A Journey to The Summit: A Qualitative Narrative Study of Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination Passers

Abstract

Listening to and understanding the unspoken thoughts and lived experiences of aspiring nurses provides meaningful insight into their journey through the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE). This study explored the perceived struggles and motivational aspects of PNLE passers using a descriptive qualitative design. Open-ended, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face and online with 10 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed following the six-phase thematic analysis process. Three major themes and nine categories emerged from participants' narratives. (1) Internal struggles – encompassing fears, doubt, frustration; (2) Added burdens – including home adjustment, financial problems, and susceptibility to illness; and (3) Propelling factors – such as superstition, social, and spiritual influences. Participants perceived these experiences as shaping how they coped with the academic, emotional, and contextual demands of the licensure examination. Each examinee’s journey was described as unique, marked by personal challenges that tested resilience, perseverance, and determination. For the participants, passing the PNLE symbolized not only the fulfillment of a professional requirement but also the perceived overcoming of adversity and affirmation of inner strength. The findings highlight the value of supportive learning environments and collaborative engagement between educators and students through continuous evaluation and guidance. Promoting adaptive coping strategies and personal well-being—such as adequate rest, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and stress management—may support examinees’ emotional balance and preparedness. Future qualitative research is recommended to explore additional contextual and personal factors influencing PNLE experiences to inform holistic, practice-informed support for nursing graduates.