UCU tops in nursing board exam

Urdaneta City University celebrates a huge academic milestone after the College of Health Sciences produced a topnotcher in the July 2021 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination.

Out of 5,008 newly-registered nurses, Micah Junabel M. Ventanilla secured fourth place in the board examination with an 88. 40% final rating, tied with Francis Miguel C. Rosales of University of the East – Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center and Gregg Philip L. Palabrica of Ateneo De Davao University. In an online interview with the Committee on Publications and Communication Affairs, Ventanilla shared that she aimed to top the board examination.

“In my college days, many people expected that I could become one of the top notchers. That expectation was instilled in my mind and eventually, it became one of my goals in the board exam,” said Ventanilla. She also detailed that during her preparation, she weighed her time and did not stress out in studying.

“I balanced my review time with my rest periods. I did not overwork my mind. I also practiced in answering some past board examination questions because test taking strategies are very important in answering the board exam,” she quoted.

Upper bracket, higher stakes

Joining Ventanilla in her victory are the 48 new UCUian nurses who made the cut. According to the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the University garnered a 75% passing rate on its first takers that made a 70% institutional passing rate against the 64.65% national rating.

Before earning this achievement, Dr. Christopher R. Bañez, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, shared the challenges they encountered in their preparation while staying aware of the probable exposure of COVID-19.

“We modified certain policies and anchored it to the CHED COVID-19 Advisories 2020 in order to assist our students in the completion of the required Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) cases for the Nurse Licensure Examination,” he unfolded.

Aside from the constant communication with the reviewees that time of challenges, Bañez told that, “their mental and emotional readiness for the NLE were also evaluated, in partnership with our College Enhancement Program Coordinator and even conducted academic counselling in order to foster students’ preparedness in the board examination.”

According to Noel A. Lumanog, one of the board passers, shared his mindset in taking upsets during his preparation in the exam.

“Failures, mistakes, and wrong answers might tell something about the levels of intelligence but these can't define who we really are kasi life is all about the level of character; more importantly, to pass and get the victory, I realized na kailangan ko ring hubarin ang pressure of failing,” disclosed Lumanog.

For Noel, guidance from God is a key to pursue a dream.

“Whatever gaps you think are present, fill it with prayers. God permits me to still commit mistakes, to be a failure, because there I can find the greatest learning. Sobra kong pinaniwalaan ung sarili ko at nagwork hard ako. Sinunod ko iyong formula ni God for His children: Fail now, remain in Me, blessing follows.  At ngayon, registered nurse na ako,” he added.

On Duty

Dr. Bañez stressed that the new nurses will stand and be competent to face the challenges of the medical world.

“We hope that our new set of Registered Nurses are prepared enough by the College to be competent in facing the real world of nursing, especially this pandemic where our country needs them the most,” said Bañez.

He even more emphasized that professionalism, commitment and hard work are essential skills in dealing in this career.

As the newest frontliners in the society, Ventanilla foresees that their services are in need, especially in the time of COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I envision myself promoting wellness, treating the sick, alleviating their suffering, assisting any individual to achieve their optimum level of functioning and serving them with a compassionate heart,” said Ventanilla. 

When asked for her advice to aspiring nurses, “The journey to become a nurse is not easy. They need to overcome any obstacles that come in their way. They need to have the perseverance in anything they do. They need to have the knowledge, skills and attitude to take care of any individual. And most importantly, they need to have the passion to serve others,” she concluded.

The following are the names of newly-registered UCUian nurses:

Almoite, Janella Tambalo
Alvarado, Marivil Cauton
Basconcillo, Claudine May Balbin
Bautista, Maryann Manzano
Bronioza, Jenalyn Pudol
Caccam, Christine Amor Perez
Candelario, Lirio Malapit
Cariño, Raquel Marie Osorio
Castro, Vivian Agustin
Dacquel, Ava Videa Ramos
Dandin, Marjorie Bernardo
Dee, Philip Manzano
Dela Peña, Judena Tabajonda
Desamito, Jennifer De Vera
Domingo, Sheila Marie Canido
Duya, Jimerick Domingo
Elises, Alie Rose Mondala
Espiritu, Crisanta Campos
Esteron, Jo-Ann Gaspar
Fabro, Michaela
Leyson, Mark Chandler Basilio
Llavore, Ernesto Jr. Olan
Lopez, Jamaica Mae Panit
Lumanog, Noel Asuncion
Manantan, Faith Hannah Padilla
Meniano, Kevin John Gonzales
Miguel, Kazl-Ann Montoya
Miguel, Kimberly Ubaldo
Miguel, Marie Margret Melchor
Mingaracal, Hill Mina
Negranza, Allen Marquez
Olivar, Joyce Celine Manongsong
Oliveros, Jacqueline Ablang
Pacleb, Ma. Jonellie Colobong
Palma, Marlyn Lalimos
Pascua, Kathy Antolin
Pataray, Jaime Jr. Meek
Quinsay, Mary Ann Laparan
Ramirez, Jhemuel Pablo
Rapada, William Pablo
Rono, Novelyn Tambor
Rupisan, Ma. Amor Vida Andres
Sagun, Amelyn Sabalboro
Sarmiento, Regine Sevidal
Tabuga, Ariel Jimenez
Ventanilla, Micah Junabel Munar
Ventura, Krizelle Joy Abrogena
Villanueva, Judy Ann Datu
Yucor, Maria Vivien Nyre Fetalvero

Congratulations!