Nursing board exam topnotcher says ranking 'unexpected'

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 11 (PNA) - Alyssa Claire Anguren Almo still could not believe she made it to the top spot of passers in the 2015 Nursing Board licensure exams.

“I am still overwhelmed by the enormity of this. I still can’t believe it, it's as though I am still dreaming,” said Almo in an online interview.

Almo, 20, of Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation (RTRMF) in Tacloban City aced the 2015 Nursing Board Licensure Exam, besting 18,500 examinees from different testing centers all over the country. Almo hails from Quinapondan, Eastern Samar.

The result was released by the Philippines Regulatory Commission (PRC) last Friday night. There were 9,114 who passed the licensure exam.

Almo, who got 86.40 percent shares the Rank 1 with two others -- Alyssa May Bringas Madriaga of the University of Santo Tomas and Suha Canlas Hassan Magdy Mohammend Ibrahim of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

“I feel so grateful for this grace of God, I really didn't expect this, though I was praying for a spot in top 10, I felt that ranking first is just unbelievable,” she said.

She believed in the long-known secret of visualization and claiming what the universe will give you. Like those who excel in sports, academics and the arts, visualization during competition and examination helps, she said.

“You visualize your name on the roster of passers. It will help. Ascertain your goals and ask yourself what you want to achieve. Aiming high will inspire you to do your best and push yourself to the maximum potential,” she said.

“I claimed it, but don’t exhaust yourself. Go out and have fun, reward yourself. Pray and ask God for His grace and be specific in your prayers,” Almo shared.

Her parents are Linalyn Anguren Almo, a school nurse and Clarence Almo, a councilor (kagawad) in their village in Quinapondan town.

She said she will look for employment right away so she can support the education of her siblings.

“But if I passed scholarships for medical school, I would grab it. It is my dream to be a doctor someday,” she said.

She graduated at the top of her nursing class in 2015 with the highest academic performance award and best in clinical experience.

She was awarded a cash incentive of one hundred thousand pesos (PHP100,000) for her performance in the review of licensure examination in Nov. 2015.

During her student days, Almo was crowned Miss Nursing and eventually Miss RTRMF and Miss Dr. Vicente Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation 2014.

Asked what preparations she did, she said she started as early as when she first entered nursing school.

“That's how everything began, lessons and lectures. RTRMF-College of Nursing prepared us the best way they can, and it paid off, garnering a hundred percent passing rate this year. I also enrolled in review classes from Power Development Center, which was really helpful for reinforcing all that we've already learned in school.”

Her advice to students is to study well. “Don’t take anything for granted, as early as now absorb knowledge like a sponge. Don’t give up, for there will be trying times and redeeming ones.”

“My family will always be my inspiration. Everything I do is for them,” said Almo.

The RTRMF was also named one of the top performing schools in the nursing board exam for posting a perfect first time passing rate.

Among the top 10 from Eastern Visayas region are number 9 Noreen Fatima Gelera Arriesgado of Christ the King of Calbayog and Princess Joy Abenir Oyo-a of University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Number 10 is Juliann Despe, also from UEP. RTRMF is consistent in the 100 percent first-time takers and among the top nursing schools in the country. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/VICKY C. ARNAIZ/EGR