(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 16, 2005) - In 1980, Nelia "Nelly" Peterson left the comfort of her homeland in the Philippines for a world of complete unknown. Like many oversea nurses at that time, Nelly came to the United States to assist with a profound and devastating nursing shortage.

Although the 1980's nursing shortage was not deemed as critical as the one currently facing the nation today, it recruited nurses from around the world. During that time, in just two years alone, more than 6,000 nurses came from the Philippines to the United States to assist with the shortage. Many came on temporary visas, not knowing if they would continue their professional careers in the United States or if they would be sent back home after one or two years of working.

Since 1980, Nelly has continued her journey in the United States; however, her experience has not always been an easy one. When Nelly left the Philippines in her early 20s, she was not escaping tragedy or despair. It was quite the opposite. She had a wonderful family who prospered economically as well as a solid education. Nelly left her country wanting adventure…wanting more. So she made her decision and left the Philippines with one suitcase in hand and only $200 on which to live. She also had no family members or friends to relate to here.

Her vivaciousness and persistence to succeed kept her up when life was down. Her life reads like a book from attempted deportation and jail time to becoming a successful nurse and sought-after seminar and guest speaker.

"I went from living a life of luxury in the Philippines to a day in jail here in the United States," she said. "I was one of five Filipino nurses taken to jail due to an administrative oversight on our employer's end. Thank goodness we were able to work things out; however, it was a very humiliating and shameful experience for me."

Although a hard life lesson, this tragic experience did not keep her from excelling. Since then, Nelly has contributed greatly to the nursing field. She has worked in various capacities of nursing: critical care, psychiatrics, SWAT, pediatrics and more. Whether in a hospital or nursing home, she has enjoyed the experience tremendously. In 1996, she became a full-time faculty member in the Nursing Department at Phoenix College; however, she still spends some of her time at St. Joseph's Hospital on the weekends.

"I love teaching, but I also love working with patients," she added. "By working with patients on the weekends, it allows me to have the best of both worlds."

Not only has Nelly built a strong career in the nursing field, she has also solidified membership in a number of organizations. Currently, she is the president of the Philippine Nurses Association of Arizona, Inc. and a member of the Philippine Nurses Association of American, Inc., AZ Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Association. Nelly serves as a mentor to a lot of minority nurse colleagues and student nurses. She is also an active community volunteer.

"By working with these organizations and through teaching, I hope alleviate the many obstacles that I experienced in my first few years here," she said.

In addition to one instructor's effort to ease the nursing crisis, Phoenix College is certainly taking an active role as well.

For instance, the college has hired additional instructors to meet the needs of its increased enrollment over the last year. Additionally, the college has expanded its delivery format. The Phoenix College Nursing Program now offers creative, non-traditional, accelerated programs to meet the needs of virtually any student.

For more information about the Phoenix College Nursing Program, please call (602) 285-7133.

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