PEAK: Fostering a culture of family-approach review excellence

If you want to have what you have never had, then you must do what you have never done” - Aileene B. Ajeas, R.N. (10th Placer December 2012 NLE; Cum Laude, Father Saturnino Urios University)

WHAT does it take to top the Nurse Licensure Exam (NLE)? Does diligent studying alone guarantees to make one conquer the feat? How does culture help in the process of positive thinking?

These are just among the lengthy lists of concerns among curious readers, would-be takers and even nurses themselves.

Recently, the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) released the December 2012 NLE. The PRC declares that only 16,908 out of 40,066 takers passed the exam.

Among those who performed commendably during the NLE were Peak Excellence Training Academy reviewees Margeaux A. Samonte (3rd Place), a graduate of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan; Ysabel Marie B. Zubiri (8th Place), a graduate of Xavier University (XU); Dulcenia G. Soloveres (9th Place) also from XU; Aileene D. Ajeas (10th Place), a Cum Laude graduate from FSUU; and Kenneth B. Logronio (10th Place) from XU.

Let us come to know these new nurses who performed remarkably.

Q: What was your initial reaction upon learning the news?

Ysabel: “I was in disbelief. Looking back the night after the first day of the exam, I could not help but breakdown in tears because the second part of the test was really difficult. The news was then confirmed by a friend who also informed me I placed eighth among the top 10.”

Dulce: “At first, I thought it was a hoax or a mistake. It was then confirmed after a phone call from a close friend.”

Ken: “It was unexpected. We had been conditioned before that the result would be out on the second week of February; not the last week of January.”

Q: Did you observe any ritual before or after the exam?

Ysabel: “Actually, I did not follow the stereotype of a reviewee. I had no fixed schedule of studying. Also, I am not a believer of superstitions but during the days of the licensure exam, I did follow the practice of not looking back to your bedroom the moment you leave so that I will not flunk.”

Dulce: “I was actually submissive to the review instructions. My only ‘superstitious’ practice was that of wearing a red undergarment. I, too, am not a believer, but during the exam, I could not help but adhere to superstition.”

Ken: “For about a month prior to the exam, I had been visiting the XU Chapel to pray. I guess my superstitious practices that time were that of kicking the chair I used after the exam; breaking the pencil I had used; and then forbidding others to touch my head so that I do not lose what I’ve studied during the exam days.”

Q: Why review at Peak?

Ysabel: “By word-of-mouth, a dear friend who reviewed ahead of me recommended Peak which has the reputation of having a supportive staff and the motherly approach of its review director, Ms. Marivic Yamit- Tabasan. I am touched by her gestures of sending us videos of encouragement despite of her being based in New York.”

Dulce: “The ‘Family Approach’ of Peak is overwhelming.”

Ken: “The positive feedbacks and the long history of producing a good number of NLE board placers.”

Q: What are your recommendations for aspiring NLE board placers?

Ysabel: “The aspiration to top or pass has to come from within and it takes a lot of hard work. I advice aspirants not to compare themselves to others. Lastly, learn to listen to your body; know when you are most conducive to study and process those bits of information you learned in nursing.”

Dulce: “Set your goal first to determine your direction. Believe in yourself although many will doubt you and then embrace your strengths and weaknesses.”

Ken: “Study, eat nutritious food and pray. There is no room for dieting during review and reward yourself after accomplishing your review tasks for the week.”

Meanwhile, in the emailed responses of Ms. Samonte and Ms. Ajeas, both unanimously express their gratitude to Mr. Randel Dalauta and Mr. Paul Delfin Jamero, their mentors at FSUU, and to Ms. Yamit-Tabasan for amplifying their confidence and igniting their inspirations to excel in the NLE.

As a reward to the hard-earned laurels, Ms. Yamit-Tabasan said the board placers of Peak Excellence Training Academy will enjoy a full refund of their tuition fee.

Furthermore, Ms. Samonte will be given a free three-day all expenses paid trip to Hong Kong for making it to the top five spot.

Although the nursing profession in the Philippines and overseas has been experiencing some setbacks in terms of employment, majority of nursing graduates and recent NLE passers maintain high hopes and optimism.

As a matter of fact, Peak’s board placers of the December 2012 NLE were in consensus in their responses that all these freeze-hire issues both in the locality and abroad that plague the nursing profession will come to an end during my recent interview with them.

For Ms. Zubiri: “Taking the NLE is a test of faith; not just of learning.”

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