Sentiments of an only child

In my entire life I am dependent to my parents, I let them decide on my own, do whatever they say and follow them, I’m an subservient son and that’s how my parents sharpen me up as a person- to be obedient and respectful individual. I’m 20 years old by now and yet I’m still grounded by rules. I love my parents both father and mother, we actually have that close family ties thing, yeah! You read it right! Regardless of the fact that my father is a mile away from us and we seldom meet, the last time he went home is year 2006, so it’s almost six years since we met in particular. Hence, I’m very much close to my mom. I personally extol my parents for being compassionate to my endeavors and aspirations, I once remember my mom who became my personal assistant, road manager and manager in the play I joined before, she also showers me tons of fighting spirit every time I have singing contest. From then on, I could say I relied much my life to her. And now, I’m on my Young Adulthood stage, I want to be independent. I want to explore things and decide on my own. I’m no longer their bunso who always cry before, I am full-grown now, old enough to face the world and dwell its ambiguity. I already graduated from college and passed the nursing board exam but still, I am curbed by rules and regulations. One of it is my 10pm curfew (I can’t recite all, I’m sorry). Most of the time, I have to lie to my parents just to allow me to go home very late, its boorish I know, and I shouldn’t do that. Moreover, I understand the reason why they’re so over protective, it’s because I’m their only son, but I don’t get the idea that they have to decide on my own and be in command of my life. I felt like I’m a toy or a twig flowing in the river, I feel futile. And now, my prevalent predicament is how will I surmount this circumstances without hurting my parents, it would be easier said than done for me and to them as well. I’m yearning for the freedom and independency that I want to reach, I want to come to a decision on my own and learn from my mistakes, I want to grow as a person but how?? That is the HARDEST QUESTION I can’t answer until now. Furthermore, the answer to this dilemma of mine is still vague.

Nurses’ board rating scuffle

When I’m in nursing school, my parents are the focal reason why I push myself to excel in school, I once imagine myself as a NLE Board Topnotcher walking in the aisle, and crowd are proudly clapping as I come up on stage to receive my recognition. But that dream of mine didn’t happen, I passed the board exam but not as dramatic as what I thought. After receiving our Board ratings, friends start to compare their board grades to others. And now one question popped out in my mind, does board rating really matters? Is it just or fair if the board rating will be the basis in hiring new staff nurses in different hospitals in the country? Is it fair also if NLE will quantify a nurse’s potential and competence? Way back in college I always exert my 101% effort, I also confined myself in some of the pages in my nursing books reading them from cover to cover. I thought it would be enough or a great way for me to be on TOP, I didn’t graduate with honors but I’m proudly to say that I was able to top our exams in our review center where I enrolled after graduation. Let’s talk about my board rating I got a grade which is far from the top 10 posts. At least, I passed. Actually, I’m disappointed to myself because I didn’t nailed NP4 and NP5 those two subjects pulled my average down, but after that I moved on. I realized that it is not the true measure of my skills as a nurse, and as a human being as well. Just so you know, I’m one of those UNEMPLOYED NURSES, just like other board topnotchers and cumlaudes out there. Now you judge, what’s your point of view? Does NLE rating really matters? In my opinion, NO! I think there’s misconception about having a high board rating compared to those who didn’t. This misconception is built since our parents enrolled us to preparatory school from then on we thought that those top students in the class will be given more favor from teachers, they we’re given too much exposure in school co-curricular activities, because teachers has a immense expectation on them without seeing those talents hidden among those who are not on top. (I’m not against the teachers, it’s just I was developed in this kind of fallacy). On that note, I think it is not proper to estimate a person and rank them who are the best and not. On these hard years; character, skills and capabilities weighs more than board ratings. On the flip side, I have a friend who is a staff nurse in a tertiary hospital here in Laguna with a passing rate of 75% flat. But still, she excels in her field and she was once awarded as an employee of the month. So, on this matter, I could wrap up that board rating will not verify the success of a nurse; it’s how a nurse deal and persevere regardless of the misfortune in employment. I believe after reading half of this post you will judge me. But don’t get me wrong, I’m not bitter or what. I just want others to grasp the realism. Nursing is not about being theoretically wise. Its description is further than that. The embodiment of the Nursing Profession is CARE and COMPASSION, once you have these two qualities you can nurse and help other people. These imperative qualities will surely help you to be successful in your “calling”. So be ready, life has many things to offer.

Terrific vacay in Subic.

This July 2012, a week after our Nursing Licensure Exam my friends and I went to the striking island of Subic. Personally enjoyed the view and the scenery the place is just perfect, perfect to visit. We haven’t had the chance to check out some of the hotels in Subic but I’m sure it is one of a kind I mean it is something to look for- just like Subic itself. So what my friends and I did is we slept in the Kubos or nipa hut instead, which somehow is different and way better than staying in 5 star hotels.

These are the Nipa Huts where we slept.

Our first day in the island, our bags are ready-so are we!

Sailing to the other island, (i named it Jessant Island) haha! :)

I had fun chilling out with my friends all day-all night, with bottles of wine and sodas scattered on the white, soft and beautiful sands of the sea. We sang like it’s our last music piece in the karaoke, we dance like real dancers, and everyone is supah crazy that night. On the next day, we went to the other island where in we can see closely the coral reefs and the beauty of the deep sea; actually it took an hour of sailing from one island (where we stayed) to another. Nevertheless, I enjoyed everything, thought I was shuddering as we sailed back and forth. Moreover, some of my friends enjoyed picking up shells on the sea shore while for us we enjoyed the waves of the water. The sea water is just fresh as mineral water, and as the waves hit our bodies it’s like a massage which is indeed calming.

Last day in the island

Look how dark i am. hahah! :) I think i need gluta shots!! hahah

inside the kubo, we are playing cards that time.

Presenting my roomates :))

Banner we saw as we go to the island :)

heres the cuutiee patooottieee snails. :)

Getting ready to go home. Nonetheless, we had the best subic and friend bonding! :) Next stop, BORACAY!

Success of a 20 year-old Nurse

After the long years of preparation, months of chaotic and demanding school schedule, weekly school programs and everyday class quizzes. Who ever thought that a emblematic student like me before is now a REGISTERED NURSE? Frankly speaking I'm still on a state of surprise. It feels like I am dreaming.

Now I remember those nerve-racking days way back college days, where in there's a point in my life that I want to step back a little bit and be a slothful ass just like others. But there's one thing that stopped me from getting into that situation, and I call them my “GOALS”. My goals serve as the fire that will bring light to my life and its heat as my guide to success. 

Well I guess my aspirations and devotion brought me to the walls closer to success. Yes! You read it right- Walls. Our goals are like walls, it’s up to you how will you face it and deal with it. You know what I did when I face my first wall? It’s simple, I used the strongest rope to reach its top and go cross above it.

On the flip side, I really can’t put across how happy I am right now; the feeling is times two of happiness just like winning a Million Dollars in the lottery. It’s a lifetime achievement for me and no one can take that attainment from me. I gave all my blood and sweats for that and nagsunog ako ng kilay para doon. This contentment I am feeling right now was just the expansion of the gladness that my parents and relatives felt.

Now my voyage as a nurse is just starting, the 2 letter R and N signifies dignity and responsibility; it is a calling that I need to be more caring and hard working. I guess, it’s time for me to open my mind and lengthen my caring hands to others. I will serve, and will render my service to my Filipino brothers and sisters.  And at this point of time, I’ll carry these 2 letters (RN) with me with pride, just, dignity and compassion as I help others and continue achieving my dreams.