Nursing board topnotcher urges gov’t to give nurses better working conditions

Local

THE first placer in the 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) urged the government on Friday, November 29, 2024, to improve the working conditions for nurses in the Philippines.

Chariemae Cañazares, a Cebu Normal University (CNU) graduate, emphasized the need for higher salaries, balanced workloads, and better working conditions to encourage nurses to stay in the country.

“Nurses prefer to go abroad because of poor working conditions and low salaries," Cañazares said in a press conference that she and eight other CNU topnotchers attended.

Topping the licensure examination with a score of 92.60 percent, Cañazares shared that while she plans to serve her local community and pursue medical school, many nurses leave the country due to overwork and inadequate compensation.

For her feat, Cañazares will receive P100,000 as cash incentive from CNU.

Cañazares plans to use half of the amount for her grandmother’s hospitalization and save the rest for her future.

Reflecting on her achievement, she recalled believing she could top the exam.

"I manifested that I would be number one," she said. For her, challenges were opportunities to grow, and through dedication and hard work, she earned the top spot.

Her academic journey was marked by consistent effort, leading to her recognition as the lone Dean’s Lister of CNU's College of Nursing for the Academic Year 2022–2023. She attributed her success not to innate talent but to a disciplined study routine.

Maintaining a careful balance between academics and personal well-being, Cañazares prepared her study space, gathered materials, and created a personalized syllabus.

She also took breaks, enjoying activities like watching anime or working out to stay focused.

CNU celebrated its tradition of excellence. Along with Cañazares, Marc Emmanuel Arepal Estillore ranked 4th, Jaymi Loise Basilla Abellan ranked 5th, Liza May Collamar Salas ranked 6th, and Laarni Jane Acibo Durango ranked 7th.

Also, Mae Jyn Bartido Rosalita ranked 8th, and Mary Angelique Jore Tabasa and Roy Justin Harani Erandio shared 9th place. Jeremiah Paul Capangpangan Ureta ranked 10th.

In the press briefing, CNU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Joseph Tubilan highlighted the university’s remarkable 100 percent passing rate and 13 consecutive years of producing topnotchers.

College of Nursing Dean Laurence Garcia credited the university’s success to the dedication of its faculty and students.

Other Cebu-based institutions also performed strongly in the licensure examination.

Roxxane Virgie Bebanco Libron of Cebu Doctors’ University ranked 9th, while Adrianne Lauren Torres Orzaga and Kert Bea Labus Rom of Velez College shared the 10th spot.(MyTVCebu)