Kapampangan is Good Samaritan top nurse in Baltimore

For two years in a row, Oliver Pineda Macale scored high in the nursing profession—this year being named Nurse of the Year at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore. Last year, he was awarded Nurse of the Year for Professional Practice. “When in charge, he’s [totally] involved in the care of all patients. [He provides] a strong backbone for the unit," one of his co-workers said. Further, Macale is described as an “excellent role model"who “never panics, and [is] always focused on the interests of GSH." “He loves his patients and uses his knowledge and wholistic approach in caring [for them]," another co-worker said. Macale came to Maryland on April 8, 2002, a day after graduating with honors from Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga with Master of Arts degree in Nursing. While pursing his graduate program, he worked as a clinical instructor in the same university to (earn) for his tuition. In 1999 he graduated cum laude from the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Currently at GSH, he chairs the Education Council in the Telemetry/Heart Care Unit. He is responsible in the education of staff and the yearly unit competencies. He also co-chairs the Performance Improvement Council and helps in the recruitment and retention of Filipino nurses in GSH—a hospital recognized as a healthy workplace by the Maryland Psychological Association. “He exemplifies the values of honesty, integrity, and respect for his patients and co-workers," said Macale’s manager. “He makes sure that patients are given the best possible care according to the level that they need." Macale also works as part-time assistant director of nursing/nursing supervisor for GSH, on night shifts, but he prefers to work at bedside, saying, “There’s a sense of fulfillment when you see patients get well and when they go home." He is also an Advance Cardiac Life Support instructor in Baltimore who is involved in the education of nurses, emergency medical technicians, and other health care workers. His involvement in ACLS reflects his home-hospital being an active part of MedstarHealth—one the region’s largest networks. He started working at GSH’s Telemetry Unit/Cardiology Department in the same year that he came to Maryland where soon after he became involved in the internal and external campaign of the 346-bed acute care hospital, which has been honored nationally for its employee and service initiatives. A day after his birthday,on May 8 this year, he bested 36 finalists and was awarded Nurse of the Year. Three others were recognized for their trustworthiness, advancement, and care. Leila Ignacio RN BSN, also a Filipino, was honored as the “Caring Nurse for Patient and Others." She works in the ICU/CCU of the same hospital and a graduate scholar from the University of Maryland, College of Nursing. She came into the US when she was in 4th year high school from Navotas, Metro Manila. “Oliver gives excellent care and goes out of his way to help other units," said the nursing administration office, adding, “He holds himself to the highest ethical standard." Described as “a true asset to GSH," Macale comes to work when there’s staffing shortage and relieves the assistant director of nursing when needed. “[He is a true] professional [who] puts the patients’ interests first." “I take pride in this job. It is a lifetime career, and I am committed to it," said Macale. - Jun Bana