Nursing wasn’t her first dream—But it led Preciosa Mae Mape to PNLE Top 6

FEATURE

Nursing was never part of Preciosa Mae G. Mape’s original dream.

Her family encouraged her to pursue the profession because of its opportunities, including the possibility of working abroad. What began as a practical choice eventually became a journey that led her to the Top 6 of the 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE).

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on September 20, 2026, Mape shared how an unexpected career choice became a source of purpose, perseverance and achievement.

“Not really my first choice, it wasn’t my dream to become a nurse. But then I was convinced by my family na nursing is a good choice para maka-abroad kaya nursing na lang pinursue ko.”

From uncertainty to determination

Her journey was far from easy.

During her fourth year, Mape had to balance final examinations, graduation requirements and institutional review while preparing for the licensure examination.

“Time-management lalo na sa part na nag-overlap yung finals, preparation for graduation and institutional review. We had to attend reviews while completing graduation requirements.”

The demanding schedule meant sacrificing sleep, spending long hours studying and being away from her family.

Still, giving up was never an option.

“Thank God, it never crossed my mind to give up. I had a strong will to finish my degree and pass the board exam because I knew I couldn’t afford to fail.”

Her parents’ sacrifices strengthened that resolve.

“Iniisip ko mga sacrifices ng parents ko, alam kong mas pagod sila sa akin. And I would just pray to the Lord to give me strength lalo na spiritually and mentally.”

Daring to dream

Mape began considering the possibility of becoming a topnotcher after her school produced two PNLE topnotchers in 2024.

“I dared to dream of becoming a topnotcher after our school produced two topnotchers in the 2024 PNLE.”

Although she doubted herself, she began to believe the goal might be within reach after taking the examination.

For the review, she followed her review center’s study plan, took notes, revisited difficult concepts and used the Table of Specifications to guide her preparation.

Rather than relying on memorization, she focused on understanding concepts and answering practice questions.

“Whenever I studied a concept, I tried to understand it in depth rather than simply memorizing it.”

She also learned that rest was part of effective preparation.

“When my brain was already tired, I wouldn’t force myself to study any longer. I would take a break, rest, or sleep.”

Support behind the achievement

Mape credited her school’s in-house review program for helping her stay focused and monitor her progress even after graduation.

“Sobrang laking help yung in-house review program ng aming school. Naka-focus talaga kami and namonitor yung performance namin.”

She also thanked her parents, relatives, including an aunt who provided financial assistance, friends, former clinical instructors, lecturers and review coordinator for supporting her journey.

Above all, she credited the Lord for giving her strength and guiding her through the process.

The moment she saw her name

After months of preparation, Mape finally saw the result.

She had hoped to make it to the Top 9, but seeing her name among the national topnotchers left her overwhelmed.

“I couldn’t believe it when I first saw my name on the list of topnotchers. I immediately started crying because I was overwhelmed by how good the Lord has been to me.”

Her final rating: 91.20 percent—Top 6 nationwide.

For Mape, the number represented much more than a score. It reflected the long hours of preparation, sacrifices, prayers and determination that brought her to that moment.

“Just keep going”

Now a Cum Laude graduate and newly licensed nurse, Mape hopes her experience will encourage those preparing for the next PNLE.

“To the next PNLE takers, choose to keep showing up. Even on the days when you feel tired and want to quit, even when you doubt yourself, and even when you feel like you’re falling behind or that everyone else is doing better than you, just keep going.”

She urged examinees to do what they can and surrender what is beyond their control.

“Just do your part, and trust that He will carry you through. You will get that license you’ve been praying hard for.”

To her fellow “mighty eagles,” she added: “Keep striving for excellence. We are meant to soar high and achieve many more breakthroughs. Alongside hard work, let prayer guide you. Keep believing, keep striving, and keep trusting in the Lord.”

Nursing may not have been the dream Mape started with, but through perseverance and faith, she turned an unexpected choice into a remarkable achievement.

Now, she hopes to work abroad and continue building her career as a nurse—carrying with her a lesson shaped by her own journey: Sometimes, the path we never planned can lead us exactly where we are meant to be.