About my college education: They taught me to be passionately committed to producing truly world class results in any job. I learned to follow the C.A.R.E. principle when I do my job:
C- Being COMMITTED to the job and the company.
A- Being ALERT AND AWARE of all your surroundings
R- RESPONSIVENESS to the changes around you and RESPECTFUL to those around me
E- I will EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS while doing my job.

The overall experience was worth it. It was fun learning and I became smarter and wiser.

My current job: I am a system specialist and a writer

Am I using what I learned in college: I am a licensed nurse and even though I did not work as a nurse on the hospital I can still use this for my family, friends and humanity as a whole. Nursing is a noble course. I reach out to them by health teachings and some nursing interventions like assisting to take medicines and health monitoring as per doctor's order.

How long did it take to find a job: One month only

Do I recommend studying Nursing: Of course! I exactly know the economic crises that have gone through the course nursing nowadays. But never will I discourage people. It is good to be aware on their health and learning the deeper and essence caring of health is very interesting. Salary wise, nursing in the Philippines have very low rates. Those rates that are not capable to support for big family but it is a fulfilling career!

About my college education: I have mixed opinion regarding may education, since fresh out of high school some things are totally new. I suggest pick the best school for you, might not have the best name. Must have a comfortable environment, easy accessibility, good faculty, food nearby, and choose right friends and establish your comfort zone. Always set your goal and always remember to have focus and have fun. Nursing required lots of focus, time management and good communication skills.

My current job: I've been a nurse for 2 years, and now pursuing post graduate course in the field of Medicine.

Am I using what I learned in college: You can use everything you learned from college, however there is much more to learn after graduation. The Nursing course required you to further educate yourself to the latest trends and practice. But definitely the college will provide you good foundation.

How long did it take to find a job: It took me a year to have a job after graduation, since i have to took the board exams and wait for the results.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: There is a lot of employment opportunities here and abroad. If you really like to be a nurse, it is indeed fulfilling. Locally, salary is on minimum however some hospitals are now offering bigger and more stable salaries. There are many options for career growth after graduation so its boundless, however since its medically related, you may pursue a career in medicine afterwards with benefits from what you learned from college..

Why did I choose Nursing: I like the course. Like any typical Filipino who dreams of having a good and sustainable life, that time I looked on the salary and employment aspect of nursing which after carefully analyzing the circumstances, gave me high hopes that made me decide to take the course. From then on I convinced myself that it was just a matter of time that this course will lead me to that good life I’ve been chasing after all these years.

About my college education: I learned the most important nursing skills. And the best part of my college life was the exposure I had along the way because of the training and working shifts. In nursing, exposure is almost like a weapon that can back you up once you graduate from college. It is a factor that can boost your skills and adaptability to different environments which are important for nurses to have.

Passing exams was really difficult but thankfully, during my time, nobody failed or repeated subjects because everyone was so dedicated in what they were doing.

Needless to say, you need to have a good and caring heart in order to succeed through this course. Without it, you can never really find this career in the future as something worthwhile and fulfilling. Nurses who possess a genuine caring heart are spared from “stress” as they see their patients as an inspiration. So if you possess this basic trait, you will definitely become an outstanding nurse in the future.

My current job: As of now I am into Sales and marketing.
I know this is a very different job far from nursing but somehow the "change of favorable tides" brought me to this job.

Am I using what I learned in college: The course also trained me how to deal with people which is a very practical thing to learn and apply even in my current job.

How long did it take to find a job: It took me 10 months.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: The salary level for professionals are very high when you are hired outside the country, you won’t have problems earning a sum of money for your needs, and even for your wants. With an even better experience, the career you can get outside is very enticing.

Nursing, for me is a fulfilling and interesting career for anyone. Usually it is a course seen as practical for employment purposes and always belongs to the category for high income.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: It is a pretty tough job that will require your body to be performing more than what it is capable of. So you need to put that extra effort. Never be complacent and always keep your presence of mind, regardless if you’re on a day or a night shift during your training. It will help you if you can find friends who can be a ball of energy with their cheerful and positive personality during grave shifts so you can loosen up some muscles. Nurses who succumb to stress don’t perform well so don’t be like them and instead always keep a snappy brain so you won’t also be putting the lives of others into further risk.

Why did I choose Nursing: I had many options of what course to take, I wanted to take Psychology, Information technology, Mass communication. I wanted to be a Doctor in medicine but that time nurses were in demand not just in Philippines but even oversees. It was a practical decision to choose B.S. In Nursing.

About my college education: We kept on studying, analyzing and memorizing all that there is to Human anatomy. Human life is very essential to people taking B.S. In Nursing. One of the reasons why most of our instructors were very strict is to express to us that we must be very serious on what we do since nurses handle human life.

My current job: I currently work with Smart Communications as Marketing assistant. I assist on everything our Marketing manager needs to do, mostly reports on sales and product promotions. My course clearly do not meet the requirements of my current job but I could say that my past experiences working with different call centers helped me a lot to cope with this kind of work.

Am I using what I learned in college: The difference from taking B.S. In nursing to other courses is that nursing mostly focuses on human anatomy. With this kind of course we were taught how to take very good care of people. We must always act professional, be responsible, and careful at all times.

How long did it take to find a job: I was applying for a position as nurse to clinics and hospitals, I waited and not even one called. It was really a hard time for me, there were too many nurses graduated that time that is why there were no vacancies. After a year my friend recommended me in a call center. After interviewing they decided to hire me as a call center agent.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: Being a nurse means having an opportunity to help others and help save lives. I would recommend B.S. In nursing for people who are really willing to help people, people with sickness and diseases.

About the salary it might range from P8,300 – P10,000/month, If you were to work in a hospital abroad you could earn P20,000/month or even higher depending on the exchange rate.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: For you to succeed in taking this course, One must be very patient, kind, lively, and could easily adjust to the needs of others. In terms of academics, the student should always be doing researches, reads a lot, memorizing terminologies, and always pays attention to who is instructing.

Why did I choose Nursing: I chose Nursing as my second course because of the eager desire to care for patients, as influenced by my experience when I took care of my dying father with cancer. I would want to believe that the idea of knowing the anatomy of my body, the functioning, and the pathophysiology as I feel unwell challenged me to enroll to Nursing and forget my first chosen field of profession.

About my college education: As a whole experience as a student nurse before, I've learned to become a caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled nurse.

What I like most is the Medical/Surgical Nursing because of it's in-depth knowledge of disease process and incorporated by hiw you can apply nursing care and nursing process. The most challenging, I would say, rather than saying difficult, is the Psychiatric Nursing. It is because of the time-pressure between related learning experience in an actual Mental Health Centre and the lecture everyday. It was such a mental torture but it was such a very commendable preparation in moulding us to become a well-rounded Nurses. This made me pass the qualifying exam with flying colours. Time management is something that I mastered while I'm taking up Nursing. I've learned how to prioritise things just like using Nursing process.

To succeed in this course, loads of reading and research needs to be done. That means, you have to be very resourceful in finding and looking for valid references.

My current job: I am a charge nurse in Interventional Radiology in the United Kingdom. I am assisting Radiology Consultants in Vascular procedures like Angioplasty, Fistuloplasty and Endovascular Aneurysm repair. We also assist some procedures like Ultrasound guided biopsy, drainage and aspiration. We also do procedures like PICC line and Tesio lines.

Am I using what I learned in college: Indeed, what I've learned in college is so helpful and practical in my current job.

How long did it take to find a job: I volunteered first while waiting for the result of the board exam. Right after the result is out, I signed a contract straight away.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: I definitely recommend to take up nursing to those who are physically, psychologically and financially prepared. I've earned less when I started but it paid off now. You just have to sacrifice first and enjoy after. I am traveling the world now and enjoying my career progression.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: The advice that I can give to those who wants to take up Nursing is to ask themselves first if they are caring and compassionate enough and if they are willing to serve others, as this is the essence of nursing. Consider as well your financial aspect and if you have the quality time to put into studying nursing.

Why did I choose Nursing: I believed nursing is a very marketable program worldwide.

About my college education: The training was very rigorous and tough. During my sophomore year, everyone was expected to pass the six major subjects, namely: Anatomy & Physiology (lecture and lab), Microbiology & Parasitology (lecture and lab), and Nursing 101 (lecture and lab) in order to qualify for the capping and pinning ceremony. It was the only nursing school that had clinical in the morning and nursing lectures later in the afternoon or evening. What a very exhausting experience.


My current job: I am a Charge Nurse at Cornell Medical Center in New York City. I also precept/instruct new nursing graduates employed on my floor as well as student nurses from New York University and College of Mt. St. Vincent.
I also work as an Opera Nurse at The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. I am the first Asian and Filipino RN employed in that prestigious institution.

Am I using what I learned in college: Definitely! I've developed critical thinking skills, ward management skills, managerial skills and bedside nursing skills as a science and art. That is why I am a valued professional RN at my workplace.

How long did it take to find a job: 1 year after passing the PRC, CGFNS and NCLEX-RN exams.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: I would recommend nursing IF:
You have the heart to care for people in their most desperate and lowest points in life.
You do not think of the monetary reward lest there'd be no longevity in your practice.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: You need to have discipline and common sense in order to survive in the program. Intelligence is also a must because you deal with a patient's life when you do your practice.

You have to be teachable and willing to learn, or else you will not become successful in your practice as a nurse.

Why did I choose Nursing: It is just my parents choice and it is the most in demand profession when I enter college.

About my college education: Being a nurse is not only about profession it's about your passion to care and your calling. I find it very interesting for you are dealing with human lives. We, I believe is being a hero in our own ways. Its not just about curing and attending the needs of someone who is sick or ill but holistic approach is the core that we are giving to every hands and lives that we are touching.

My current job: I'm a nursing assistant in one of the nursing home's in Singapore. I am in the geriatric ward and we usually help them in their daily living activities.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, I can say it's practical. Approaching patients holistically is one of the best things that I've learned and applying for every patients that I am encountering.

How long did it take to find a job: Right after graduation I started to go for a review in preparation for the board exam. After I passed the board in the same year I graduated I took some training to uplift my career. But as I go along, I decided to work as a call center agent for 2 years and after that I go back again in this path and luckily working for almost 2 years now.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: I believe nursing is everywhere. It is one of the professions where staffing is very much in demand. It is always that nursing career is in demand locally and internationally .In terms of salary, it depends with your training, hospital you work, and experience you gained.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: If you think this is the best career for you, pray and you have to put your best foot forward in aiming what you really want to achieve in this field.

Why did I choose Nursing: I was to study medicine. And after a thorough thinking, I chose Nursing as a pre-med course. It is a good pre-med course because it encompasses all the topics in medicine not just diagnosing and taking care of patient, but also various treatment to the diseases. It is a holistic approach in taking care of a patient.

About my college education: It is difficult to study and analyze medical diagnosis, terms, procedures pathophysiology. But it's fun to see how the body works. I enjoyed the return demonstrations.

My current job: I'm working as a cardiovascular intensive care unit nurse. I take care of critically ill patients. I also specializes in patient with cardiac problems. I handle post open heart surgeries. I have training for hemodialysis.

How long did it take to find a job: It didn't take me that long to be able to get a job because I went from a school with a training hospital. After graduation they hire the students that graduated from my college.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: To be honest better opportunities awaits for nurses abroad. They give fair benefits and compensation. They also treat nurses as f equal being with the doctors.

It is really not a career but a vocation. You work not just to earn money but to touch lives of other people, but to take care of them, help them be healthy, help them prolong their life and get over their illness, and at times assist them to have a peaceful death. It is really interesting to see how life came into form, how the body works and what it can do to you.

In terms of salary, it's not a high paying job unlike with those who work in the IT business, but it just enough and fair.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Focus on your studies because it will really help you when you are in the actual field.

About my college education: Studying in Nursing course is really interesting in the sense that it deals with caring people.
I could say that it is somewhat difficult because of the course requirements but the degree of difficulty is lighter when you like what you are doing.

Required skills for the course includes interpersonal skills and even logical skills. Hard work is also a key.

My current job: Private Nurse in Denmark

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, what we learned at school is what is really applied in the real world.
Although not all are learned in schools, still most of the works can be learned at school. I am using the applications of the theories I learned at school.

How long did it take to find a job: 6 months after passing the Licensure Exam

Do I recommend studying Nursing: Yes. I recommend this course.
You will have a fulfilling career if you strive hard.
Salaries are good if you work in other countries.

About my college education: Nursing wasn't really my first choice as a college course. It wasn't even in my list at all. My mom has pushed and encouraged me to do so because it was actually her dream to become one. Nevertheless, I eventually learned to love it during my four years of study.
This course requires not just the intellectual but also the inter and intrapersonal skills. You should also be equipped with diligence, patience and flexibility in order to cope with stress under pressure. But the most important of all, you should have tender, loving care or TLC because you will be dealing with the lives of the patients eventually.

My current job: I am an au pair.

Am I using what I learned in college: I would definitely say so. College experience gives as a bird's eyeview on what to expect in our chosen fields and prepares us on how to react, cope and handle things eventually as professionals. I can say that I am still applying all those things I've learned because those are actually important even in my everyday life.

How long did it take to find a job: Before working as an au pair, I first had an experience in a secondary hospital as a volunteer nurse for a year almost 2 months right after I took the December 2010 nursing board examination.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: In terms of fulfillment, yes definitely. There are no other courses much more fulfilling than nursing. To think that you are a part of someone else's health improvement and being able to help save lives undoubtedly bring sense of happiness and gratification.
The salary level is also good but working abroad is of course, better. On the other hand, employment opportunities now has crammed up because there is still flooding of both unemployed nurses and nursing students.

About my college education: Starting the education and training to become a nurse was really exciting. Having to learn from the basics of math, english and science up to the complicated concepts of nursing care and its fundamentals made my whole education a roller coaster ride. Aside from learning the theories, you also need the technical skills of nursing care like physical assessment, IV insertion, and a whole lot more. In order to become successful in this chosen field, you must have all the skills needed and the heart to learn. Yes, it's quite difficult but you will succeed.

My current job: I am currently working as a staff nurse at a government hospital.

Am I using what I learned in college: I would say yes. I've been using the skills I've learned way back college through our return demos on nursing skills like medication preparation and administration, therapeutic communication, bedside care and a whole lot more. I applied the skills of IV insertion, medicating, bedside care, CPR, traction, and many more to mention.

How long did it take to find a job: It took me almost a year to land a job after graduation, since you need to pass the licensure exam for nurses first before you can work. In order for me to become a staff nurse, I volunteered first for almost a year before I finally got absorbed in the institution.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: If you want an exciting course, I would recommend nursing. This is an interesting career, you will learn a lot. Always bear in mind that nursing deals with life of the sick. It's a great fulfillment to see people recover from their sickness.

In terms of employment, it's quite hard to get employed but if you have the determination you will succeed.
In terms of salary, it's varies from every hospital.

Why did I choose Nursing: I took it as my pre-med course.

About my college education: It was very difficult because you are introduced to a different language and to a totally different system. As time passes by I found it interesting challenging and stimulating intellectually and personally. The lessons I've learned were not only applicable to health science but to life in general.

My current job: I'm currently a medical student.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: In terms of salary level here in the Philippines it is not advisable for those who already have families. But this is a great opportunity for you to work abroad and to get better salary.

If your intention is to just earn money maybe you should try doing something else. Nursing was developed through love and compassion for others it was a service especially for the poorest of the poor. It was not intended for making you rich. If you don't have the patience for that idea and for the health system in our country then this course is not for you.

In terms of employment. Actually there are countless opportunities for fresh grad nurses but they pay below minimum or even minimum wage which is the standard starting salary in our political health system today.

Other train for other specializations in nursing so that they can be favored in employment and they can receive a much better wage. Clinics, large scale hospitals government and community hospitals, companies and almost every work place is in need of nurses. There are a lot of opportunities. Its just that not everyone is qualified for a certain position in a particular clinic or hospital. It all boils down to qualifications.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Be prepared. This course is very difficult. You will be handling the life of patients so naturally this will be hard. Just be prepared. Expect the unexpected.

To make studying a lot less hard, just try not to cram. Learn to discipline yourselves and have a flexible study habit. More than your IQ, you need determination, perseverance and discipline.

Why did I choose Nursing: Because I am fond of taking care of other people. I was taking care of my grandfather who had diabetes then. I love the feeling when you help other people.

About my college education: When I was in college, I learned many things. At first, I thought that nursing was just taking care of patients. I was wrong. To be a registered nurse, you have to learn how to use basic medical equipment (BP monitor, blood sugar monitor, etc.), how to react during emergency situations and many more.

The most difficult subject for me was Human Anatomy and Physiology because I had a hard time pronouncing the parts of the body, especially the bones!

The most useful thing that I learned is the calculation of doses of drugs for different types of patients.

Passing the board exam was very difficult. It required me to focus almost all of my time reviewing. Many failed the exam, about 70% failed.

My current job: I am working at Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center as a Staff Nurse.

Am I using what I learned in college: The basic knowledge about drugs, the common abbreviations and medical terminologies are some of the things that I learned during college that have been very useful to me. Is important to have a strong foundation of the basic skills.

How long did it take to find a job: About 5 months after graduating, VRPMC called me for an interview. 2 weeks after, I got hired.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: There are a lot of opportunities for nursing graduates. If you will not be picky on the job that you are applying. You will land a job.

Nurses that are entry level can earn a minimum of 12-14k every month while more experienced nurses can earn a minimum of 16-30k every month.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Nursing is a very difficult course. For you to obtain that R.N. Title that you are aspiring, focus all your energy on that goal. Do everything for that goal, but of course, don't forget to talk to God and ask for guidance always.

About my college education: My education demanded high expectations from me. It trained me to develop a holistic approach in caring for a patient (s). Nursing requires more than just mathematics, English, hard work, problem solving, creativity or interpersonal skills. It requires courage, dedication, sacrifice, and a yearning for excellence. Training was tough having classroom lectures combined with hospital work. On top of this I have to do extra curricular activities - sports, class officer, programs, college paper - so I can have a balanced student life.

My current job: I am currently an ICU nurse in the USA. At one point in my career I became the Director of Nursing in one hospital in the Philippines before I migrated.

Am I using what I learned in college: Everything I learned in college were beneficial even if we were just taught the basics. (Most of the learning I gained from experience.) Compared to those who studied nursing in the US, our nursing education in the Philippines prepared us to be able to work in any clinical nursing field until we decide the specialty we really want; in my case it is ICU.

How long did it take to find a job: 1 month

Do I recommend studying Nursing: Definitely. Nursing is needed everywhere in the world. That is our biggest export resource. It is a fulfilling job for anyone who really likes it but can be scary for others. It is interesting in the sense that I meet different people requiring different care/treatment each time; I get to learn every time and amazed at God's creation. The longer your work experience, the better your pay.

Why did I choose Nursing: I would like to pursue medicine so I chose Nursing as a premed course.

About my college education: Nursing is a quota course in UP Manila, I felt so blessed to be able to enter the program. It was really difficult. It is both physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting. I've had many ups and downs along the way but I was able to finish the course, why? Because I love what I am doing, and I am determined to reach my goal. Your mental capabilities will not be enough, you also need the right amount of patience, inspiration and passion. You will also need time management. And most importantly, despite all the pressure, you must still know how to enjoy and have fun.

My current job: I am not yet working because I am currently studying medicine. It is my dream to become a doctor.

Am I using what I learned in college: I am in Med School. But nursing has proven itself to be a very good foundation course for med students.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: There are already a lot of nursing graduates out there, so I am not sure if the employment opportunities are that great.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Before you take up Nursing, make sure that it is really what you want. A lot of people enroll in nursing because it is trending or because their parents/relatives told them to do so. If you are just "coerced" into taking the course, chances are, you will be more exhausted and more stressed than usual. Choose the course that you'll love, something that you know you will pursue until the very end.

Why did I choose Nursing: During our time (way back 2006), nursing was a popular choice among any other college courses. I chooe nursing as my course because my parents want me to - they have a mentality that nursing offers a high salary especially abroad. Partly, as I look back, I know that I was too young to decide for myself and I believed that my parents know best.

About my college education: Majority of subjects in nursing course offer unique and specialized education in a specific function of nursing, such as prenatal care, pediatric care, geriatric care etc. which is more on the theoretical and ideal side, and some subjects including pharmacology, pathophysiology, gerontology, disease prevention, psychiatry, legal, ethical, algebra, physics, chemistry, political and even computer-related subjects are offered to prepare nursing students for their future in the medical field. Thesis writing and defense is one of the most crucial subject/project that an aspiring nurse may encounter. Each subject has something to contribute in general, but it's basically up on a nursing student as to how he/she digests and lives every little thing that he/she learns and what field of nursing he/she goes into.

Graduating, taking and aiming to pass and top the board exam is every nursing student's dream. There are some nursing students who opt to shift on their early years in college and there are those who graduate but fail the board exam. Board exam is tough, yet, I believe that if nursing is really meant for you and if it is your calling, you'll pass it. It takes a lot of 3P's -patience, perseverance and positivity to succeed in this course.

My current job: I am currently working as Human Resources Head in a medical device distributor company in the Philippines. As Human Resources Head, I am in-charge of personnel administration, recruitment and selection, training and development and organizational development in the company.

Am I using what I learned in college: In my case as a Registered Nurse who choose to take the career path of being in a Medical Sales Field, the specialized education in specific function of nursing has been very useful because we get to talk with different clients, where interpersonal skills in general is pretty important.

How long did it take to find a job: A week after my board exam, I temporarily started working as a Consultant in a BPO Industry. Right after passing the board exam, I rendered volunteer service as a Nurse and Youth Instructor at Philippines Red Cross for six months. After that, I've decided to go into Medical Sales Field and started working as Medical Merchandiser-Medical Assistant for 10 months, Medical Representative for a year and as HR Head for at least a year now.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: NNursing is one of the most popular choice among Filipinos, yet, there are some factors that I would suggest you must take a look at when you consider studying this course.

First, make sure that you are going to study this course because it is your own choice, not any other else' choice. When it is sincerely your choice, it means you have the dedication, passion and TLC (tender loving care) which is essential in being an effective health care provider.

Second, take into consideration that job market for nurses is very competitive. The more skills you have, the better. After four challenging years of studying the course and mind-boggling board exam, you have to develop other skills that will enhance your marketability. To be a nurse is to be able to multitask. Technology skills, customer service, written a

Opportunities for nurses is not limited to hospital works. Try to explore other fields such as medical sales field, medical accounts in BPO industries, working with government or humanitarian organization/s as facilitator of health teachings etc.


Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Take your time to decide. Decide when you think you are sure of what you are going to gain and decide when you think you want to take the course "by heart".

In reality, if someone wants to work as a nurse in a hospital, he/she has to render volunteer service for at least a year or two and he/she has to gain required training. It's a matter of investing experiences to gain skill sets. The more training you have and the more experienced you are in a hospital, the better. Never expect a high salary nonetheless you are employed in a government hospital inside or outside the country.

Why did I choose Nursing: I chose to study this course because I've always wanted to do something worthwhile with my life and I think that in being a nurse, I could extend my help to people, not only by helping them alleviate their pain physically and administer medications to help them recover from their illness, but emotionally, I could somehow be of assistance as well. I've always wanted a job or vocation where I could lend a hand to a person, inspire them, even in the simplest of things, to dispense compassion and leave a little piece of me in them as they go through their lives. I've always wanted a course where I really, really love and something I could be really proud of, a course where I could retire in the future and tap myself at the back saying I did a pretty good job in giving meaning to my life by giving meaning to someone else’s life.

About my college education: Studying in this course was never easy. The road has never been smooth in my journey as a student nurse. I was a Dean’s listee at school but only because I had to study and work so hard to acquire a good grade in this profession. We had tests and quizzes almost every day, had to juggle our Clinical duty hours in the hospital, had to take care of our assigned patients, while studying, and preparing for our reporting and Nursing care plans.

Despite all these, however, it had always been fun learning new experiences in the hospital area. My first assisting in delivery was miraculous. It was truly special, seeing a new life start right before your very eyes. I cried happy tears that day, hearing the baby cry and hearing the doctor say “Congratulations! It’s a baby boy!” As a student nurse, standing there, wide eyed and with blood-stained gloved hands shaking in uncontrolled emotions, I had to juggle all those unrestrained emotions to continue standing with those shaky knees. That day, I realized that I had the best course that ever existed in the world. Nothing could ever compare with my experiences on my first Operating Room duty, my first ward duty, even at my very first code blue, my first ever CPR and the very first witnessing on how life could end, hearing and seeing a flat line in the cardiac monitor.

I have learned that to be a nurse, you need to be compassionate, patient and understanding with your patients and their families. Being tough is very important in succeeding this course as well. One can never be a nurse when he or she is weak. As a nurse, we needed to be strong for our patients, to serve as a support system when everything else seemed to fail. As a nurse, having faith in God will always be number one. God could start a life, and could take it away in an instant. It is always important to pray, as we always did every time we start our Clinical duties.

In my course, there is an alternate week between lecture and skills. In the lecture week, it is important to study hard to learn all those theories in the Nursing scope. We had tests, research and reporting and the week was pretty tedious and difficult, but was always comforting knowing that you have your classmates and friends experiencing the same things with you and being with you in the journey. The Clinical duty week had always been fun for me, it was nerve-wracking especially when assigned in different areas but every day had always been a new experience in learning and honing new skills. Overall, it's a war zone. But that makes the journey worthwhile, definitely.

My current job: I work as a staff nurse in a Regional Hospital, particularly in the Emergency Department. In the Emergency Department, everything is all about time management, and learning how to prioritize patients by proper triaging. Every day, we are assigned in different areas, the Triage area which is considered as the very first stage in entering the Emergency Department, the Trauma area, which consists of the Department of Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, ENT, and General Surgery. We also have the Pediatrics area for children 18 years old and below, and lastly the area which we also fondly call as the “toxic ward assignment” which is the Internal Medicine or the Main area. Every day is an adventure in the ER. I work in a Government tertiary hospital where lots of patients in all walks of life come in and go so every day was always an exciting quest. We consider our workplace as a “workout” place, or an “adventure” place. I have learned a lot in my work, every day is always a new experience. I could say my work is synonymous to adrenaline rush, and though stressful at times, I love it just the way it is.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, what I learned in College is practical. I have used what I learned in College in my current job. At school, I have learned the importance of time management and definitely, it is one of the things needed in my work today. I have also learned to be patient, to be hard-working and to never give up no matter what. We were trained well in the Clinical area, in skills and in all areas needed and most especially the values we needed in real life.Every day was a challenge when I was in College, and it is the same in the real world where I am right now. We were nurtured spiritually in our school and I have carried that as I walked into my workplace every day. Everything and every day is a gift from God, so in whatever we have gained, we should never forget to thank our God above.

How long did it take to find a job: I graduated on March 2010, then passed the Nursing board exam on July 2010, I have waited for my PRC license for months before I could apply to a hospital. After which, I worked as a Volunteer nurse in the hospital I am now currently working in. After a year of being a Volunteer nurse, with no pay, in the Obstetrics department, I was transferred to the Emergency Department as an RNheals staff nurse, being paid and being under the DOH program as the status of Volunteer nurses was eradicated by the Government. After a year of being an RNheals paid nurse, I was recommended by my seniors and was absorbed in the hospital as a paid Staff Nurse in the Emergency Department.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: It’s not easy to apply as a Nurse in our country. The salary is not much, and the employment opportunities in the country are not very good due to the huge number of Nurses. The employment opportunities abroad, however, are quite good, as well as the salary and the benefits offered most especially in English speaking countries. However, they require experience and sadly, that’s mostly the reason why some of our Nurses were being forced to pay in order to Volunteer. We are thankful, however, that Volunteering was all in the past, due to the new law being given by the Government that all Nurses should be paid and that the status of being a “Volunteer” was to be eradicated. I believe that Nurses here in our country are little by little being supported and appreciated.

I would recommend this profession to the brave at heart, to the compassionate and to those who have the passion and will to never give up. This profession is a gift from God. This is not just a job, it is a vocation and I am blessed.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: My advice to new aspiring nurses out there is to never, ever give up. The road will never be easy. In the real world, it will not just be all about the glamour of being called a “Registered Nurse”, or wearing really cute scrub suits in Special Areas or looking good in your pure white duty uniforms with white cap in the ward areas. It is about doing your job and loving it, truly embracing it as your vocation. The way will never be easy, most especially in the brain department. Draining your brain cells out in the wee hours are one of the main activities of the profession. You should also be prepared mentally, emotionally and spiritually before taking this course. Put in mind that in this journey, along the way you will see and meet different kinds of people, some will put you down, some will inspire you, some will make you smile, some will make you cry. Yet, along the way, just hold on and never let go, because once you are done with the race, you will realize just how fulfilling it cou

Why did I choose Nursing: I wanted to take accountancy, but my mother and father were against it saying that it wasn’t practical. They insisted that I should take B.S. in Nursing for me to have an opportunity to work abroad and have a high paying career.

About my college education: At Brokenshire College we were taught a lot. The most difficult subject I had when I was studying there was Medical Surgical nursing and Algebra. After surviving the challenge at college then came the Licensure Exam. Being a Nurse means having to practice and apply what must rightfully and accurately must be done in a situation or event. B.S. In nursing is not that easy, finishing the program means earning the privilege, an opportunity to help people that are ill physically or mentally.

My current job: Sadly saying I didn’t have the chance to pursue as a Nurse. Instead I am a call center agent at Concentrix, a popular and prestigious global communications company here in Davao City.

How long did it take to find a job: It took me really long, trying my luck to earn a job at hospitals and medical clinics it cost me a year to realize that I was hopeless. I had to take another job already so that I could start helping my family with their financial problems. I had to take the offer of my friend to work as a call center agent. I then started my first job a year after my graduation.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: Do I recommend B.S. In Nursing for interest student? Of course, yes. I actually recommend taking B.S. In Nursing or I.T. since Canada and Saudi Arabia demands Nursing and I.T graduates here in the Philippines yearly. Nursing and Computer specialist are both high paying careers whether here in Philippines or abroad.

As a call center agent I get to earn just like Nurses do in hospitals. My salary ranges from P12,000 – 16,000/month depending from bonuses and incentives.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: In taking B.S in Nursing my advice for you is to extend your patience, perseverance, and diligence. It is not just a simple course, having to pass this course means to have the chance to save people’s lives. Be serious taking this course, not every one gets to graduate B.S. In Nursing.

About my college education: This course requires a lot of patience, determination and a caring attitude. You are dealing with the lives of other people. There are good times when you alleviate the pains of your client, when they say thank you and/or commend your effort for helping them feel better, and of course, during the times when you hear the first cry of a newborn from his mother's womb. Well, it is as they say, the nurse is a witness of the first breath in the beginning of life and the last breath at the end of life. The end of life is usually the sad part. You have to have a strong personality and be emphatic at the same time. It is an interesting course, definitely! You can practice your profession wherever medical help is needed. It comes in handy too during emergency cases.

My current job: I am at present, a Nurse at a local Dialysis Center.

Am I using what I learned in college: Everything I learned from this university is being utilized up until now. From the English training, to swimming, and of course the skills I learned for my nursing profession. I graduated as a Nurse, and now I am working as a Nurse. Thus, I am using everything I learned from this university.

How long did it take to find a job: I got a job after approximately 6 months because I had to wait for my Licensure Exam Results plus my Professional ID Card as a Registered Nurse. Also, more waiting time for my application exam results, Interview results and some documents.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: This course is not highly recommended if you're looking to find a high paying job for starters. For one, the population of nurses in the country is very high, the employment opportunities locally cannot cope with it, and if there is, the salary level would be low. Or worse, you might end up being a Nurse Volunteer or Nurse Trainee at some institution/clinic/health center without pay.

But if you are looking for action, adrenalin rush, and fulfillment, I would recommend this job! You get to meet different cases from common to weird and rare ones. One minute your patient is doing fine, the next minute your patient is dying. Everyday is unpredictable. Once you enter the doors of your workplace, you never know what case you'll be handling for the day.

About my college education: Nursing was Okay. I already studied Practical Nursing for a year from a previous school so I already had an idea what I was getting into.

Back then, during my Practical Nursing days, I just wanted to go through my studies as easily as possible and acquire a diploma. But when my parents and I decided that I take up Bachelor of Science in Nursing, it was a time wherein I realized I had to get serious with my studies because I wasn't getting any younger. So I sort of forced myself to get interested with it. Fortunately, as I went through each year as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, it really became genuinely fascinating to me. Getting to know more about how an individual can aid or chiefly contribute in the quest of another individual's road to optimal health was simply wonderful.

There were subjects that I would consider as difficult, Medical-Surgical Nursing to be specific, since it had to with studying various conditions/diseases. As an aunt said, nursing is like half-baked medicine. I mean, you're attaining knowledge on how to save a human's life. Don't expect it to be relatively easy.

My current job: I'm currently working as a company nurse.

How long did it take to find a job: The great thing of having a base hospital is that the college's graduates are the hospital's priority when it comes to hiring. So after accomplishing all the trainings and seminars needed, I was able to become a regular staff nurse at Capitol Medical Center in less than a year.

Do I recommend studying Nursing: If you deem you have a calling of taking care of other people especially the sick, I would certainly urge you to take up nursing. Being of service to others in way of nurturing their health can really give you a sense of meaning in life. It does sound 'corny', but it's true. It's like nothing beats saving another person's life, or rendering care to an human being in order for him or her to experience a more peaceful death.

If you consider nursing as just a 'stepping stone' for you to be able to go abroad, I have no dilemmas suggesting it to you. It really would provide you with possibilities of finding success in other places. As long as you do your job competently, you'd still be part of the patient's path to recovery. Besides, you will be a testimonial of the Filipino's unparalleled gift of giving care wherever nation you plan to be in.

If you are going to choose this course simply to be your pre-med, I'd say that it's probably a very wise decision. Nursing is a great 'introduction' to the world of helping another individual attain optimal health.

Of course, among these three main reasons to choose nursing as your career, I really hope that the first one would be the driving force behind :)