Nursing board topnotcher honors parents

A graduate of St. Jude College-Dasmariñas in Cavite, who topped the 2024 Nurses Licensure Examination (NLE) paid tribute to her parents, whom she said served as her inspiration on her journey. 

Abigail Cayanan, 22, bested 7,749 examinees as she emerged as the topnotcher of the 2024 NLE after scoring 92.60%.

“Hindi pa rin po talaga nagsisink-in sa akin. Parang nasa cloud nine pa rin po. Hindi po ako nagugutom. Hindi po ako nakakaramdam. Hindi ko po alam mararamdaman ko. Pero sobrang saya ko po,” said Cayanan in Mariz Umali's  “24 Oras” report on Tuesday. 

(It hasn’t sunk into me yet. I am so happy, I feel like I’m on cloud nine. )

The topnotcher said being a nurse had always been her childhood dream, adding that her parents inspired her to take the journey. 

“Inspirasyon ko rin po ang mama at papa ko. Gustung-gusto ko sa kanila iparanas yung masarap na buhay and ang fulfilling po nun bilang anak kapag mapoprovide mo yun sa parents mo,” Cayanan said.

(My mother and father were my inspiration. I want them to have a comfortable life.I think it is fulfilling for children to provide for their parents.)

Cayanan said she would return to her alma mater to teach while practicing nursing in public hospitals. 

“Pinanata ko din po kasi talaga na kapag binigay po sa akin to ni Lord, ishe-share ko yung knowledge ko din. Magtuturo po ako,” she said.  

(I prayed for this and told God I would give back if I pass. I want to teach.)

“Sa ngayon po, gusto ko rin po mag practice as a nurse dito po sa Pilipinas lalo na po sa public hospital,” she added.

(Right now, i want to practice my profession here in the Philippines.) — Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA Integrated News