Far Eastern University (FEU) hailed 569 Nursing graduates in celebration of the 69th Pinning Ceremony-Clinical Graduation held at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City earlier today, July 29.

This follows an increase from last year’s 493 completers.

With the theme ‘Guided by the Lamp: Celebrating our Nursing Odyssey,’ the event recognized the perseverance of student-nurses throughout their undergraduate studies.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, alumna Kate Gudez anticipated the upcoming November 2024 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE).

“It formally gives us closure and the beginning of professional life as we prepare to take the board exam in November 2024 and as we aim for 100 percent [passing rate] for it. It gives the recognition that every student-nurse deserves,” Gudez said. 

Meanwhile, Nursing graduate Andrei Amor Chu also felt overwhelmed by the momentous event, recognizing their family’s presence.

“I am over the clouds right now kasi (because) my family gets to see [and] attend this momentous event which is only [once] in a lifetime,” he expressed. 

Chu also stressed that the pinning indicates the start of their journey to the Nursing workforce and exposure to the medical field.

The attendees for this year’s ceremony were supposed to only bring one guest per student based on the first announcement of the Nursing Society Batch 2024 Government, but later on allowed two guests as the graduates expressed their discontent on the said notice.

Having experienced setbacks, the Nursing seniors also advised their juniors to be resilient and to believe that their struggles will pay off.

In his inspirational message, FEU alumnus Harold James Doroteo highlighted the importance of embracing successes and failures.

“It is not about the destination, but the journey. In this journey that awakes you, I’m pretty sure that there will be a lot of ups and downs. So when you are in your highs, don’t forget to celebrate them. When you’re in your downs, don’t lose hope,” Doroteo stated. 

Moreover, Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing Dean John Anthony Yason reminded the students of the reality of the healthcare industry, set to deal with real patients. 

“You will now deal with actual patients. And now you have the opportunities to further your sense of compassion and caring attitude. These are also invaluable lessons that you will carry forever,” he affirmed. 

The second PNLE of the year will be conducted on November 9 and 10. 

- Kasharelle Khail Javier
(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)