September 14. About a hundred guests attended the affair and extended their felicitations and appreciation to TPNAM for the worthwhile projects they have initiated for the Filipino communities since their establishment.
TPNAM is a group of Filipino nursing professionals in Milan, some of whom have obtained their licenses to practice after their arrival in the 1990s. It is spearheaded by nurses who came as exchange students from the Philippines in three batches from 1990 to 1994 and eventually were hired to serve in various hospitals. These nurses realized the need for an organized group to assist nursing graduates who were joining their families in Milan but could not land jobs according to their profession.
In partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Philippine Overseas Labor Office, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration offices in Milan, a review and training course for nurses was organized in 2011 at the consulate premises to assist them in passing the two-part licensure exams and enable them to be recognized as professionals. Since 2011, 13 Filipinos have passed the exams and are practicing their profession with all the benefits and recognition similar to an Italian nurse. Highlight of the anniversary celebration was the recognition of four nurses who passed the first and more difficult phase of the Italian licensure exams.
TPNAM is also the partner of the Consulate in its medical and dental missions in Milan and various parts of Northern Italy, bringing health services to Filipinos. For 2013, six missions have been organized so far and have benefited Filipino communities in Milan, Torino, Venice and Padova. END