Self-review only: Working student passes Nursing Board Exam in one take

MANILA, Philippines – Before he ever earned the title “Registered Nurse,” Jude Alban Buñag carried the weight of survival—balancing demanding work shifts, academic pressure, and a dream many said was impossible without financial means.

Photo courtesy: Jude Alban Buñag

At 26, a native of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, Jude turned years of sacrifice into success after passing the November 2025 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE) in one take, proving that determination can overcome even the toughest circumstances.

In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Jude shared his journey not to boast, but to inspire other students who are struggling financially that dreams are possible through faith and hard work.

“I am sharing my journey not to boast, but to inspire other students who are struggling financially that dreams are possible through faith and hard work,” he said.

His path to becoming a nurse at St. Anthony College Calapan City Inc. was marked by constant movement between classrooms, workplaces, and hospital duties.

During his first year in college, Jude worked as a grocery lane in-charge at Gaisano Capital Calapan while pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

By his second year, he was working as a fast-food crew member at McDonald’s Roxas Drive, learning discipline under pressure both in service and studies.

Beyond academics and work, Jude also earned recognition early in his training, including being named Best in Adult CPR during Basic Life Support (BLS) training and Best Student Nurse in the Orthopedic Ward.

He also received a Station Champion Award during his time as a McDonald’s crew member, highlighting his discipline and performance even outside the hospital setting.

In his third and fourth years, he served as a nursing attendant at the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital, assigned in pediatric and ICU units while completing his clinical requirements.

“There were moments when I felt my energy would be extinguished because the pressure of work and studies was constant,” he recalled.

Despite exhaustion, his dedication earned international recognition through scholarships from the Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Kansas City and Avant Healthcare Professionals.

“They didn’t just see a student—they saw a future professional,” he said, crediting his family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support.

After graduating in 2025, another challenge emerged when financial limitations prevented him from enrolling in a formal review center for the PNLE.

With only 30 days left before the board exam, Jude relied entirely on self-review to prepare for the exam.

“Self-review only, answering 100 practice exams per day, using elimination techniques, and watching vlogs about PNLE reviews on TikTok,” he said.

Even on exam day, he faced another test as a storm hit early morning, forcing him to wait at the testing center while battling anxiety and fatigue.

“During NP3 and NP5, I already told myself I might fail and try again next year,” he admitted.

But despite doubt and pressure, faith remained his anchor throughout the examination.

“In the end, the Lord granted me success in one take,” he said.

Today, Jude works as an Operating Room Nurse at Mindoro Mission Group Hospital Multipurpose Cooperative of Oriental Mindoro, proving that perseverance can turn sacrifice into achievement.

“Don’t stop dreaming, be strong, trust the process, and offer everything to God,” he said.

— The Summit Express