27/07/2026
IN PHOTOS | Baliuag District Hospital Holds Clinical Orientation for SMCB Nursing Students
Baliuag District Hospital (BDH) conducted a Clinical Orientation for Level 2, 3, and 4 nursing students of St. Maryβs College of Baliuag (SMCB) on July 23, 2026, at the SMCB Auditorium. Held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., the orientation prepared the students for their upcoming Related Learning Experience (RLE) and clinical deployment.
The program formally opened with warm greetings from Masters of Ceremony Janna Marie Bertiz and Reuben Dela Cruz, followed by an opening prayer led by Cherry Ann Jely Corteza.
In her opening remarks, S. Ma. Anita S. Tomas, RVM, Dean of the College, warmly welcomed Ms. Esperanza P. Melencio, MSN, RN, Chief Nurse of Baliuag District Hospital, together with the hospital staff. She encouraged the students to look beyond the technical aspects of clinical practice, emphasizing that nursing is not only about performing tasks but also about cultivating compassion, professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Ms. Melencio then presented the objectives of the orientation and discussed the pre-deployment requirements. She emphasized that the program aims to prepare students for clinical exposure by promoting safe and ethical practice, familiarizing them with hospital policies and procedures, and instilling patient safety, responsibility, and accountability throughout their clinical affiliation.
Marie Kathleen R. Tuazon, RN, Head of the Outpatient Department, presented the hospital profile, highlighting BDHβs mission, vision, and core values of Respect, Love, Excellence, Care, Compassion, Competence, and Commitment. She also introduced the hospitalβs various healthcare services and facilities, including the Laboratory, Radiology Department, Family Planning Unit, Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace, Breastfeeding Station, Newborn Screening, Newborn Hearing Screening Center, Animal Bite Treatment Center, Balai Pag-asa, TB-DOTS Facility, and Adolescent-Friendly Health Services.
The students were likewise introduced to the organizational structure of Baliuag District Hospital, headed by Dr. Joseph Paul R. Cruzcosa, Chief of Hospital, and Mrs. Marizen Reyes, Chief Administrative Officer. Ms. Melencio serves as Chief Nurse, assisted by Mrs. Cristina C. Lapuz, MSN, RN, Assistant Chief Nurse; Mrs. Juliet SJ. de Guzman, MSN, RN, Supervising Nurse for the OB-Surgery, Medical, and Pediatric Wards; and Mr. Roderick Reyes, RN, Supervising Nurse for the Emergency Room, Outpatient Department, Operating Room, Labor Room, and Delivery Room.
The hospitalβs head nurses, including Mrs. Marife C. Tamondong, RN, Ms. Marie Kathleen R. Tuazon, RN, and Mrs. Princess C. Gabriel, RN, were also introduced.
As part of the orientation, the students were familiarized with the hospitalβs major clinical areas, including the Outpatient Department, Emergency Room Complex, Labor and Delivery Room, Operating Room, OB-Surgery Ward, Medical Ward, and Pediatric Ward, where they will complete their clinical rotations.
Mrs. Tamondong discussed the Australasian Triage System used in the Emergency Room. She explained the different triage categories and presented the ER Complex flowchart to help students understand patient prioritization, emergency response, and the delivery of timely and appropriate care.
Ms. Tuazon also presented the hospitalβs Public Health Unit and its community-based programs and initiatives. These included the Health and Wellness Program, Menβs Health Program, National Womenβs Month activities, Blood Letting Program, Rabies Awareness Month, World TB Day, World Health Day, Safe Motherhood Celebration, Dengue Awareness Month, Doc on Air, Breastfeeding Awareness, Family Planning Month, Adolescent Health Program, Bone and Joint Awareness Month, Newborn Screening Week, HIV Awareness campaigns, and various outreach programs.
The orientation further emphasized the importance of infection prevention and control. Discussions covered proper hand hygiene, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, needlestick injury protocols, and other safety measures essential to preventing healthcare-associated infections.
Herbert C. Valcos, RN, discussed key patient safety principles, including the 10 Rights of Medication Administration, fall prevention, surgical and procedural safety, informed consent, the safe use of medical equipment, diagnostic safety, blood transfusion safety, workplace and staff safety, patient confidentiality, HIV 101, and relevant healthcare laws. These included Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act; Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012; Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; and the Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Additional discussions focused on emergency and disaster preparedness, proper waste disposal and management, hospital security and access control, and nursing documentation. Ms. Tuazon demonstrated the proper use of FDAR charting and introduced the official forms used at BDH.
Mrs. Tamondong concluded the lecture sessions by discussing the General Policies, Roles, and Responsibilities of Nursing Affiliates. These included attendance and punctuality, prescribed dress code, professional conduct, confidentiality, infection prevention and control, documentation and reporting procedures, the roles of clinical instructors and student affiliates, assigned clinical areas, and the importance of evaluation and feedback throughout the clinical experience.
During the closing remarks, Ms. Melencio encouraged the students to uphold the hospitalβs values of Respect, Love, and Excellence throughout their Related Learning Experience. She reminded the future nurses that technical competence must always be accompanied by compassion and ethical practice, concluding her message with the words, βWe are honored to walk this path with you.β
The program concluded with a closing prayer led by Micha Izabetha Nicdao, marking the successful completion of the Clinical Orientation for SMCB nursing students.
Masters of Ceremony Reuben Dela Cruz and Janna Marie Bertiz formally closed the program by expressing their appreciation to the participants and wishing the nursing students a meaningful, enriching, and successful clinical affiliation at Baliuag District Hospital.
β: Christine Allea Joy Ramos
πΈ: Zhac Gabrielle Santos, Aljo Abaya, Ryan Christian Yee
