Student Models, Ideal Nurses

Exams are the hardest part of a student’s life.  All the endless preparations, sleepless nights and on the spot nervous breakdowns, it sure is a roller coaster ride. Yet, for these two students who topped the nursing board exam, they are sure glad the exams are over.

           

            The Nursing Licensure Exam, a 500-item multiple choice exam which tests a nursing student if he or she is worthy the license, was conducted last July 2 and 3 of this year. Out of almost 80, 000 takers, Jacob Reyes and Lowel Andrew Batomalaque who were from Cebu Normal University, landed on the top.

            Reyes who was an active student got the top 6 spot and Batomalaque was in the 8th place. Both went to the same review center after graduation but had different strategies in mind.

            For Reyes, he scheduled his readings for every subject. He turned away from parties, outings, and barkada trips. “After every review, I immediately went home and continued reading my books so as not to get behind my target dates,” he added.

Lowell Batomalaque, top 8

 Batomalaque on the other hand, added the factor of emotionally preparing himself. “I admired the words of encouragement I got from our Dean and the review center staff before the exam date. It was really helpful.” He also emphasized on spiritual preparation since he is a devout catholic. “Having strong faith in God can make wonders.”

       There were a lot of things that pushed them to give their best. Like most of us do, the family always comes on top of the list. To become a competent nurse was a motivation for them. Reyes even recalls, “I missed the Cum Laude spot by a painstaking decimal of 0.01!” Even so, achieving things were their natural drives.

            However, nursing has become a trend upon college degree programs. A lot of discussions stirred up about it not being an ideal course for fresh high school graduates. But for two determined individuals, this wasn’t a problem for them upon taking the board.

            “Nursing is a really noble and heartwarming profession,” says Reyes. “If the only aim of taking up nursing is for financial security, then they might as well give up his hope for nursing is not profitable. Yet, if someone takes up nursing with the aim of serving the people, then congratulations!, he/she just found a very ideal degree program,” added Batomalaque.

Jacob Reyes, top 6

            It is passion that makes these two individuals stand out among the rest. “Sincere Thank yous and warm smiles from the patients are priceless, it gives me a sense of purpose and happiness,” says Reyes as he recounts his student nurse days.

            Despite success, they are still willing to share a message to those who are currently enrolled in the course. “On duty days, just be there for your patients and you will feel the authentic joy of serving others”, says Reyes. “Don’t be taunted with the current situation for only those nurses who lack in passion and creativity are surely bound to fail,” added Batomalaque. 

            They do not fear unemployment for their passion and determination will get them far. What is there when one gives up? For Jacob and Lowell, they only know that giving up isn’t an option and that the Lord always answers prayers.

            Their four years in the academe was full-packed with lectures, discussions, hospital duties and of course exams. The board exam finalized their status as registered nurses. As some nurses would choose to go abroad, both would rather serve their people here. Truly, Lowell and Jacob are student models and nursing examples.

Published in the Sun.Star Newspaper last Sept. 5, 2011.