A Legacy of Care: A Mother-Son Nursing Story Rooted in Filipino Heritage
June 10, 2025
Neliosa Cuartel-Guarda, RN, has been a nurse at TMH since 2013 and currently works at TMH Physician Partners, Services by Southern Medical Group - Cardiology. Nelly is known among her colleagues for her unwavering compassion and her ability to treat every patient as family. It’s a philosophy grounded in her Filipino roots—where respect for elders, generosity, and care for community are central values. Her dedication was formally recognized in July 2020, when she was named TMH’s Colleague of the Month after her courageous work during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watching her journey inspired her son, Rafael, to begin a career in nursing as well. He is currently a student at Tallahassee State College.
“I am currently pursuing a nursing degree, inspired by my mother, who has always been my role model,” Rafael shares. “As a dedicated nurse, she treats every patient like family—something I deeply admire and hope to carry on.”
Rafael grew up immersed in the values of their Filipino culture: honoring elders, showing kindness, working hard, and living in service to others. He reflects on traditions like family meals, “pagmamano” (a traditional gesture of respect), and participating in local Filipino cultural organizations. He and his mother have even shared their culture through events like Springtime Tallahassee, proudly showcasing Filipino traditions with the broader community.
“Truly caring for patients, listening to them, and showing compassion reflects not only my personal values but also the heart of our culture,” Rafael says. “My mother’s recognition at TMH made me proud—it showed me how much people value Filipino nurses for their dedication and love for the profession.”
Nelly sees her son following closely in her footsteps, guided by the same values that have defined her life and career.
“He looks up to me as a role model in how I treat patients, friends, colleagues, and our community—from the heart, as if they are family,” she says. “He has seen me care for my 86-year-old mother, help new nurses transition to life in Tallahassee, and share our culture with pride. I realized my son would make a great nurse when I saw the way he took care of his grandmom. Now, he is on his way to spreading this kindness, patience, and humility though his career just like me.”
Nurtured in a home filled with tradition, respect, and the spirit of service, Rafael is preparing to become a nurse who not only brings clinical skills to the bedside, but also carries forward a cultural legacy of compassion.
At TMH, we are proud to celebrate Nelly and Rafael—not just for their dedication to the nursing profession, but for the way they bring their Filipino heritage to life in our community. Their story reminds us that the heart of healthcare is human connection, and that culture and compassion are powerful foundations for healing.
Do you have a heart for caring like Nelly and Rafael? Grow your nursing career alongside our dedicated colleagues. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned nurse, we’re looking for compassionate clinicians to join our team. Get started at TMH.ORG/Nursing.
