The Business of Nursing: Dr. Femy Octaviano gives the nursing profession a boost
Femy has contributed a great deal in the Nursing
profession.
Eufemia Octaviano or Femy, as she is fondly called, is a pride of Western Visayas. Being an educator and book author, she has contributed a great deal in the Nursing profession.
In 1974, she took up her masteral in Nursing at the University of the Philippines. She majored in medical surgical nursing and minored in clinical nursing. She became a doctor of education in 1998 after majoring in Educational Management in the University of Saint La Salle.
Her career in nursing was spent at the St. Joseph Hospital, Manapla, Negros Occidental; Commodore Nursing Home, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; and Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, New York, USA.
Her career as an educator was spent at the Riverside College, Bacolod City; School of Graduate Studies, Central Philippine University, Iloilo City; Graduate School,University of Saint La Salle, Bacolod City; and as accreditor of Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities.
A family picture during the book launching at
Hotel del Rio.
She is married to Dr. Gil Octaviano, a nephrologist from Iloilo City. They were blessed with children Gil Joseph III, a dentist; Florence Joy, a nurse and clinical instructor; and Rose Jessica, a psychologist; and grandchildren Rico, Gio and Franz. Recently, she launched her book, "Theoretical Foundations of Nursing: The Philippine Perspective" in Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Manila. She co-authors this with Dr. Carl Balita.
Get to know more about her in this interview.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): Why did you take up nursing?
Eufemia Octaviano (EO):As a childhood ambition – to take care of the sick and the "poor."
KMV: What prompted you to become a professor of Nursing?
EO: When children started schooling, I had more time for myself, so why not go back to school and obtain a Masters Degree to become a teacher of Nursing? Besides I did not like to go on duty at night in the hospital.
During the launching of her book in Manila.
KMV: Through what experiences do you find fulfillment in the profession that you took?
EO: During my staff nursing duty in the hospital, patients expressed appreciation. When I was in the academe, as Dean, my colleagues, students and administrators (owners of the school) appreciated my performance. The school produced topnotchers in the Board! I became an officer of the PNA (Philippine Nurses Association) and ADPCN (Association of Deans Philippine Colleges of Nursing). Lastly, as member of the Board of Nursing for three years and as Chairperson for four years.
KMV: What inspired you to come out with the book Theoretical Foundations of Nursing?
EO: The thought that all BSN I will read/use he book under the guidance of faculty, some of whom were my students. It is a mission, relevant (need of the time) and income-generating.
KMV: Did it ever occur to you to follow the footsteps of other Nursing graduates who went abroad to work there?
EO: I was in New York and Wisconsin with my husband for six years and had two babies there. We decided to come home and there is no regret.
During a book signing at Hotel del Rio last June.
KMV: You are very-well traveled. What are the important lessons you've learned from these trips?
WO: In the USA as a family. Job related travels especially when I was chairman of the Board of Nursing. Other travels were as guest of relatives, friends and alumni. Travels served as continuing education and pleasurable when treated as guest.
KMV: What important lesson(s) have you learned from your work as a nurse and as an educator?
EO: As a practitioner in Nursing Service, I met all kinds of people. When patients are having problems, the nurse must be more compassionate. As Dean of a College for 25 years, I've personally and professionally grew. My experience with the academic world was tremendous.
KMV: What is your opinion on the rampant immigration of Filipinos abroad in order to become nurses?
EO: "Exodus" of nurses to other countries is due to "push and pull" factors. They are pushed to leave due to inadequate opportunities in the country. If ever there is a job, the remuneration is low. The pull factor is the lure of the dollar and better opportunities like travel.
Femy with her husband Gil, children and grandchildren.
KMV: In what way will this affect our medical landscape?
EO: Experienced nurses leave the country and new graduates are the ones on duty. They need more experiences to render quality service.
KMV: What can you propose to solve this?
EO: Government policies. Limit enrolment if the base hospital is inadequate.
KMV: What makes our Filipino nurses in demand?
EO: Core values of Nursing are well demonstrated. The innate trait as compassionate, very caring. Other values of commitment, dedication and not counting the hours. Most of all, competence.
KMV: I learned that you love listening to music. Who's your favorite classical music artist?
EO: Mozart
KMV: Why do you prefer classical music?
EO: It's relaxing
KMV: You said you like to read books and journals. What's your bedside book at the moment and by whom?
EO: Seven Miracles of Management by Alan Andrews and My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult
KMV: I learned you also love to paint. Tell us more about it.
EO: My favorite subjects are the sea and mountain. I prefer the media water color. I paint when on "location."
KMV: Did you meet your husband through his work as a nephrologist and you as a nurse? What's your love story?
EO: We were both working at St. Joseph's Hospital, Manapla, Negros Occidental. He was to go to USA for training. We fell in love. We left for the USA and got married there and started our family there.
KMV: What are you like as a wife, mother, friend, nurse and educator?
EO: As a wife, partner and friend. As a mother, loving and understanding. As a friend, loyal. As a nurse, competent. As an educator, firm but friendly.