From the Philippines....

NIGH's own Dr. Maria  ‘Tess’ Theresa Panizales comes ‘Home!’

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Nursing Guidance Office successfully conducted “Competence, Adaptability and Resilience: A Talk for Future Competent Nurses” on April 8, 2026—bringing together student nurses in a shared pursuit of professional growth and readiness. The highlight of the event was the insightful discussion by Maria Theresa P. Panizales, DNP (PHNL), Dr. (H.C.), MSN, RN – who serves on NIGH’s Board of Directors. WVSU is her ‘Home’ Nursing School.
Through her  talk, “Caring the Nurse in Us,” she shared the grounded in the principles of Integral Nursing by Dr. Barbara Dossey, the discussion emphasized the importance of self-awareness, holistic care, and the interconnectedness between the nurse’s inner self and professional practice. Students were encouraged to engage in active leadership, summarized in the call to “be involved,” and to embrace change and the outcome of your choices, think about all the why's, don't forget humor, and surround yourself with happy people. Dr. Panizales also addressed relevant professional challenges including stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, moral distress, secondary trauma, and organizational factors, linking these to the importance of grit, passion, and perseverance in sustaining competence.

WVSU Nursing Students enjoying Dr. Panizales' class.