Recent Nursing Board Exam toppers share tips and how they prepared for the big event.

What steps have you taken before the board exam that eventually led you to be one of the top?

Deo:
To start with, I was not expecting that I'd be included in the top 10. Being serious with what you are doing, having the faith that you can do it, and doing it with the right people, plus faith in God are the things that brought me to this.

Patricia:
Preparing for the board exam did not just occur during the two months after graduation. I tried to learn and ingrain all the lessons and experiences that I had as a student for the past four years. Our final year in Nursing also helped, as we tackled a lot on review and were made to answer numerous 100-item tests to prepare us for the strain that we would feel on the actual board exam.

Before graduating, when you’re still on your last few months, weeks, or days as a student have you started reviewing for the board exam?

Patricia:
There wasn't a lot of time for serious individual review as we did have other commitments and requirements. However, our College offered review classes which allowed us to review previous lessons.

Deo:
In our senior year, the college has its own review program to prepare students for the board examinations. I took the review sessions seriously and this helped me a lot.

How many hours usually in a day did you study or review?

Deo:
For the review, we usually spend 8 hours, that's from 8am to 5pm. It's very rare that I read my review notes in the evening, what I do is I relax and I try to get a good night sleep. For me, I think it does not help much if you force yourself to study when you know you're tired already.

Patricia:
I enrolled in a review center that started its program right after graduation. We had classes that start as early as 8am and would end depending on the lecturer, normally at 5pm, and sometimes even until 7pm. We had tests after. The classes were held from Mondays to Sundays.

Have you really aimed to be one of the top?

Patricia:
Everybody hopes and aims to top the board exam. It's normal to have a goal to help you get motivated. If I didn't top, the next goal would have been to get a passing rate above 80%. I feel very blessed to have achieved both.

Deo:
I did aim for that. Especially during the days when you feel that you are doing your best in the reviews. So, I was really VERY happy to be a part of the top 10.

During the review, you must have experienced some difficult times. How did you maintain a positive attitude?

Deo:
Yes, you can't skip difficult times. However, I did have my friends with me. I think that in some ways they help reduce all anxieties and burdens.

Patricia:
It was difficult to maintain a positive attitude. I believed prayer helped me the most. It was just a wonderful release for all my worries.

What are some of the ways or some techniques that you can share for future board takers?

Patricia:
During the board exam, have an allotted time for each question. If you probably need a longer period for one and can’t seem to understand what is being asked, it would most likely be better to skip it and get back to it later.

Also, don’t discuss answers during the break it will just make you anxious and start the next set with worries. Each set needs equal attention so set your sights in doing your best for each one.

Don't limit yourself to the materials given in review centers or classes. Make a schedule for your own individual review that you can follow through and write your goals. It will keep you motivated and show your progress throughout your review. Be competitive and inquisitive.

Don't be complacent with your assessment tests and think they are just for practice. Answer them as best and as honestly as you can. Compete academically with your review mates and always aim to top. Everybody has a chance and that includes you.

Deo:
Take school seriously, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN to what your teachers or lecturers will tell you. then also take down NOTES. Also, have the time to relax, chill out sometimes, bond with family, with friends. and NEVER should you forget to ask HIM for His grace and blessing. God bless CDU-CN graduates!

 

Patricia Teodoro Pintact
4th Placer
July 2011 Nursing Board Exam

Deo Robert Bodiongan Castro
10th Placer
July 2011 Nursing Board Exam

 

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*Answers have been edited for brevity.