Oath Taking: Full Pledged Registered Nurse

There were 16,908 board passers who took the Nursing Board Exams last December 2012. About 34.46% survived the nerve-wrecking NLE. Regularly, those who pass the board will move on to their oath taking ceremony to formalize and receive their licenses then practice their profession.

Nurses have full of responsibilities and most of these are life threatening and life-matters therefore, we as new nurses shall pledge that we must do our best to do these tasks with the best way that we can.

We had our oath taking ceremony at San Beda Church. The Oath taking Ceremony was organized by the PNA (Philippine Nurses Association) and it encompasses Pledge to Profession and Pledge as a member of the said organization, the program also entails us to meet our new superiors; the Board of Nursing as they gave us a warm welcome and an inspirational speech as well.

Yesterday (February 11, 2013) could be considered as one of the most memorable days of a nurse's life. And it was indeed a very special occasion for all of us who have managed to battle the odds and survive the battlefield with our coat of armor still intact. Though the war still rages on, with the unemployment rate of registered nurses skyrocketing to record breaking figures, it's nice to leave all the drama and chaos even for just a while and marvel in the fact that, heeeyyyy, we now have the right and the privilege to put those nice two little letters R.N. after our names. Woot! Woot! :))) It was nice to see us wearing our gala uniforms (thank God mine still fit) again.

We first celebrated the Thanksgiving Mass before the oath taking proper.

Board of Nursing member Hon. Leonila A. Faire preside the ceremony. Before the actual pledge, she first imparted a message saying that after we take our oath, there would be no turning back. She added that most of us have different reasons and motivations in taking up nursing but it was not a coincident why we were where we were. According to her, out of the 49,066 who applied for the test, and out of that number, 16,908 passed. Who knows how many would practice nursing but with or without jobs, a nurse would always be a nurse. She shared her insights and extends her congratulate to all the NEW REGISTERED NURSES. She is such an inspiring woman who has all the -guts to share her knowledge and wisdom to everybody. She also got some striking points she shared that made me listen to her attentively. “Struggling towards nursing excellence” this phrase has given me few thoughts of “Oo nga no..?! Struggle in nursing…” But I learned that from all the struggle – people personalities, faculty staffs, lectures, examinations and duty – it helped to know that I can survive from all those and by the grace of God – I am a survivor of BSN!

Board of Nursing, Honorable Leonila A. Faire

Me and Zackie = Happy kids! :D

with Jewel and Carla

I would also like to share the part where Hon. Faire permitted us (New RN’s) to give round of applause to our parents. I believe that my parents are very proud of me too. I would also like to take this chance to praise and honor my beloved parents who never stopped pursuing me even to the most down moments even my last resort is “to quit” being a nurse. I believe they take their time just to pray for me, most especially the board exam. I am not a quitter that is why I never stopped desiring. Moreover, God has plans too. God is just so great that He made me feel that I have decided what are right and I thank God for the wisdom that He has given me.

With my loving mommy and daddy :)

Bona fide CHSian Nurses unite once again for probably the last time *sniff* as these newly registered nurses take part in a once in a lifetime ceremony with various colleges and universities, their respective Deans and the Board of Nursing (BON) themselves in attendance.

It’s really nice experiencing the every step of becoming a professional, but we must bear in mind that in each step there’s a corresponding realization of the saddled responsibilities. We are not here just to work and earn but to serve and care.

Right now, we already pledged and spoken our vows thus the responsibilities is now put up with, and from then on we should practice professionalism through the things taught to us in school and being open too for the remaining facts in our future field.

Professionalism in a way what the nurse do, Professionalism by the things we give care without asking anything in return, Professionalism in a way of empathizing our patients concern, Professionalism by simply being a RN = Real NURSE = Nourishment, Understanding, Respect, Stewardship, Exciting :)

Yeyyy!! The NEWLY REGISTERED NURSES

Nonetheless, I still feel that this was just only a dream and the hangover of passing the NLE where I jolted in surprise & couldn’t stop my tears running on my cheeks as I saw my name in the list of NLE passers. I couldn’t believe myself I belong to these survivors and now here I am – a full-pledge Philippine Registered Nurse. I believe this is all because of God's grace. God is good. All the time.

Yes, this is it! I made it! This is not yet the end of my journey. But this just the beginning.

Only the formal registration at PRC and I’m good to go. I guess there really is no turning back.

Something to be proud of

I had attacks of involuntary insomnia and restlessness before the results of the December 2012 Nursing Licensure Exam was released. My friends and I woud always talk over the date it would be out. Truthfully, we never really succeeded with our predictions. The results were out last January 30, 2012 (Wednesday); it was at around three o' clock in the afternoon. I didn’t really anticipate that the results will be posted early than the expected released on the mid-week of February.

I was at the mall that time, killing time while drinking my large wintermelon milk tea, having no idea that the result is already posted online. When I check my phone, I have five messages from my friends telling me that the result has been posted. Funny thing I have no load to reply but I’m stuck in my chair with my heart beating too fast and shaking knees. Gaaaahhh!!! I held my phone and waited for some trusted people to inform me coz’ damn it, I wasn't really brave enough to check my name for myself! I was awaken by the incessant ringing of my phone. One of closest friend whom I called “kambal” is calling me…As I’m trying to compose myself, I just answered the call. Guess what?? She gave with the news that I had passed the Licensure Exam for nurses and congratulated me for passing the board exam! I PASSSSED!!! I screamed with pure joy and absolute disbelief. I was like telling her, “Seriously?? Are you sure??” I’m so in denial, I also ask her to send me print screen evidence that my name is on the list. Haha :)) As soon as I hung up, I go home and while I’m in the FX there is an unexplainable happiness running in my nerves. Up to this single second, I still can't absorb that my name will be added by two-letters R.N!!! Immediately, when I got home I checked my Twitter and Facebook accounts which were all loaded with notifications.

When I confirmed that my name is on the list of passers, I quickly told my mom and dad, "Mommy, Daddy RN na ako!!!!” They hug me and congratulate me that at last all my hard work and sacrifices results good. Oh God! TO GOD BE THE GLORY. I looked like crazy girl. I JUMPED. I CRIED. I SHOUTED. I SMILED. People of the Philippines, I'm RN naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! HAHAHA that was the only time it sank in.

As luck (or fate) would have it. I passed the Local Nursing Licensure Exam. 16,908 out of 49,066 passed the December 2012 Licensure Examination with a national passing rate of 34%. And behold, that 34% of happy happy passers included ME.

I was passer #13540. Yay! :)

My celebration didn't stop there, thankfully. People around me sort of expected that I would pass, of course, some are not and when I did, well, let's just say the congratulations and applause were a bit lacking in the excitement area. Anyways, although it seemed to me that I was the one up in the clouds about it all I relished my achievement. What's next is this newly registered nurses fight and flight through the jungles of the health care system.

I also want to say my SUPER BIG THANK YOU to all those people – friends and family, [you know who you are] who pray for me, stay by my side, for making me strong and for words of encouragement. :’) VIRTUAL HUG for you guys!! >:D< I appreciate all the congratulation greetings I received from tweets, texts and wall post. FLYING KISS to all of you!! :)) :*

I PASSED THE BOARD EXAM!! Wooooohoooo!! Sooo happy and smiling!! :) Thank you Lord God for all the help, guidance and blessings. :D ALL PRAISES TO GOD THE ALMIGHTY! :''>

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Merry Christmas, One and all!

This Christmas has been so wonderful. As well as a delightful combination of busy and laid back. For me, December is always synonymous with Christmas. The holidays, the rush of excitement that comes from finding the perfect gift. How cozy I feel when I bundle up in my jacket, long sleeves, scarf and cardigans for the cold December breeze. :) Christmas is my favorite holiday, anyway. And Christmas time is my favorite time of year, too. 

Hey everybody! MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you out there!! Remember it is the season to be jolly Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la so forget all your problems and just have fun! :D If you are on a diet, forget it and just keep eating! Continue your diet next year! Enjoy all the foods that is being served on parties. If you wanna buy something, then buy it! Don't worry about the money for now. Just go buy stuff and gifts and be broke later. :P

If you are sad this Christmas because you are heartbroken or something, but I hope you're not! Listen to happy Christmas songs, add them in your playlist, so you could not get all lonely and then go spend time with your friends, special one and family. Go out with them if you want. They will always be by your side. It was quite a fun day. Especially considering it happened after a day spent running all over creation to do Christmas shopping. 

Hey, it's ME! Greeting all of you a
MERRY CHRISTMAS!! ^-^

I am sooo grateful for everything! God knows exactly how I'm feeling blessed every single time as I myself couldn't measure and describe through words. My family, friends and all the people who stand by me, who have been faithful and true to me, ALL OF YOU COMPLETE ME!! :') I wish that you all be showered with love, wisdom, and prosperity this season! :))

But there it is, anyway. Proof that despite the fact that I'm still rushing around to bring Christmas together, I do indeed have Christmas spirit, cheer and goodwill. It is the time of the year to be happy and give gifts to the ones you love. So MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!! Be happy and smile!! :)) Let's remember the reason for this season. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA JESUS!! <3 May the blessings keep coming to us all. So let's all be happy this holiday season and just enjoy being with the ones we love. 

PASKUHAN 2012

If it's Christmas in UST, I guess we are pertaining to Paskuhan alone. The annual UST PASKUHAN happened last friday December 21, 2012. UST is filled with people from different universities and parts of Metro Manila. All gathered in one place to celebrate Christmas the Thomasian Way! Paskuhan is one of the best event UST has to offer. It is well-proven to be one of the most awaited events of the students. This is the most awaited time of the year for UST students or not. Everyone gets excited to see the extravagant Christmas lights in the campus. :))

Paskuhan is one of the best events in the whole University Belt. Thousands of students are swarming over the campus. There could be an average of 15,000 to 20,000 people every year celebrating with UST. Other students from other schools are going too. There are tons of popular bands, singers and artists invited there to perform and give testimonials. There are various booths around the campus too with lots of goodies there. The FIREWORKS display. It is more like minutes of non-stop action up in the air. You really see grand fireworks display courtesy of UST.

When we arrived at UST, I was like, WTF! The line's soo loong!!! But then we had no choice but to line up. Then, when we were close to the entrance, the guards separated the females from males. Again, I was like O.o because we have to line up again! This means we'll be at the end of the line again!! But I think luck's on my side. Hihihi So after 3 or 5 minutes, we were able to get inside UST. There were soooo maaaaany people. This was already expected!! It was hot, crowded, no signal, and again, too many people. I had pasta, pizza and chicken for dinner. Thanks to Shakey's, one good thing that happened that night. With a massive crowd like this in one location, we have come in terms with the fact that network signals are seriously jammed. It's so hard to send and receive SMS nor do or receive calls.

The second good thing was I spent it with my college barkada! And last good or I mean the best thing.....none other than the FIREWORKS!!! UST fireworks are surely zeee best!! Seriously, I was like aww-ing and wow-ing. The most awaited attraction here are the bands and fireworks wherein students joke around and say that "Hey! There goes my tuition." Haha

L-R: Me, Bern, Jen and Ivern

L-R: Michael, Gaena and Me

With Gaena and Ivern

With Michael and Bern

Can I just say that UST did a good job in pranking us all? Like, seriously. Great, job guys! If you're not there, what happened was they kind of let us count to 1 and then some crappy fireworks display happened. And there's no sound so whatever and everyone was like asking for the sound and stuff and it ended quickly. Well, it's actually not that crappy but it was far from the usual UST fireworks display. So whatever!

And then we kind of faced in the front again. And the hosts announced something like, "The real Fireworks display!" The fireworks were beautiful, eye catching and most of all its colorful. The night sky was filled by beautiful lights of the fireworks. It was long and that's why my back neck was aching but it's worth it. Although it's not the greatest fireworks that UST has but that thing surprises me and I said "WOW!" because the combination of lights brings happiness to its viewers. The fireworks display took more than 5 minutes and whew the back neck ache is worth it. :) and these pictures happened.

The FIREWORKS DISPLAY!! Grab pic from my friend.

Some attend Paskuhan for them to watch the hottest bands as well as the fireworks. But for me, it's really the bonding that what makes me want to attend these kinds of events in UST. It's because I have the AWESOMEST FRIENDS in the world! They're the craziest, supportive and loving friends I have! Even, if we have our own problems, once we get to bond with each other, all our apprehensions are gone! We never ran out of stories to talk about. That's what I love about them. We have our OWN WORLD! AND OUR OWN WORLD ROCKS!

With my girl friends. L-R: Bern, Me, Gaena, Sha, Ivern & Jen

Of course that is the time that all of my friends to do some picture picture. My friends loves to camwhore and while where at some kind of event like this, flashes of camera are turning on and off. Even though the others are doing something, they will run to where the designated spot where we will pose. You know it's like we were destined to be friends because we love to take pictures! Haha! Corny, I say. :p

Pose! Pose! with Sha and Bern :)

Cam-whoring with Jen, Michael and Ivern 

After celebrating the Paskuhan, me and my bestie Sha, stay at Starbucks near UST in P. Noval street to spend the entire night! It was a long walk because we are first timers there so we don't know the exact location. Thanks to the security guards and the people we asked around the place! Some of our friends go first they still have things to do. So two of us had our GIRLS NIGHT OUT! Hahaha Funny!! it's only at Starbucks just to wait for the simbang gabi at UST and wait for sunrise and go home. I settled for a toffee nut frappe, and sit on a cozy portion of the store. We had soo much fun. I got home around 8am, nooo sleep yet and I still have to go to my granny's burial at 11am that day. Phew! It was really exhausting but it was worth it.

Back to the event, UST Paskuhan was really fantastic! Not because it is a gathering of friends, you know, some kind of feeling that you don't explain and that feeling brings total happiness. That is wicked awesome!! It was really tiring but it was a blast! I miss them so much! I'm looking forward for another trip with you guys! For now, 'tis the season to be jolly!! Happy Holidays!! :D

So what do you say? I guarantee you will never ever regret attending such an event like this. Being a part of this event, I'll say its worth to come in this event. I really had fun! Until, the next Paskuhan 2013! :))