The Philippine NLE (Nurse Licensure Examination) has been a major event for every aspiring nursing student in the Philippines. This major test determines who will make it to the roster of registered nurses in the Philippines.
Many students from all parts of the country strive hard to make it in the board exams. Many would dream to become topnotchers.
I took the exam last December 18 and 19, 2011.
My experience? Here goes:
I was a graduate from Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation - College of Nursing (RTRMF-CN) in Tacloban. I also reviewed in Power Development Center for the local board examination.
2 weeks before the board exams, we had undergone 2 rounds of pre-boards. Both of these were quite hard but still I managed to get decent scores (like 77, 82, 78). I just enjoyed answering those challenging questions even though there are some concepts that I do not know or new to me.
After that, we had our culminating party and it was good. On the next day until the 11th day of our free time (which was on December 16), I had been studying - well, not memorizing though because I'm not really good at it and this is the reason why I seldom use mnemonics in studying. I made use of my schedule in studying my lessons - from day 1 (topics: basics) to day 11 (miscellaneous topics). I scheduled my studies in Medical-Surgical Nursing between these because it is said that this broad topic is the "heart of the board exam" and also, my favorite nursing subject. :) Then on the net, I visit sites that have quizzes about nursing to keep myself challenged. Of course, I prayed hard.
Here comes December 17 - the day before the test. This day, I didn't study because I felt it was enough. I followed the suggestion of our review coordinator not to study anymore on the day before the test for the reason that anxiety level will tend to escalate and thus having a tendency to forget what one have read. Yes, it did work. My anxiety level did not increase. Our school held a mass for our batch. They prayed for our success.. (thanks a lot! :') ) After the mass, our dean reminded us that, "90% of what you are worrying about will never happen." Her words gave us sort of a relief. Some of our group even shouted, "HESSONITES! 100%" followed by a loud cheer. I know we can make it 100%, I thought, and smiled. God is on our side. :) When night fell, I prepared my things, ate dinner, adjusted my alarm clock to 4 AM and slept early. "Lord, please help me concentrate well and choose the best and the right answer for the tomorrow's exam" I prayed.
December 18 - NLE day 1:
I woke up early, ate my breakfast and hurried to my testing center which was at St. Paul's Business School - known for having topnotchers in the examinations. I got there on time at 6:15 AM and relaxed myself while waiting for the other to arrive in the room. I was glad that I met my groupmates after such a long time. :)
The exam started about an hour later. The first subject was Nursing Practice I (NP1). Some of the questions were okay but some are really hard - even harder than the ones at the pre-boards! "Lord, please help me." I frantically prayed. 2 hours after, NP II was administered. Another hard test but not as hard as the previous. Despite that, I still believed that I will make it! I thought of ways of easing my anxiety level to a minimum (okay, stress management from the topics on stress and adaptation on Fundamentals of Nursing..haha). I closed my eyes and breathed deeply and uttered softly, "Jesus.." Relaxation came to me. Lunch break came, our dean along with some CIs (Clinical instructors) came to visit us. Our dean asked me about my reactions about the board exam. I reluctantly replied, "Ma'am, makuri talaga pero kaya.." (Ma'am, it was difficult but not impossible..). She assured us again that all of us can make it. NP III was administered after the lunch break, wow..another hard test. This is becoming overwhelming! "Is the board exam really this tough?" I wondered. Management for NP III anxiety: ditto from what I did on NP II. I went back home, mentally exhausted. I watched TV and listened songs from Hillsong for a while to cool myself, prayed and slept early.
December 19 - NLE day 2:
I got there again on time. NP IV was the first subject. This time, it was different. It was a bit easier than the tests from yesterday. To my joy, I said, "Thank you Lord!" "Nice. Nagkagawas talaga an akon mga ginbasa ha exam" (Nice. The topics I read came out in the exam). Lord gave me hope. Finally, NP V was administered and voila! This subject has the most number of questions about psychiatric nursing. I found it okay too. I felt happy after the board exams. I felt more relaxed than ever; that great burden I finally let go. "Lord, waray mo gud ak pabay-i.." (Lord, You really did not leave me alone..) I said, looking up into the sky. "I have done my best, You do the rest" I added.
And now here I am, waiting for the results. I prayed to God that whatever happens, it is His will. If I pass, it is good. If I pass and top, better. Otherwise, I'll still accept it for I know God may have better plans for me.. I still hope for the best.
I would always remember this: PERSEVERANCE + PRAYER = SUCCESS! :)
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