Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination Failure: A lived Experience Recurring Themes

Theme 1: An imposed future Pilot of the Way Parents are used to be identified as caretakers of the family, the guide and the supporters of their offsprings. Being a parent does not necessarily mean that you are capable enough to sustain not only the needs of your children but also their wants. Instead, you are much ready to handle the responsibilities of what a parent is expected to do. Furthermore, parents are role models to their children- every action they show especially in front of their children can be copied by them thats why children used to follow the actions of their parents being their first teachers. According to Kim, Yang, & Hwang (2006), parental support is a positive influence to their children because it motivates them in learning new things. Children are motivated and influenced by their parents to achieve and obtain their goals thus increases their willingness in doing things and leading the way to the top. Based from the information presented above it is true that parents do play a vital role in the lives of their children as they grow. Their involvement and encouragement can help their children to excel not only in school but as well as in other aspects. Parents are the ones who influence their children to choose or decide what is right and

not. Its a good thing if one belongs in a family who fulfill their certain responsibilities because one is already nurtured fully with the things needed in your life. An Imposed Future In today's generation, students wanted to exercise their freedom of choosing their own career, however we cannot deny the fact that parents plays a big role in influencing their children's choice of interests. Some may accept the imposed will of their parents while others were just forced but as time goes by they learned to adapt. Based on Rational choice theory (2004) that parents are utility maximizes who imposed decisions and they can be confidants in pursuing the best interest of their children. In connection to that, students were less motivated since in they don't like the course being chosen by their parents for them to take. They just settled for what they used to achieve and didn't tried to strive to excel their performances in academics. According to Remez Sasson (2013) absence of motivation is due to the absence of the power of desire and ambition to accomplish ones goal. Six out of eight informants have the desire to get something done, or to achieve a certain goal, but their desire and ambition were not enough, they lack the push, the initiative, and the willingness to take the necessary action. In this case, the students lost motivation and inner drive to be rightfully convicted in their studies. Negative Reinforcement Inspiring parents to become involved through various pragmatic means, could spawn a considerable increase in achievements among the students.

According to James (2010) Parental support of students academics appears to produce some positive impact for all students educational outcomes, it possesses such influence if it is based in self motivation and resides as a personal goal rather than the one that is imposed of the school. In our case informants A&D felt that there was inadequate support regarding the compliance to enroll in a proper review centre, because their parents thought that it is not necessary. Friendship on Hiatus In times of failure, human as we are, we need a sufficient emotional support coming from other people and these people could be our friends. But if your friend happens to be a batch mate of yours who passed, while you unfortunately did not make it could be a little bit awkward for the both of you the next time you meet. In the case of someone who experienced an agonizing failure in the most anticipated Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination things could be more difficult for you when it comes to dealing with people again, may it be a friend or an acquaintance of yours .That is because of the stigma which failure marked on you. In relation to that one will tend to avoid social situations that might generate a negative reaction from others because of the belief that one will lose their respect from them. Some people used this as there means of protecting themselves from all the hurts one may feel and interaction with friends is not an exemption to that. (Anthony, 2010) That is why the group of people who passed will deliberately detach themselves in order to give space and time to heal as this might affect their friendship. According to Blanchot (as cited by Kaufman 2003) that in friendship there is a necessary discontinuity in order to give

sufficient time and space to the person who needs it the most that will cause an eventual repair of this social anxiety and social awkwardness in dealing with friends, and that time heals and friendship mends at its own pace. Three out of the eight informants stated that they have experienced this awkward moment after their failure with their friends but as time passes that reluctance between them gradually vanished, while the remaining five informants did not experience such events. THEME 2: Expectation vs. Pressure

Expectation vs. Pressure Expectations are double-edged swords, raising or lowering student outcomes according to the positive and negative nature of the expectations. Pressure, on the other hand, is the force produced when someone is pushed to do something else against another. According to Schilling and Schilling (1999), expectation is vital to education and that expectations shape the learning experience of the students. Higher expectations also generate high performances and that persons with high expectations perform at a higher level than those with low expectations even though their abilities are equal. High expectations thus make the students more motivated and will then make learning more exciting.

Therefore, expectations may also affect pressure because pressure is felt when there is an increase demand of a persons performance cause by higher expectations, so the higher the expectation given the higher the demand of pressure needed.
THEME 3

Rush Hour According to Nagaraju (2004) studying is the primary factor in school learning. It takes place through home-work, self study, assignments, supervised study and special projects under the guidance of a teacher or counselor. It is found that knowledge and use of study skills was not a good predictor of academic success. Students know that some study techniques but they couldnt apply them.( as cited by Ramamurthi 1993) The informants where quite unsatisfied about the tackle topics on their review and felt that those tackled topic is still inadequate. In the end the settled on cramming but still end up unprepared. THEME 4: Downfall Mistake Absence of Axis The biggest thing to do during examination is to remain focused and attentive and not allow your nerves to get the better of you. This is easier said than done, but it is important to remember that the length of the exam is the only time you have to show what you know, so it is important that any distractions are kept to a minimum. Measuring of academic performance of students is challenging since student performance is product of socio-economic, psychological and environmental factors. Thats why the scope of research is always there to find out what are the factors that

affect the performance of the students. According to Chansarkar and Michaeloudis, (2001) All of the research reviews support the hypothesis that student performance depends on different socio-economic, psychological, environmental factors. Three out of seven informant state that they experience those socio-economic, psychological and environmental out focused performance which affects their review. Reading Between the lines According to Nagaraju (2004) For the purpose of good study, the study condition should be good. If bit the study enthusiasm would be decreased. What study conditions are essential to a pupil for his study? Every child needs a place where he can study regularly without interruptions. Effective study is directly connected to effective reading. Hostels as well as study rooms should be designed so as to facilitate better study. The informants stated that her attitude towards their study is somehow what of a mediocrity. The disease of laziness has evidently distracting them. Hypothetical Foundation The teaching lecture is favored by aviation instructors because it allows some active participation by the students. The instructor must determine the method to be used in developing the subject matter. The instructor also should carefully consider the class size and the depth of presentation. According to Federal Aviation Administration (2009) lectures are best used when an instructor when an instructor convey a general understanding of the student lack. The informants inevitably compared the structure of questions during their review conducted and the set of questions given during the board exam. One of the informant said that the question during their review was far more complex than the set of questions during the board.

Downfall Mistake Often student are given instruction and expected to follow them. When they do, following the instructions is not necessarily positively reinforced. But aversive consequences occur if instruction following does not occur; they maybe spanked or lose privileges. Study motivation and study skills exhibit the strongest relationships with both grade point average and grades in individual classes. According to Bender (2011) the learning content involves what students are to master and what they want the students to accomplish after the instruction. in relation to that one out of eight informant shows that she didnt follow the proper instruction during the exam. The informant has perceived the possible cause that has been one of the contributing factor that has been a barrier to pass the exam. A Step-up impulse Everybody has his own way of responding to daily's circumstances. Some take it negatively while others on the other way around. They reciprocate differently to every phenomenon they encountered which also became their coping mechanism to steadfast themselves in uplifting their desire. In certain degree, this phenomenon affects them in different aspects such as psychologically, behaviorally, as well as emotionally. According to Neumann study (2012) students may experience burnout phenomenon when there is an excessive demand or effort needed with the absence of support they needed in accomplishing what was expected from them. In this circumstance, some tried to seek divine providence to let out their afflictions while others conditioned themselves to have a positive outlook, and others tried to divert

themselves by appreciating the positive things out of the negative once. There are some who motivated themselves even under pressure, some consider that having a motivator to direct them will be an effective way of motivating themselves and some are left stagnant and contented on what they have. All of our respondents exhibit different behaviors but all of these are their strategies on how to carry on. According to Hillary Waugh (2013) each individual student can perceive things differently depending on their own personal views. Two of our respondents tried to see the bright side out of the cloudy once and two of the respondents consider that studying with somebody will result to motivation. In conclusion to that, all of the respondents exposition are their way of coping through the outbursts of difficulty.
THEME 5: Pick and Shovel Battle

The board examination is a multiple type of examination. According to Untalan (2010) board exam question are higher order thinking questions it involves not only recognition but also involves synthesis, analysis and application. Not being able to prepare to this type of question makes the student carelessly answer in the exam therefore it is a must to the student to know this type of question and learn how to read the question carefully. In our case two out of eight informants expressed that they found hard time in answering the questions during the exam. THEME 6 Pins and Needles

Failure is part of every success, there is no such thing as shortcut towards achievement. When we failed we experienced sadness, pain, worthlessness, and dilemma in which can lead to demotivation. Failure is like pins and needles once you are pricked you will experience the pain due to the puncture. According to Jeremiah (2007) that pins and needles is used to describe the emotions we feel when were nervous, unsettled, and worried anticipation. In addition, none of us can totally avoid nervous and excitement and tense anticipation. But when stitched together with the thread of scriptural truths, we shouldnt constantly live on pins and needles. Seven out of eight informants stated that they have experienced anxiety after knowing that theyve failed the board examination, while informant D did not experienced anxiety. Defense Mechanisms Those nursing graduates who were unable to pass the Philippine nursing licensure examination will experience emotional conflict. In order for them to cope up with such painful events they will use defenses. According to Berzoff et al (2008), that when such person when faced with such dangers in life the ego uses defense mechanism to protect the self. It will unconsciously change individuals perception and reaction to danger. In relation to that, Defense Mechanism is thought to safeguard against feelings and thoughts that are too difficult for the conscious mind to cope with. These are the defense mechanisms that are used by the informants; sublimation, displacement,

substitution and reaction formation. Sublimation is the ability to channel feelings and expressed them in a socially acceptable form, while displacement is redirecting a feeling or thought from its actual source to something or someone else, and reaction formation is adopting beliefs, attitudes, and feelings contrary to what you really believe and substitution is the act of finding another goal when is block. Four out of eight informants uses defense mechanism to cope up with their failure. Informant A & B uses substitution, informant C uses sublimation and displacement, informant H uses reaction formation, and displacement and substitution for informant G. The four remaining informants view other means of coping. They have their own coping style. THEME 7: Embracing Failure Puissance through Acceptance In times of failure, most of the informants have the strong will to face the problem by not taking it seriously and by that they can easily accepted the fact that they have failed the board exam and through that acceptance they build up themselves to attain their goal and through the assistance of friends by providing emotional support this would help them to rise from being down. As mentioned by Martin (2004), that acceptance is important to begin with the understanding of just how powerful our own thinking is in shaping the way we feel. Even if we dont know how to think positively and find acceptance at this time, the very decision to try can make all the difference. According to Jenkins (2002), strengthening ourselves also requires that we know ourselves, understand how we think about threats and how this affects our calculations of risk.

Three out of eight informants shows strong capability to accept failure after knowing that they did not pass the board exam. And the remaining five informants did not show enthusiasm to accept that they had failed. Embracing Failure Most individuals who failed in an unexpected part of their lives felt hopeless and helpless. They found hard in accepting their failure but later on after realizing the reason behind, theyve already tried to accept what happened to th em. Failure can happen to anyone of us yet it only depends on us on how we deal with it. Failing has always been present in our lives. It serves as our reminder that we should double our efforts and give our very best in everything we do so as not to regret in the end. People can never appreciate life without first encountering failure because failure makes a man braver and more skillful in every specific situation he or she may encounter, and because of failure we can really feel the essence of our success. According to Robison, S.R. (2010), success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. Failure build character and guide us to learn what not to do next time because failure is a great teacher just like our life experiences. When a person failed, he has not taking any option of doing such, thus it only means that theres something lacking on what a person does. To become a successful person you must possess an attitude of having no fear in order for you to gain what you are aiming for. You must have to take first the risks to achieve the goals youre worth having. Theres no such an easy way to success, you must have to strive harder and harder without

thinking of failing in the end, and lastly, you must have the determination and dedication in everything you do because time can never be back again. Therefore, the informants attitude towards failure was appropriate because they didnt lose hope instead, they accepted their failure, move forward, and do better the next time around to achieve their aims by putting on their minds not to fear of failing because each one of us had experienced to failed but its good not to surrender until victory comes. THEME 8: Persistence towards Perfection Motivation against All Odds In times of failure, motivation is a very important and essential aspect to consider. Some of the informants are motivated and striving hard to attempt to take again in order to attain their goal to pass the Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination, to accomplish that they have to be motivated in order to gain determination and focus. They have alsoelicited motivation whatever obstacles and difficulties that might pass by. According to Ivey(2007) (as cited by Hancock 2004 &Amadi 2002) that motivation is the driving force within individual that influences, energizes, directs and sustains behavior in performing tasks and reaching desire goals. In additional to that, it is an individuals participation in and commitment to achieving specific result. (Halepota, 2005) Five out of eight informants stated that they have experienced motivation after failing the board exam and continuing their goal to pass the board exam, while three

informants experienced being demotivated, loss of self-esteem and interest to take again the board exam. Persistence towards Perfection Most of the nursing graduates who experienced the wrath of not being able to make on the list of board passers in the Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination will always be a shockingly brutal reality for them or to anyone who are to be placed on their shoes. But according to Paul (2005), failure is not always considered to be a negative; rather, a prelude to success, and that for failure to be transubstantiated to success, a call for persistence is deeply essential. In connection to that, it takes a lot of courage and fighting spirit for a nursing graduate who have experienced that firsthand failure to finally decide to review for a retake of that licensure examination. When a person sets on his/her mind a certain thing to do or a certain desire he/ she wants to achieve, one should never cease a moment in finding and trying new ways to achieve such perfection or goal despite being confronted with a lot of obstacles, may it be environmental or emotional. The way towards perfection is indeed a bumpy ride. And to be able to attain it, it should always be paired with such impregnable tenacity. It was highlighted by Ravikanth (2012), that through hard work and persistence eventually one can gain strength and then, success. Three out of eight informants did not resort to persistence after experiencing failure. One of the informants did not take the examination after the failure because he concentrated more on his job, and the other two lost their motivation after trying twice in

taking the examination. On the other hand, the five informants concurred that they painstakingly do their review in their pursuit to become a registered nurse. Center of Will Most of the nursing graduates experienced obstacles and mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits. Perseverance, determination, and courage those are real. According to Phelps (2008) the desire for redemption drives you. And the will to succeed is everything. In connection to that, being able to focus on what you desire or what you are studying is one of the most important study skills. However some nursing graduates dont know how to focus and get distracted when they sat down to study whether they are reviewing notes for a test or reading a manual for new software at work. It was highlighted by Dembo & Seli (2012) that to accomplish goal, you need to focus and understand how you learn and the factors that determine your motivation to learn. I conclude that most of the reasons why the informants failed because they didnt show focus particularly in the review. Their desire to study was altered due to some factors that hinders them to be motivated to study. Five out of eight informants experienced lack of focus and motivation to study, while the remaining three informants did not experience such events. Striving for Gold

Most of the nursing students face obstacles, sweats, and pains in order to achieve their goal. By starting early and studying on a regular basis, you will have a better opportunity to absorb the information and life will be a lot easier when it's time to put it all together for the exam. According to Thadani (2013) with the ideal and timely training you can learn to make the most out of whatever time you have to prepare. The informants stated that its all up to you if you like to passed the exam and it is nothing to do with the school or in any review center. Therefore, half of the informants experienced lack of readiness due to different factors affecting their motivation to strive more in studying, while the remaining four informants did not experience such events. Personal Beliefs Every human beings has their own beliefs, this beliefs is the psychological state in which an individual holds premise to be true. It is formed by human beings in order for them to express their thoughts. And this beliefs act as a filter defining what we notice and how we feel about what goes on in the world. According to Bar-Tal (2000) that beliefs are the basic units of knowledge categories such as ideology, values, religious dogmas, norms, and expectations. There are two types of human beliefs these are personal and common beliefs. Where personal beliefs are formed by individuals and are stored in their minds but not share with other people while the common beliefs are those shared by others.

Three out of eight informants have their own personal beliefs. Informant A believed in karma while informant H in destiny and luck, and informant F believes in faith. The five remaining informants did not have their own norms.