Dr. Marietta Velasco
Nurses are not just caregivers—they are educators, advocates, and pillars of hope.
“When we educate, we empower,” said Dr. Marietta Velasco, one of the speakers at the 55th Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting Precon on Cardiovascular Nursing. She stressed that experts that patient education is not an add-on—it is a lifeline, and nurses are at the heart of it and it’s a lifestyle, too.
“Patients are happy when they understand what’s happening to their bodies. They feel seen, heard, and in control. We build trust, strengthen communication, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes,” she added.
In hospitals, clinics, schools, and communities, nurses play a pivotal role in helping patients understand their condition, make informed choices, and take charge of their health.
The benefits of patient education by a nurse includes increased satisfaction and reduced hospital readmissions, while it is highly cost-effective.
Tailored education for every patient
Whether through individual or group sessions, nurses adapat their strategies to meet patients where they are.
Education is not one-size-fits-all. In fact, it may include other info tools and sources like visual aids, engaging videos, arts-based materials, and even humor to make the experience more relatable and memorable.
“We compete with ‘Dr. Google,’ but our job is to correct misconceptions and fill in the gaps,” Velasco said.
Addressing misinformation—especially from online sources—is part of modern nursing.
“It’s about having real conversations. We listen to what patients believe, then gently guide them toward what’s evidence-based and safe,” she added.
Families matter, too
Education does not stop with the patient. Engaging families and support systems is essential. The client needs the family. The support network is vital to recovery,” she emphasized, noting that education works best when the patient isn’t going through it alone.
Empowering nurses from within
The call did not stop at patient education. Nurses themselves must be empowered, especially in fields like cardiovascular care.
Supervisors and healthcare leaders were urged to invest in training programs that address the latest guidelines, tools, and culturally appropriate communication techniques.
“Nurse supervisors, don’t just give orders. Involve your nurses. Make them feel valued and capable of leading,” she stressed.
Continuous access to education, leadership opportunities, and up-to-date clinical resources should be the standard—not the exception.
Lifestyle, not a job
From hospital wards to barangay clinics, Filipino nurses are transforming healthcare one patient at a time—not just through treatment, but through knowledge, empathy, and connection.
As the session closed, the crowd was left with a challenge and a charge: recognize the role of nurses not just as caregivers—but as frontline educators driving change across the nation.
“Some of us need to take our own advice,” the speaker joked in closing. “But truly, we are the ones shaping the future of care,” she said.
