MANILA, Philippines – “Let go and let God.”
That is what Hannah Katrice Beduya Blastique constantly kept in mind after placing 7th in the May 2025 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE).
 |
| Photo courtesy: Hannah Blastique, Facebook |
In an interview with an entertainment site, Hannah shared that her first dream was to become a fashion designer or interior designer, but for more practical reasons, she chose to pursue nursing instead.
She took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute and graduated on June 28, 2024.
But Hannah’s journey wasn’t easy, as she faced health challenges, according to her Facebook post on May 15.
“Unfortunately, during the last month of review, I fell ill. I was in and out of the hospital for over a month. It began with food poisoning (amebiasis), followed by stress-induced IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), flu, a urinary tract infection, and the incidental discovery of a 1.7x1.6 cm renal cyst,” she said.
“Ultimately, I was diagnosed with dengue with warning signs (hematuria and epistaxis). Just 10 days before the board exams, I was hospitalized. On April 29, my white blood cell count dropped to 1.85. My parents kept asking if I still wanted to take the board exam. Without a doubt, I said yes.”
“After everything that happened, I genuinely did not expect to secure a spot in the May 2025 PNLE roster of topnotchers. But by God's grace, I did. And I wouldn’t have made it without the help of the people who stood by me throughout my review,” she said.
In her post, she thanked the Lord, her family, her partner, her friends, and everyone who was part of her journey.
“This milestone is not mine alone—it is shared with every heart that never gave up on me, especially when I almost gave up on myself,” she said.
In an interview with The Summit Express, Hannah shared that she has already recovered from the flu, UTI, dengue, and amebiasis, while her insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome are now manageable. As for her renal cyst, it is benign.
For now, Hannah has chosen to rest and fully recover before starting work, knowing well that the responsibilities of a nurse are demanding.
Congratulations, Nurse Hannah!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express