Congratulations To Failed Examinees in May 2014 Nursing Board Exam

By Alon Calinao Dy: I don't understand why we always congratulate those successful candidates in May 2014 Nursing Board Exam more than those who failed the test but try their very best to secure a passing mark in Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE). Why? I just don't get it. Those unsuccessful examinees deserve to be applauded and should not be left behind, as if nothing had happened. They need positive environment or people around them to motivate them to work harder than what they did at the start.

I think we need to change this notion that has long been deeply implanted in our culture. Isn't it that most nursing schools in the Philippines are teaching us on how to be able to recognize the emotions of other people or what we called empathy? Why don't we just apply this important value in our nursing profession? Why don't we see the pain of those failed examinees? Why we feel emotionally numb for them? Why?

Let's admit, some Filipinos have discriminatory behaviours towards others. We only appreciate the efforts of those passers whom we believe to have a brighter future than others. It is not fair to say that it is the only way to figure out one's knowledge in nursing. It is not also the only measure of success in life. In fact, I know some of my colleagues who did not make it on their first take, but in real life situations, I should say they are very successful in their nursing careers.

So the point here is, all of us don't know what will happen in the future. I heard some nurses say that it is actually hard to find a decent nursing job than taking the NLE. As a matter of fact, others totally give up their nursing professions and take a different route of work just to make a living. I do understand other people's conditions because they have families to feed, and life here in the Philippines is very difficult. 

What I am saying is that we must be supportive and respectful to our fellow nurses who are in the state of depression right now. It would be helpful if we always include them in our prayers, so that they may be able to make it good and be ready next time around. I believe 
everyone has a chance to be victorious in this battle, just don't give up your dreams!

For those New Registered Nurses this year, congratulations for making it through the thick and thin from your studies way up to the nursing board exam.I hope you will serve as role models to the future Filipino nurses in the coming years. It is just the beginning for everything. I hope you will stay humble for the rest of your lives and take good care every patient that you are going to handle in any hospital settings no matter who they are, and always remember the Tender Loving Care (TLC) you have learned in your classrooms.  Don't forget to apply it in the real world.

Congratulations to everyone who took this May 2014 Nursing Board Exam!

--Alon Calinao Dy