The scope of the nursing profession has been focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities. Nurses make sure that patients attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.
But for somebody like Fe Mones Saquibal, who has been a nurse for more than thirty years, she feels it is time to expand and quantify the nurse’s role and update the very essence of services involved in the noble profession she has embraced for more than half her life.
From Filamer Christian College where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to La Concordia College where she obtained her Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN), it has been her most magnificent obsession to maximize the her profession in the pursuit of change and welfare for her sisters and brothers in the field.
She has always made it a mission to help those in need at all times. Having witnessed numerous calamities in poverty stricken areas in the Philippines, she was all the more driven to strive for that much-needed change. It was through these experiences and personal observations that have weaved her altruistic mission in life to aid the unfortunate, from children in their nascent stages to the elderly.
It was through her close to two scores of being a dedicated health care provider that she professionally progressed and was greatly affected by the pitiful sights and gory set-ups in her monotonous grind. Unmindful of what the situation may bring and disregarding the amount of time she devotes, Fe regularly performs her duty with neither questions nor complaints.
Concerned not only for the general well being of her patients but even those who are outside the facility, Fe has always been ruled by compassion. In her own humble way, she aims to re-shape the historic public image of nurses as merely health care providers. She implies that being compassionate isn’t only confined within the four corners of the facility but extends far and wide anywhere human services are in need.
She proudly credits Dean Tupaz, her professor and department head from the Central Philippine University, as one of the sources of her inspirations. “Dean Tupaz awakened the dormant sense of human servitude in me with her idealistic way of life and practical application of the nursing profession,” Fe said, adding, “I consider her as our generation’s own version of Florence Nightingale.”
With the mounting pressures and staggering decline in the demand for nurses, Fe firmly believes that these are merely temporary.
“There’s no way for us to flee from natural and human occurrences. Everyone is subject to infliction of disease or gradually gets old, so nurses and related health care providers will always be in demand,” she said.
“I don’t have any regrets whatsoever. I so love my profession to the hilt and I’m completely fulfilled and contented with what I chose to be. The only thing that frustrates me is when I’m not in the position to be of help to somebody who needs my services the most,” declared Fe in a very candid tone.
As a professional, Fe has been endlessly complimented and praised for her passionate work ethics and efficient leadership, even sacrificing her time to make sure that the work around her being met with the highest standard for the betterment of not just the facility she works for but also for the comfort of her fellow staff members.
In addition to her success as a nurse, Fe is kept occupied with her numerous socio-civic activities foremost of which is her regular flea market fund-raising campaign for the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation, Make a Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Fe, together with her husband, joins numerous charity groups and exerts personal effort to fund-raise for various educational scholarships, the Hudson Cradle, and St. Lucy’s Home.
Her consistent act of charity paved way for her to be recognized and be catapulted to the rank of Royal Matron-Regal Court No. 1 of the Order of the Amaranth of the State of New York.
Fe’s unparalleled vision as a nursing practitioner and unquestionable accomplishments in her field didn’t escape the scrutiny of award-giving bodies particularly the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL). She was duly honored and recognized as an achiever during the Women’s History Month celebration at the Ramada Hotel on March 20, 2011.
An excellent role model for her two daughters: Ma. Angela and Ma. Soleil, graduates of John Hopkins University and New York University, respectively, and a supportive wife to husband Benny, President of the Filipino Masonic Association of America, NY Chapter, Fe is the Grand Representative to the Philippines by the Grand Court Order of the Amaranth early next year.
When asked what she wanted to change in the nursing system as a whole, she readily replied with conviction: “Benefits, first and foremost, especially now that the government tends to minimize and control medical expenditures and that affected us who are working hard in the field.”
If there’s but one unforgettable experience being a nurse that she couldn’t forget that would be caring for the homeless.
“It’s hard to even think why should some people be so desperately down the drain that there’s not even a piece of cardboard available to shelter them especially during the winter days. My heart really bleeds for them. I believe we all have the right to live decently only some are not lucky to be given what they deserve.”
“That’s why, maybe after another couple of years I plan to retire and go back to the Philippines. My children are done with school and both have steady jobs. I have enjoyed my life to the fullest and this time, I want to give back and do my share of charity. I’m willing to give up my US citizenship if needed just to be of service to my countrymen.” Fe strongly stated.
Ironically, Fe sees a bright opportunity from the prevailing political chaos in the Philippines brought about by the ten billion “racket” involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) more popularly known as the pork barrel scandal.
“Since it has been my ultimate dream to serve my countrymen in any possible way I could, I hope this is a good sign for me to go on with my plans. I’m completely affected by what our countrymen are experiencing in the hands of our very own elected leaders. This rampant government problem is a vicious cycle that needs to be addressed with iron fist.”
“Natural calamities and disheartening disasters could understandably be bearable but for the elites to live luxuriously at the expense of the innocent and the poor, that’s something unforgivably against the law, an obvious crime before the eyes of men and God.”
“I may sound ambitious and my plans are huge and vague but I could start where I know my voice will be audibly heard and what I layout will be executed as planned,” she said.
Fe is truly feisty with a soft heart, a dreamer and achiever. She effortlessly exhibits and demonstrates an innate competence and diverse managerial traits, the main characteristics of a potential and effective leader. That’s how Fe’s friends know her.
As a token of appreciation for all the good things that Fe has done for Hudson View Healthcare Center where she holds office as Assistant Director of Nursing, her staff and friends surprised her with a lavish birthday party last week.
To conceal all party plans from her, the birthday bash was held at Venny Yalong’s residence, just less than a mile from their facility, for proximity and convenience.
Amid decorations of glittery trimmings and festive buntings, a wide array of sumptuous home-cooked food and an assortment of sweets and delicacies filled the buffet and center tables while all guests were excitedly gathered around waiting for the arrival of the birthday celebrant.
All that Fe knew was her staff was treating her to watch “Extra,” a Vilma Santo’s latest starrer. There was almost a hitch when earlier Fe unexpectedly changed her mind and wanted to go home if not for the convincing power of Jhoriebeth, the Director of Nursing. The latter even reasoned that they had to pass by Venny’s place to pick her up.
She didn’t even want to get off the car. But Jhoriebeth used all tricks and gentle persuasion and eventually convinced Fe to go inside.
Pandemonium broke loose upon Fe’s entrance. Thunderous greetings, deafening screams and boisterous laughter filled the house to the great amazement of the celebrant.
It took a while before Fe was able to recover from shock and finally reacted: “I almost suffered from a heart attack! That was really one big surprise.” Her thrill and shock doubled when she saw her husband, Benny, who was a part of the ploy all along.
“My God, no wonder why he just wished me ‘Good Luck, enjoy!’ when I called him about our plan of watching a movie,” Fe’s said about her hubby who could only laugh and hug her.
An endless picture-taking session ensued while everyone tirelessly recalled and re-enacted every bit and piece of what transpired earlier.
Hudson View nursing staff and employees who collectively hosted the surprise birthday bash for Fe were: Aurora Catral, Regional Director of Nursing; Jhoriebeth Macatangay, Director of Nursing; Hazel Ceniza, Asst. Director of Nursing; Dina Laurenciana, MDS & PPS Coordinator; Nicole Daradar, Unit Manager of 3rd floor; Marie Cecilio Esguerra, Unit Manager of 5th floor ; Janeth Aberde, 4th floor Unit Manager; Elizabeth Ong, 8th floor Unit Manager; Jean Song, 9th floor Unit Manager; Ivan Santana, Director of Social Services; Leo Castillo of the Medical Records Office; Venny Yalong, 6th floor Unit Manager & Infection Control Coordinator; and Karen Marte, 3rd floor Unit Clerk.
Observing them from a distance, one could easily tell the existence of a solid camaraderie and harmonious relationship among the group as predominantly bonded by their support for each another.
“This is my second family,” Fe said hen requested to deliver an acceptance speech of sort. “I’ve work in a number of hospitals and healthcare facilities before but I never experienced this feeling of belongingness as I enjoy now with staff from Hudson View. Yes, there may be occasional misunderstanding and inevitable differences but by the end of the day, everything is back to normal as if nothing ever happened,” she said.
Emotional, Fe paused briefly to clear a little lump in her throat and continued: “I cannot thank you all enough for this touching gesture. Now, I’m confident that Hudson View nurses really work in unison and can be dependable when trust is at stake. Imagine, you were able to keep everything from me without the slightest hint? You put one over me,” she said as everybody burst into laughter while simultaneously cheering and took turns in wishing Fe a “Happy Birthday” one more time.
That’s Fe Mones Saquibal, a name that spells compassion, a leader born to serve, a community servant destined to lead!
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