For Catanauan, Quezon native Angelica Ferrer Dator, the difficult route to the top of the 2025 Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE) needed a rather straightforward routine: study, cook, eat, sleep, and a ton of prayers to St. Jude Thaddeus, the Patron Saint of Hope and impossible causes.
The night before a Professional Regulation Commission post revealed that she indeed solo-topped the licensure exam for aspiring nurses, Angelica went to the National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus (Patron Saint of Hope and Impossible Causes) “to pray, and ask for strength to accept whatever the outcome would be.”
“I honestly did not expect (that I would) top the May 2025 PNLE,” Dator, a magna cum laude graduate from the Lucban-based Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), bared in an interview with GMA Regional TV News.
This is all but a common and anticipated reaction from eventual topnotchers. It may be in every taker’s dream to be a national topnotcher, but often, one can only prepare the best they can and let fate take its course.
SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM
“I dedicate this achievement to my family and loved ones who have believed in me from the very beginning.”
The journey to becoming a full-fledged nurse, according to Angelica, was an uphill climb, and so the path required a solid support system throughout.
“Becoming a nurse was not an easy journey,” Angelica said, reminiscing about the time when she would review nonstop both on her own, and through review programs. “For over six months, my routine was simply study, cook, eat, and sleep.”
During particularly tough moments when she was almost lured into giving up– “sleepless nights, endless practice tests” and doubts if she could at all pass the exam while she was away from her family– Angelica’s faith in God and St. Jude Thaddeus became her “greatest source of strength.”
“God sent people who believed in me and reminded me of my strength,” Angelica recalled.
“They’ve seen all the struggles, sacrifices, and hard work I poured into this journey. Their unwavering support: emotionally, morally, and financially kept me going, and I wouldn’t have reached this milestone without them,” she added.
WHAT’S NEXT
The dream to become a doctor is still very much alive, though it will have to wait for now as she, for now, aims to achieve career growth as a nurse while assisting future aspirants.
“I see myself continuing to explore and grow in my nursing career while doing my best to support and inspire future nurses,” Angelica said.
“In the years ahead, I still hold on to my dream of becoming a doctor. I truly hope to earn a scholarship that will allow me to pursue medicine and turn that dream into reality—both for myself and for the people I hope to serve one day.”
Armed with overflowing prayers and a strong support system, the pride of Catanauan, Quezon pride can now scream at the top of her lungs “RN NA AKO, PUMASA NA AKO, SUMABAY NA AKO, NAGTOP NA AKO!"
