The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the much-awaited results of the recent Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE) held last November 12-13, 2022, at testing centers in the NCR, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legaspi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga on November 30, 2022. 

Of the 24,903 board takers, a total of 18,529 passed the November 2022 PNLE. This accounts to the 74.40% national passing rate in the said board examination. Among the passers were a total of 37 Angelite nurses. Thirty-one (31) first-time takers from Class Lualu, the SNAMS BSN Batch of 2022, now have the most-coveted “RN” title. Six (6) repeaters, also from the HAU-SNAMS, made it to the list of passers in the recently conducted board exam. With that, the HAU-SNAMS recorded a total of 97.37% passing rate, a figure way above the national passing rate. 

In an interview with Gabriel M. Togonon, a Magna cum laude from Class Lualu and one of the board passers in the recent PNLE, he recounts the tough journey he had in getting his well-deserved RN title. He said that he almost gave up on becoming an RN but with the support of the people around him and his determination and hard work, he was able to become the person he is now. He further shared, “It feels fulfilling and great that I have this title already. My parents, especially my mom was so proud and we both cried because we’ve been through a lot together. Finally, may nurse na ang nanay at tatay ko.” He also left a message for the younger batches of student nurses as he said, “to our future Angelite RNs, we are the future of our healthcare system. With the current reality in our society where gender discrimination in healthcare, corruption, malpractice, and bare minimum wages among nurses, we are the light bearers that brings hope in pursuit to change these existing realities. Keep the fire burning as Nightingales and Phoenixes. In the near future, we’ll be waiting for your arrival, our babies! Remember that your Ate’s and Kuya’s are always here throughout your journey. We are with you, luvs! LabaRN!”. Lastly, he wishes to share his most recent success with his family, “besties”, professors, especially Sir Noriel, Dean Precious, Ma’am Mel, batchmates and with God for giving him strength and inspiration to push through on the journey he has been in. 

Jana Mikaella O. Nuñez, the Lifeline’s former editor-in-chief and another board passer also shared her sentiments and feelings in her recent success. “Like I said on a post that I shared on my Facebook timeline, Christmas came earlier this year, but it was really overwhelming for me at the same time since it comes with grief, especially that yesterday I just received the news that my great grandmother already died. She was one of the few people who took care of me when my mom was still working and she just turned 100 years old last November 9 which was days before the actual board exam. It was a lot to process especially because I wanted and hoped to share this success with her but now, she's already gone. I may not have my great grandmother with me anymore but I dedicate this success to her”, Nuñez shared. Like Togonon, the former EIC recalls the challenges she has faced especially belonging in the batch pioneering the K-12 curriculum. She also gave some encouraging words to her juniors who aspire to become RNs in the future. She advised, “You'll get lost a lot, you'll cry a lot, you'll even think of giving up, and questioning yourself, but always remind yourself that during those times when you feel already defeated, you've come this far, and you did not just come this far for nothing. For sure, you have your purpose.” She ends by giving special thanks to her SNAMS family, parents and friends for being with her on her very important journey.