University of Cebu

Days after the phenomenal performance of UC College of Nursing graduates in the June 2007 Nursing Licensure Exams hit the news—the nirvana-like sensation had showed no sign of waning. The high-fives continued until the next couple of weeks, maybe even months thereafter. Admiration and acknowledgement towards the people responsible for guiding the College of Nursing reached this verdict– much of the credit went to Dr. Helen dela Cerna Estrella, Dean of the College of Nursing, UC Banilad Campus.

How did she inspire s many students to achieve? What formula did she devise to make it happen? So many queries were waiting for answers. In an interview with the dean, she obliged us with these answers:

UC WATCH: During the awarding of the two UC topnotchers, University President Atty. Augusto W. Go referred to you as the one “who made it happen.” How would you like to react to it?

DEAN ESTRELLA: “(Smiles) The sweetest words of the President is most welcomed and appreciated. Though I consider it as a compliment from the person who heads the university, I believe that I couldn’t claim for the success of everybody. It’s unfair if it’s attributed only to the leadership of the college.

I always believed that our passers made it because of three factors: Firstly, the group had a very positive attitude and the success was brought about by real hard work by the passers themselves. Secondly, we had a very strong administrative support that helped us in preparing them. Thirdly, a very cohesive and supportive team that comes in the form of the faculty and staff made it really a success for all of us.

We commend the efforts of the level chairs, especially the advisers and faculty who nurtured, and watched them for 24 hours during the intensive review. They even gave up their family time and comfort zones. Their commitment and dedication to pursue the desired goal is so evident… You see it in their faces, once they see their students become registered nurses, who later on will become part of the fold as colleagues of the nursing profession.

Another big factor is that the students believe in God as they believe in themselves.

UC WATCH: Among the preparations the nurses have undergone through, what do you consider as the most necessary “birthing pain” for their success?
DEAN ESTRELLA: “Even from the start, the students had to make their way through the eye of the needle because of the rigid promotions and retention policies of the college. That means they were fully aware that they had to try hard. But the most intense preparation happened in the fourth-year level.

The major factor that helped them work out would have to be the “thirty-day push” that motivated the group to work hard. The feeling that they were supposed to study, with the waiting time that was relatively short and there was no point in turning back… these pushed them a lot towards succeeding.

It’s true, these were birthing pains because it was not easy, even for the parents, to send them through for thirty days, and you could see their reaction—they weren’t used to not seeing their children—though we granted them visiting hours when there were no review and study sessions; We didn’t even allow them to stay overnight at home. But we had very flexible visiting hours, as long as it didn’t disrupt their review.”

UC WATCH: Can you enlighten us about the repeaters?
DEAN ESTRELLA: “These were those who didn’t make it along with their batch. But I knew they also attended extensive reviews, they just didn’t stay in the dormitory because they already had that experience in the past.

There were factors which affected their outcome. Some of them were already working in non-related areas, like in call centers, so they had to balance their review and their work.

Some of them had self-review, which was beneficial. But when you moved into reviews that pulled you out of the comforts of your home, it helped you to be more focused.

We were hoping to see them before they took the exams so we could include them in the generic group, however, only a few visited us at the office.”

UC WATCH: Most of the nursing students aspire to ply the profession overseas. Personally, did you also aspire to w rk abroad?
DEAN ESTRELLA: “When I took up Nursing, my dream was to teach. When my parents convinced me to take up Nursing, I insisted on Education because that was my passion. But I realized my parents were right. I have the best of both worlds here. One, I was able to make it as a Nurse. Two, I get to fulfill my dream of becoming a Teacher which is relatively fulfilling as of this time.

I know everybody goes abroad because of the very pleasant scenario, but if I’d go out of the country, if God permits, that would be to avail myself of scholarship grants and taking sabbatical leaves for that matter. My experience with UC and the country in teaching the beginners is incomparably satisfying.”

UC WATCH: What’s your message for those who intend to pursue the profession?
DEAN ESTRELLA: “We will provide them with the best learning experience here at UCCN. It’s not about the number (of passers) alone. Rather, it’s in the university’s aggressiveness in pursuing instructional strategies to enhance learning and likewise in expanding our linkages. We have the biggest number of affiliating agencies to enrich our students’ learning.

No amount of convincing is enough, except when they are in the actual soil of UCCN. We will make their learning experience worthwhile. We will exert the most effort in assisting them, to transform them to be better nurses and be one of the most sought-after medical professionals in the field.”