SUCN hosts RNAO pre-assessment visit for Academic BPSO designation
The Silliman University College of Nursing (SUCN) hosted a formal pre-assessment visit on December 19, 2025 as part of its application for Academic Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) designation under the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), marking a key milestone in the College’s pursuit of international recognition in evidence-based nursing education.
The pre-assessment was conducted by Dr. Elaine Santa Mina, associate professor and interim co-director of the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University, who represented RNAO in evaluating SUCN’s integration of Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) across its academic and clinical curricula. The visit took place at the William Barry Thompson Hall, second floor of the College of Nursing complex in Dumaguete City.
Led by Dean Dr. Theorose June Q. Bustillo, the SUCN administration and faculty presented the College’s longitudinal implementation of three RNAO Best Practice Guidelines—Vascular Access Devices, Pressure Injuries, and Breastfeeding—supported by Faculty BPG Champions and Student BPG Champions from each guideline cluster.
During the visit, student champions mounted comprehensive exhibits demonstrating how RNAO-aligned practices are embedded in course syllabi, clinical procedure checklists, annotated readings, and annual progress reports. Students highlighted the standardization of intravenous therapy protocols, the use of evidence-based assessment tools for pressure injury prevention, and the integration of global breastfeeding standards in classroom instruction and community health programs.
RNAO Pressure Injuries Student and Faculty Champions from SUCN at their Exhibit pose with Dr. Santa Mina (fourth left). Mina is joined by (left to right) Hanna Rhose Zablan, Dr. Maria Theresa Belciña Jr., Dr. Evalyn Abalos, Charles Nellas, Kesha Garcia, Roxanne Mangaliman, Chino Maverick Tagra, Deneille Jhan Pescuela, Dr. Theresa Guino-o, Dr. Theorose June Bustillo, Asst. Prof. Veveca Bustamante, Brianna Rikka Jabel, and Asst. Prof. Mary Nathalie Cata-al.
Santa Mina also delivered a scholarly presentation on her research regarding the effectiveness of BPG implementation and student learning outcomes, drawing from her work in Canadian nursing institutions. An open forum followed, allowing students and faculty to engage in audit discussions and reflect on the practical realities of guideline-based care.
The assessment included a tour of the SUCN complex and specialized facilities, including the designated Breastfeeding Room, skills laboratories, high-fidelity simulation rooms for Labor and Delivery, Intensive Care, and Operating Room training, as well as the William Barry Thompson Learning Resource Center.
SUCN currently holds the status of RNAO Academic Pre-designate, a partnership that allows the College to implement and evaluate evidence-based guidelines within nursing education. Advancement to full Academic BPSO designation would open expanded opportunities for international mentorship, collaboration, and the global dissemination of best practices in nursing education and clinical care.
The College is now in the formal application phase for Academic Designate status, with a second assessment visit expected as part of the evaluation process. If granted designation, SUCN will focus on sustaining, expanding, and mentoring the implementation of BPGs, in line with RNAO requirements for biennial renewal.
