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angela101287
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The Local Board Exam
Grace Christine Banez
When I was reviewing for my local boards in 1993, I feel so unprepared that tension started to build up in my system. My friends and I went to church almost every single day. We prayed the rosary and read all the novenas which we believe, now and then, will assist us in passing the boards and overcoming all the challenges that come our way. Mind you, my scores in our practice tests can barely reach 70%; so how can I expect to pass the boards when the passing rate is 75%? I have heard some of my friends calling their parents over the phone, and expressing their anxiety about it, some of these parents tell their children to just do their best, and that they will support their children no matter what the outcome of the board exam may be. It made them feel less tense but for me, it was a different picture. When I called my Mom to tell her about my scores, she pleadingly told me that I have to pass the boards since we don’t have much funds to spend, in case I fail. She was building a house back then.
I felt so tense and pressured to pass the boards. Why can’t be my Mom be like any other parent? Maybe because she is a single parent, and she is also spending for my brother’s education, on top of meeting all the family’s basic needs. Poor Mom! I love her so much that I don’t want to fail her. I lifted up everything to God.
My relationship with God during that time was so open. I can easily communicate to Him my thoughts, feelings and ambition. It was really my dream to become a nurse and go abroad to help my Mom with the family’s expenditures, but then during that day, it was just a dream, and I don’t even know if it will ever come true. I came to the point of bargaining with God, that I can offer Him one very hard sacrifice, if only He gives me and my batch mates the grace to pass the boards. And until now I can still picture God’s funny expression in His face, asking the question, "And what would that be?" I cannot think of anything during that instant, but after several days, as I was riding in a public transportation along the road, I’ve spotted a nun, walking. It was then that I remembered my promise to God. Without batting an eyelash, I told God in my heart that becoming a nun, would be the answer. I firmly believe that if I become a nun, God will still be there to look after my mother and brother, the thing that He did for a very long time. And the deal was closed.
We took the boards and the result was incredible. Everyone in our batch passed the test. We even have a number of placers. It was 100% blessings and 100% effort. We had two reviewers, the first one by the college, and the second one by another review center. We praise God for His glory!
It was after we passed the test that the hiring of nurses in the U.S. slowed down. Some can go abroad, but for a fee, which was way too expensive.
After receiving the board exam result, I worked as a clinical instructor, first in my hometown, and second in my own college of nursing. I love my job and with the best of my capability tried to impart knowledge and positive values to my students. I totally forgot my promise to God. Thanks a lot God! You blessed me to become a licensed nurse by the age of 20.
It was in my mid-20s that I remembered my promise to God. I felt guilty about it and called my Mom, asking for her permission to join a search-in, to gauge myself if I am for that vocation… but my Mom told me that I am her only daughter and she opposes the idea of me becoming a nun, she doesn’t even agree to any search-in activities.
During that night when I was sleeping, I dreamt about a very big house. It seems old but well-tended. From the first floor, I found myself walking up the staircase to the second floor and I’ve seen a very big door. I opened the door and I see a lovely angel floating in the air. The angel placed his right index finger to his lips as if trying to say that I have to be very silent. There is just one bed in the room. In the bed, a father and a son are sleeping. The father is wrapping his arms around his son, protectively, as the little baby lies comfortably on his dad’s tummy, the baby seems to be a few month’s old. I wondered who those people may be because I cannot see their faces. Then again, the little angel gestured, that I have to go to a very big window, and look outside. It seems that outside the window, the birds are joyfully singing, and the morning sun is just beginning to rise. Looking down, I see trees and a single bench. Sitting on the bench I see Jesus in His flourescent, white robes. Tears are running down my face. It’s a wonderful feeling to look at Jesus. It seems that all the things that made my shoulders heavy, have been lifted up. It’s a very light feeling. Jesus is simply looking at me in His smiling face. That was the sweetest most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. At this point in my dream, I looked at the father and son sleeping lovingly and Jesus’ face. Jesus didn’t utter a word but His face speaks a magnitude of understanding that only He can do. He is a loving God, and He relays that no matter what vocation we choose, we can always serve Him; and where we are happy, He is always there to support us. I love you Jesus and I always believe in You.
Author’s comment:
May we be able to recognize God’s goodness in everything around us and may we remember the blessings that He continuously pours to each of us, our family, friends, career and endeavors. May we be able to repay God’s goodness through the little things that we do each day.
In our vocation as nurses, may we be able to manifest God’s goodness by serving our patients with unequalled dedication, wherever we are in the globe.
Now, I married the love of my life, and we have a wonderful son. Do you think it is coincidence? Maybe. But I believe it is God’s work of love.
THANKS FOR READING THIS!!!
THIS IS A STORY OF MY GROUP ON THE OTHER SITE AND SHE WANT IT TO SHARE WITH THE OTHER NURSES AND SOON TO BE A NURSE
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