The Lamp
June-October 2009
Idealistic Reality
Breaking Closets
(The author does not cast himself as a stranger to some of the
observations made)
Our world will never be an ideal
one – that is if we’re going to take
Plato’s Theory of Forms at heart. In
his various books, he stated that just
like a painting is a poor and imperfect
imitation of a scene, our world is but
a mere corrupted replication of the
ideal one.
Plato furthered this statement
with his belief that the real world and
the ideal world are separate entities.
The things that we see around us
are mimicries of what are present
in the ideal world. According to him,
humans in the ideal world “converse
with the Gods and see the sun, moon
and stars as they truly are”. One
might say that Plato’s concept of the
ideal world is similar to the Catholics’
idea of heaven; one that is peaceful,
unflawed and untainted.
Even though we follow our
own standard of what is ideal, our
actual world will still pale against it.
The poverty, hunger, corruption and
violence that plague our nation make
our attempt to achieve our vision of
a good life a struggle. Hospitals,
public schools and other government
facilities still fall short even though
we have the standards for the
“ideal setting”.
People know how to live the
ideal way, but because they find
easier ways to survive, they tend to
If I would be asked to choose
between intelligence and beauty,
I’ll go for beauty… How about you?
No doubt it is the one
perceived by your naked eye that
comes to your mind every time
you hear the word beauty: pointed
nose, glowing skin complexion, long
eyelashes, thin or Angelina Jolie
lips. I don’t know. It depends on how
you describe that beauty. But sorry
that’s not what I want to put in your
mind. Indubitably, I made a great
pick when I chose exquisiteness
over astuteness, because it’s the
loveliness that can be perceived
by everybody’s obscured eyes.
As I try to roam my eyes
around the sphere of the Institute,
I saw a lot of beautiful faces.
Seeing those faces is like having
angels surrounding me. It’s the
same feeling when I hear my fellow
nursing students make their names
conspicuous through their cleverness.
Those things surely make any nursing
student proud that he or she belongs
to the same Institute. With these, I
realize that you’ll be popular in the
campus when you possess either of
these two: astounding intelligence or
astonishing beauty. And lucky you if
you got both. That will unquestionably
make you much more popular. But
there are students who want to get
the same fame. Maybe some intend
too or some unconsciously do it.
Maybe, just maybe, they don’t have
either of those remarkable attribute
so they get attention in other way.
I’m referring to our fellow students
Insulin or Abulia?
Poorgeoisie
This column presents two hustles, hubbubs or hullabaloos of a
realization and outlook among the student body and their own issues
as well. Happy reading!
Foremost Bleat
I salute the leadership of the
current Institute of Nursing (INSC)
officers in bringing their programs
to life. I saw their efforts particularly
the current INSC president, Ms. Jan
Marie de Leon. A concern which
must not complicate but needs a
voice is the thoughtless dumping
of the annual Acquaintance Party.
The motive for the abandonment
was that programs for this school year
were concentrated toward meaningful
Opinion
Jerome L. Ricafrente
forget it. They then choose to deafen
themselves from its call and resign
to the life of mimicking the ways of
others, all the while losing their grasp
on how to live right. After staying for
almost four years in FEU-IN, I’ve
noticed this on the study habits of
students and the way of teaching of
some of the faculty members.
Some might reason out that
what people perceive as ideal might
not materialize and prove useful in
real life. Our world is a real one and it
favors those people who are realistic.
Yet, if we’ll abide such rules, where
do we stand in comparison to those
who abuse their authority to fill their
coffers and those who steal money
to feed themselves? These kinds
of people indeed survive in the real
world, but their sense of identity,
morality and their conscience do
not. One slip is all it takes for them
to hit the ground, while people with
conviction and values will continue to
rise with every fall.
I’ve had my fair share of this
dilemma. Since grade school, I’ve
always envisioned myself as a
university professor. But because in
the “real world” the nursing course
offers a more lucrative and secured
future, I compromised my idea of life
to survive.
Beauty Secret
How? How do we keep our
The Aviateur
IN Demand
who sadly, have hideous attitudes.
Once, I was riding a jeepney
on my way home, a group of nursing
students came in. They were not
seated yet when they started chatting
as if they were the only persons inside
that jeep. And worse, as they were
seated, one of them started talking
even louder and was saying nasty
words. That made all the passengers
glare at them. How I wish I was not
wearing the same uniform as theirs.
But I was. I hope I had the courage
that time to tell them they were getting
so much attention. Maybe, they were
so intelligent they were even talking
about someone whom unfortunately,
they call “bobo”. What do you think
were the passengers thinking about
them that time? And now, how do you
think will people look at FEU nursing
students? Are we not reminded
every now and then that how we
act will reflect the whole Institute?
Like what I’ve said, many
have brilliant minds too. But some
lack the beauty I am referring to. Let
us not forget that as we build a mind
that can top the exams, let’s also build
a self that can bridge us with people.
Joshua D. Jorvina
projects, which was far daw from the
proposed event. A hundred-thousand-
plus budget can already be allotted
for more purposeful agendas such
as medical missions, charity and so
on. If the budget would be calculated,
the individual amount will only cost 28
pesos per IN student, a reasonable
amount to pursue the event.
On the INSC’s part, the Acquaintance
party was not just your perceived
happy-go-lucky happening. According
to Ms. de Leon, it has its significant
principles and ideas in a world that is
constantly trying to change them?
During our lectures and
eLearning, we are exposed to medical
innovations and settings that offer the
best treatment and interventions for
our patients. This is beside the fact
that many of these are not present in
the various clinical areas that we are
assigned to. I don’t consider being
introduced to these innovations as
something useless though. I think it’s
being taught to remind us that there
are ideal and effective ways to treat
and handle our patients. We must not
forget them just because they do not
exist in the actual setting, for doing
so is tantamount to allowing our poor
health system define our provision
of care.
On a personal level, I believe
it still rings true. I have developed a
deep sense of respect for the nursing
profession, but I will never forget my
true calling. Doing otherwise is like
allowing a “current trend” define my
way of life.
The fact that we live in an
eclectic world that tolerates the
existence of various and often times
conflicting beliefs suggests that we
are not in any way inhibited in realizing
our own stand in life. Whatever it is
that we consider ideal should not stay
unfulfilled just because they would
come out as something impractical
and difficult in the real world. The
tides of social standards and beliefs
are indeed strong that we find it
rather easy to conform to it, but I
believe that it’s not strong enough to
rattle someone who has the courage
and guts to sail to the direction his
heart leads him to. We may never
live in an ideal world but we can
be the ideal person we want to be.
Bumigay ka na sa lacrimal_rome@
yahoo.com
Macy Rose S. Flores
Sometimes, we look up too much to
our dreams that we tend to ignore the
people on our sides. Pitiably, we even
trample on others to get what we want.
Some even set aside the friendship to
gain higher rewards for themselves.
Who doesn’t want to achieve honor or
grades that you can be proud of? But I
hope it would not mean lowering down
oneself just for any award. Don’t be
satisfied with intelligence alone. Boost
it with a pleasing character as well.
Now, let’s go back with
the beauty that I’ve chosen over
astuteness. What does it take to
be called beautiful? I suggest three
standards. First, he or she must be
sensitive. To be sensitive is to feel
what others feel. It’s acting unselfishly.
There are some things that are fine
or okay to us, but not with others.
We might say words that we meant
as jokes, but are already upsetting
others.
It’s feeling the care that
our patients are asking without a
single word from them. Second,
one must act sophistically
especially in front of other people
continued on p. 8
purposes such as the launching of
INSC’s programs for the whole year.
The IN family is one project that aims
to unite freshies, sophies, juniors and
seniors because the curriculum now
is straight four years. Another is to
let the rest feel that they belong in
an institute of talents, not just being
confined in four corners of a room.
They get to see their ate’s and kuya’s
dancing, singing, plus other surprises.
Who has watched last year’s
dance number of the DYOSAS?
Wasn’t that fun and memorable?
Do IN students get to have social
verve? Yawn. Though we have our own
spiritual quests and religions, INSC
has its own values-forming projects
under the Spiritual Committee. Just
like what the INSC President has
said, let’s just accept and see the
brighter side. God has his purpose.
Last Bleat
Removing the patch, it’s a bit
hard to distinguish which is which.
Who are the students from IN when
7
“What’s Going On?”
Toink!
Margarette D. Bacani
During this year’s first semester, students from the Institute of
Nursing have encountered some problems and not to be bias, most
of them came from the seniors.
What Is Happening?
Voicing out these problems, most that are included concerned
the clinical exposure, such as the clinical instructor’s duty schedules
not coinciding with their lectures. Sometimes the two opposing
schedules would even overlap that the C.I.s are now faced with
the impossible. But they would, of course, pick the lecture over the
duty.
Another famous situation would be the whereabouts of the
communication letter. The C.I.s and the group s/he’s handling would
come to the area, both demanding that one special letter that makes
our rotations’ bloodlines go. Most of the time, it isn’t ready yet, so
another duty is cancelled.
Sometimes the schedule of the C.I.s would fit okay. Lectures
first, then by late afternoon, duty with a group or two. And by this
time, the C.I. would be dead tired from the day’s work to even bother
to scrutinize the students on duty, if they are charting correctly or if
they are already administering IV push without supervision. And this
would result to ineffective student, rotation, and C.I., then it would all
go down to the evaluation results.
Duty Concept Versus Lecture Concept
If the duty wasn’t cancelled, and the C.I. was free that day,
and if the COMM letter was already at hand, here comes another
problem: How come we don’t know what the C.I. is talking about?
Or what she is saying sounds familiar but we’ve forgotten all about
it? This time it’s all about the concepts’ agreement.
It’s all just very simple. If you are rotated in a mental institute
and your lecture concept is Eyes and Ears, what would be effective
about that? And most of the time, the C.I. doesn’t give lectures in the
area—they assume you already know, or at least knowing about it in
lecture. The students always look incompetent whenever faced with
a clinical exposure they have no slight clue about. Concepts should
propose a sort of balance for the students to be efficient.
V/S Nursing
Ward, ward, ward. If only the board exam questions would be
about ward management, we’d all pass with flying colors. In Level
IV, you are highly praised and envied if you’ve been rotated to a
special area.
In this problem we have answers. Last year, the 08-09 juniors
were all given ward rotations because the seniors have their
completion so they are the priority. But this year, seniors are still
assigned to wards because the lower levels are already exposed to
the clinical area. Where is fairness to that? Their PRC form drafts
are as clean as tabula rasa.
Why would the lower levels be prioritized this time? They
even have more cases than the seniors. This is more than just a
complaint—it’s a “cry for help.” How are the seniors supposed to
graduate if all their much-needed cases are caught by lower year
levels?
And we plainly need answers.
compared to other institutes? With suffered two years just to wear the IN
their long back hairs, loose polos, patch. Now that you are togged up in
one would observe that they are even that logo upon entering FEU, you must
proud of their B.O.F. auras which very take pride by abiding what is desired.
hilarious. Just when did IN permitted For Levels II, III and IV, our green
uniform and grooming upheaval? smock gowns, although they are a
To the lower batches, just look at
how properly groomed your kuya’s and
ate’s are. Juniors and Seniors have
bit uncomfortable to wear especially
during hot days, must always serve
as the epidermis of our white uniform.
Our institute is known for its
clean cuts, properly tucked polos,
shaved faces, and so on and so forth. strict grooming and uniform policies
Though some are boorish of how they cephalo caudal or from head to foot.
present themselves, it’s up to them to Though the Discipline Committee
sport what they want – passion for ill- cannot get all the ID’s of these
fashion. For the clinical uniforms, my pasaways, one must remind himself
female group mates always see their or herself the school and institute
co-students disentangling their buns they belong. An IN alumni has told us
in public places. We, of Adam’s specie this: if you feel sick and tired of these
may not comprehend. Eve’s point is rules, better slough off your noble
that disrespect is being shown for the degree and budge. This semester,
white uniform; second they ruin the tiara-like nursing caps replaced the
image of FEU-IN on the upbringing older, smaller and filthier caps of the
of uniform and grooming; and third, female students. Ma’am Cañizares
they display off beam example to told us during our Ethics concept
the subordinate batches. It sounds that the Institute is teaching us to be
even-handed on their part. For Level I competent nurses, one of the reasons
and Level II students, we waited and why we should always abide.
continued on p. 8
 8 News Features The Lamp
June-October 2009

INSC unveils year long projects By Alex Redome and Klaudine Palma
Headed by the advisers Mrs. Rachelle Lax- tute of Nursing and the INSC. year is a play entitled “Enchanted Hours”.
amana and Mr. Jonathan Cañares, the Institute
of Nursing Student Council (INSC) aims to imple- Socio-Cultural Committee Publicity Committee
ment programs and activities that would cater to The Socio-Cultural Committee, led by the With their president Karen Bacongan and
the needs and interests of the whole Institute of Officer-in-Charge Evan Lendle Ramos, focuses Officer-in-Charge Patrick Lourence Mesias, the
Nursing (IN) population. Programs done by the on activities that would enhance the unity of the Publicity Committee aims to widen the span of
past batches that had proved to be successful IN students. Their projects for the school year information dissemination especially to the low-
are utilized again this year while the proposals include Institute of Nursing Acquaintance Party: er year levels this school year. In line with this,
for new activities have also been considered. INteract, INvolve, INtegrate; IN Shirt Launch; IN proposals for the projects such as the remodel-
Through this, nursing students are directed to the Family; Poster Making Contest and the Photo ing of the bulletin boards in collaboration with the
enhancement of their skills and abilities through Contest. Creative Productions Committee, the making of
their participation and support to these proposed the Blogspot, and the room to room assignments
programs. “Our approach this year is holistic. Student Development Committee of the publicity committee members in order to
We want to reach out to all levels of the insti- The Student Development, a newly es- assess the effectiveness of information dis- Med-
tute,” as stated by the INSC president Jan Ma- tablished committee, headed by the FEUCSO semination are to be pursued. Also, the Publicity ical- Surgi-
rie De Leon. “The student council of 2009-2010 Representative Romeo Alexis Dimayacyac aims Committee will be participating and collaborating cal-Dental Mission.
will undeniably make a mark this school year.” to meet the students’ needs including those that with the Academic Committee in the Clash of the The sec- ond semester
are out of academic concerns. Projects such as Brilliant Minds the first FEU nursing debate. will enrich the knowledge and
INSC Committees IN Voice Box and Table: Filling up the Insufficien- experiences of the red crossers with
cies; IN Book Bank: One Book, Two Hands, Tree Discipline Committee the six activities on hand. These are the Basic
Academic Committee of Knowledge and the IN Student Congress: Sign Language; Operation Archer II; Opera-
The Discipline Committee is concerned in
The Academic Committee with their Offi- Hearing the Voices of the Tamaraw Nurses are maintaining the decorum and the grooming of the tion Enlighten: RCYCC Medical-Dental-Opthal-
cer-in-Charge Jeremy Medrano and President to be launched this school year. mological Mission; Pledge 25: University Wide
IN students whether inside or outside the cam-
Paulo Martin Cleope will continue to nurture the Blood Letting Program; Project Dunant II: Red
pus. Headed by their Officer-in-Charge Josuha
academically inclined FEU-IN students through Executive Committee Cross Youth Days and the Abot Kamay V: Medi-
Katrina David and President Miguel Angelo Co,
their projects for the school year. These are the The Executive Committee, headed by the the committee came up with two projects namely cal-Surgical-Dental Mission.
Seeds of Wisdom: Small Group Discussion with INSC President Jan Marie De Leon, has three The Way of the Tamaraw: Epitome of Excellence
Expert FEU lecturers in their Field; Pen Power: projects for this school year. These are the IN and From empty bottles to good books. The The Lamp
The second FEU-IN Essay Writing Competition; Teambuilding; AIDS Awareness Campaign and proceeds of the latter project will be donated to With the IN faculty adviser Maria Loisa
Tutorial Sessions; Tam Nurse-Greatness Un- the annual Foundation Week. Santiago and Editor-in-Chief Jan Albert Suing,
Student Development Committee’s book bank.
leashed: The 5th FEU Nursing Quiz Bee; Aim The Lamp will continuously enlighten and in-
High Tamaraw Nurse: The 2nd FEU-IN on-the- Sports Committee form the IN students on the different issues and
IN Flagships
spot NCP making contest; The Clash of Bril- Encouraging unity and building the team- happenings in the Institute. Projects such as the
liant Minds; and the Challenging the Best of the work of the IN family are the functions of the Red Cross Youth Collegiate Council Journalism Seminar, the release of the two is-
Bests: first FEU Nursing Research Congress. Sports Committee. With their Officer-in-Charge sues of the Lamp in the first and second semes-
The Red Cross Youth Collegiate Council
Sybil Alcaraz and President Keneth Robles, the with their IN faculty adviser Kurt Rasos, Officer- ter, and handing out of a ‘literary folio’ are to be
Spirit-Civic Committee committee has two activities for the year 2009- in-Charge Erwin Jan Enriquez, and President materialized this school year.
With the desire to uplift the values and 2010. These are the Institute of Nursing Sports Mary Margaret Estupigan, sets 16 projects for the
spirituality of the nursing students, the Spirit-Civ- Fest with the motto of “Strengthening the Spirit of school year that will encourage voluntary service Institute of Nursing Music Ministry and Institute
ic Committee headed by their president Katrina Sportsmanship” and the FEU Athletics League. and camaraderie to the nursing students. of Nursing Theater Arts Committee
Cagne has 5 projects for the school year. Among The Institute of Nursing Music Ministry
Ten projects are to take place in the first se-
them are the Motivational Day-Empowering the Creative Productions Committee (INMM) headed by their president Josephine
mester. These are the RCYCC General Assem-
Faith: Mass for the Licensure Exam; Gift Giv- The Creative Productions headed by their bly; Blood Awareness Month Campaignl; Project Glatz and the Institute of Nursing Theater Arts
ing Program; Feeding Program and Livelihood; President Xyla Noelle Babao and Officer-in- Volt-in; Blood Marathon: Madugong Paligsahan; Committee (INTAC) with their president Venie
Faithing Circle; and the Council’s Counsel. Fur- Charge Evan Lendle Ramos strives to reach out Scuffle’s Sword: A RCY Humanitarian Law Sym- Dalog, both conduct Regular Enhancement Pro-
thermore, masses in the FEU chapel are con- to the nursing students through the video presen- posium; Community RCY; Adopt-a-School; Op- grams which aims to develop the talents of its
ducted every first week of the month which is tations, posters, and other promotional materials eration Rambo IV; Leadership Development members thru workshops. This serves as their
sponsored by the different batches of the Insti- they provide in big events such as the acquain- Program: Leader and a Ship III and the RCYCC preparation for annual competitions like Sayawit
tance party. Their major project for the school and Acalitmus.

A Touching Moment
were way too bizarre to understand. it is not the word that could have illness. It is now a word that will
Those tiring moments were paid-off won me that spelling quiz bee years make me remember the moment I
during the Grand Socialization Party. ago any more. It is now a word that was able to touch a person’s life and
Grand Socialization Day was changed my perspective on people made a difference.
the day that marked the end of the who are diagnosed with this mental

Singultus
duty. We, together with our patients,

Alien’s Diary...
had a blast during the party. There
was this part where our patients will from p. 6
Kathlyn Kaye P. Delizo say a few words for us. We were capable enough to provide him a decent life.
shocked and touched by the words
they uttered and their reactions. They Too much love for family
Schizophrenia – A word which Even after I read that, I still felt were teary-eyed while saying their ‘What are you frustrated about?’ A professor once asked me.
has been embedded on my mind for puzzled but dismissed it, not knowing words of gratitude for us. They were It is this: we love our family so much that we are willing to sacrifice
the past eight years of life in school. that after eight years, I’ll be able to even giving advices like not to get everything that makes us happy for them. I do believe that man’s moral purpose
I would never forget that moment I encounter again this word but with a married yet because we are still too in life is his happiness. But nobody says it’s wrong to love his family. Certainly
heard that word. It was when I was deeper meaning in my life. young and study hard. As they were not. But sacrifice must never be used a justification of one’s love. One must not
in sixth grade that the word could’ve During our duty at a home care going back to their respective rooms
let his love for his family stifle him from reaching his dreams.
won me first place in the spelling bee. in Mandaluyong, we were able to meet after the party, they gave each of us What does this have to do with the Philippines’s sluggish progress?
After I got home that day, I picked up persons who are called by people a piece of candy saying that they will
In a recent study, it was found that the top two priorities of Filipinos are
my dictionary and searched for that outside the medical field as ‘insane’. pray for us to be safe and be happy.
word and its meaning. But to us, they are ‘Schizo patients’. It was at this moment when we felt their families and their friends. This is in contrast with Western countries where
Schiz-o-phre-ni-a (n) Any of a At first, I was nervous, judgmental overwhelmed by the fact that we they perceive achievements as their paramount priority. Progress nowadays
group of psychotic disorders usually and scared and there were millions were able to be a part of their lives requires global competitiveness. But how do we become competitive if we are
characterized by withdrawal from of ‘what-ifs’ in my mind. These all and in return, they touched us with already contented with what we have? Masaya na ‘ko basta masaya kaming
reality, illogical patterns of thinking, disappeared when my group mates their simple gestures and words of magkakasama ng pamilya ko at kumakain kami ng tatlong beses sa isang araw.
delusions, and hallucinations, and and I have met our patients. They gratitutde. That doesn’t even sound like contentment at all. It’s more like despair – the
accompanied in varying degrees were all smiles and very friendly. They Schizophrenia is a word that I despair of not being able to explore one’s full potential and the possibility of
by other emotional, behavioral, looked normal but once we began the have known for eight years. For me, achieving a higher level of self-actualization.
or intellectual disturbances. nurse-patient interaction, the signs and
Insulin or...
On a lighter note, we can actually help our family without feeling it as
Schizophrenia is associated with symptoms of schizophrenia became a burden by bearing in mind that helping them and providing for them isn’t a
dopamine imbalances in the brain very obvious. During those times, it from p. 7
was very tiring for us to communicate Precisely! Guys, their point responsibility but a prerogative.
and may have an underlying genetic
cause. with them because their answers is crystal clear. Getting to the habit Hospitality versus Inferiority
of always being the best – not only I doubt the famous Filipino hospitality. I believe it is not hospitality at all. It’s
Beauty Secrets... from p. 7
physically through our uniforms, but more of inferiority complex.
also mentally by studying hard – will Of all the races in the world, the Filipino is among those who believe in
and with the patients. That is to act with confidence and with finesse. give us the edge from other graduates white supremacy or superiority. This is the reason why they show them illogical
The third is closely related to the second, and that is acting as a real in this competitive health care industry.
“educated” person. Bear in mind that not all who earn a degree act like A remarkable word I found respect every time they’re in the country or they see them strolling on our streets
educated ones. Be not like them. Show our being educated through as I was browsing my phone’s medical or sun-bathing in our beaches, why they give them special treatment, serve them
our actions and words. Those three, if we just put them in our hearts, dictionary was the word ABULIA, food they hardly even share with their fellows, and let themselves be treated by
will make us notice not only as lovely persons, but future nurses who a common symptom amongst these foreigners as slaves. And it is not because we are hospitable.
really deserve trust and respect from people and from our patients. Schizophrenics. It is a medical term Don’t you see the manifestations of this malady? The number one song
Later in our lives, what would be more important is neither our denoting absence or impairment in the local music hit chart is Korean; the highest rating local TV shows are
intelligence nor the beauty we used to have, but it’s the undying beauty of will power. The individual still Filipino remakes of Mexican telenovelas; and many more. Filipinos tend to
that the people around us find within ourr hearts. It’s the beauty that our manifests desires to put it into action, worship anything foreign. They even want their surnames to sound foreign. How
patients long every time they will need caring nurses. I chose that beauty but they do not, for initiative and many times have you laugh upon hearing genuine Pinoy surnames such as
because I know that it’s the one that can really make me happy. I don’t see energy are lacking. Concluding these Batungbacal and sort? Can’t you see that these people bearing these kinds of
the goodness of achieving something great yet you rejoice alone because uproars, hopefully these ruckuses surnames are the real Filipinos? How many times have we heard phony actresses
the people are resentful of your attitude. Someday, it would be nicer if I may serve to open the eyes of the
flaunt their expensive, imported bags and shoes in local TV? Countless times.
happen to bump someone accidentally from the Institute while roaming in sightless, tap the back of ignorant,
the mall for example, and he or she smiles at me or hugs me because we enlighten the gloomed. Besides, we And it’s sick.
had an affable friendship before, than just be ignored and be just known as all want a win-win solution. Change What a tragic sight. Until the Filipinos take pride in being a Filipino, we will
the prettiest or brightest student in the same school where we graduated. and improvement are like insulin, not recover from this abyss of self-discrimination and self-loathing.
Do you agree this time to choose beauty over intelligence? Everybody key to energy, the energy to be We cannot step in the same river twice. The world is constantly changing,
can be beautiful. From being lovely, we can always be lovelier and then the better. Long-acting or short-acting? and if we don’t adapt to these changes, we will forever be left out. So let us
loveliest students who can be assets of our Institute. Let us not forget how Better if the former, even worse if no leave the past behind and live the present for our future and the future of this
we become beautiful. Let this Turkish proverb reminds us always of how to be determination or abulia. It is up to us. glorious nation.
gorgeous in everybody’s eyes, “Whoever the heart loves, she is the beauty.” Insulin or abulia? Masarap mabuhay. Ikwento mo na sa uansuing@yahoo.com=)
 The Lamp
June-October 2009 News Features
This school year
opened a remarkable era in the history
of The Far Eastern University Institute
of Nursing as Dr. Glenda S. Arquiza, the
Associate Dean of IN for the last 6 years,
assumes the Deanship post, making
her the 7th Dean of the institute
after being established 54 years ago.
Dr. Glenda S. Arquiza, who graduated with a
degree of Bachelor of Science in
Nursing from Siliman University,
earned her Master of Arts in Nursing
at The Philippine Women’s University
and her Doctor of Philosophy major in
Educational Administration from the
University of the Philippines.
Prior to having worked as the
Associate Dean of IN since June 2003,
Dean Arquiza was also the Assistant
Director of the Office of the General
Education Curriculum of our university
from April 2001 to May 2003; Program
Coordinator of the Master of Arts in
Nursing Program; and faculty member of
the School of Nursing in 1975 but left in
1981 to take care of her children.
After 11 years, she decided to go back
to work. Her first job was being the Principal of
the School of Midwifery of J. P. Sioson Colleges
and General Hospital. While at J. P. Sioson
Colleges, she held different positions such
as Academic Dean, Director of Nursing
Service Department and Assistant Hospital
Administrator. It is to her credit also that the school
By
was able to offer six programs such as B.S.
Nursing, B.S. Medical Technology, Associate
Walk- in Radiologic Technology, Medical Secretarial,
A.B. Psychology, and Secondary Education.
ing In 2000, Dr. Arquiza became the Dean
the of the College of Nursing and Midwifery and
AHSE at Delos Santos College and Director
Talk of Nursing Service at Delos Santos Medical
Center. Her first job was as a Clinical
You Instructor in Marian School of Nursing. She
show also served as a faculty member in different
schools such as University of Pangasinan
them College of Nursing; St. Paul’s College,
what you
Manila – College of Nursing; Unciano
College of Nursing in Antipolo, and FEU
can do. Institute of Nursing among others. Dr.
Arquiza served as a Professioral Lecturer
A First: By Jerome L. Ricafrente
FEU Elects IN Student for FEUCSO
President
“Let it (Institute of Nursing) have its time and its turn to
show that it can also give its sparkle of student-leadership
volunteerism,” said Ramon Victor Roxas, the first nursing
student to be elected as FEUCSO President.
After over 50 years of waiting, Far Eastern University (FEU)
proved ready this school year to name an IN student as FEUCSO
president. Ramon Victor Roxas, a third year nursing student, won
the position at the election held on the last week of February.
Roxas along with the other candidates of the Sandigan Party won
their respective positions. “We won because of the student platforms
we showed. Our platforms are based on the many suggestions
of the students like better information dissemination, socio-civic
involvements, youth mobilization like TamHunt, Boto ni Piyu, Sayawit
and foundation concert,” Roxas said on their party’s landslide victory.
On Running as President
Roxas gave several reasons on what made him ran for president
despite the challenging and demanding life of a nursing student. He
said that his predecessors like former INSC Presidents Richard Yu
and Jaycee Zoreta had inspired him to be the first nursing student
to attempt for the position. “They have instilled in me the values and
skills of being a true leader,” Roxas quipped.
Roxas also said that it’s about time for the leadership potentials
of nursing students to be recognized in the whole FEU community. “At
first, I was intimidated because others believe that nursing students
must be in a lower position to balance their academic and social life.
So when I was in first year and I learned that no student from the IN had
been elected president, I was inspired to prove that nursing, with how
we help people in their daily lives, is service-leadership at its finest.”
Historic Breakthrough
Roxas recounted that when he was in first year, he was shown
to the alumni room and was told that the IN and the Institute of
Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) are the only Institutes
who have not
had
A nurse leader serves with passion.
They are passionate in their work for it
actually involves caring for people.
9
A Nurse of her time
An Educator of real time
at the Graduate
By Janine Aguila
Schools of UST and
Mapua Institute of Technology.
In the present, she continues to be part
of the Institute of Graduate Studies in FEU as a Part-Time well.
Faculty with a rank of Professor IV; Nurse Consultant and Honorary What are your plans in
Co-Chair in Veterans Memorial Medical Center Planned Clinical terms of our NLE goals?
Instruction Program; and from time to time, a Panel Member for One of these days you will see teasers around and that is
Thesis, Dissertation Proposal, and Final Defense in PWU, UST, for the 2010 batch. It will be a part of their motivation to do better.
PLM, and FEU. It is like a game which will make them set their own goals. Other
What is your philosophy as an educator and as a nurse? than that, we also have the Nursing Audit which we are having
I am a critical humanist. Humanist because I appreciate the for the past 3 years. We have seen that the rating has improved
uniqueness of the learner and critical as I hope to change for the this year and the Nursing Audit is a great help to the students. It’s
better and to improve social conditions for all. the critical humanist still in the planning to put it though the e-Learning. In that case,
educator aims for a caring learning environment. the strengths and weaknesses of each student will be easily
How about your inspiration? identified and with that we can easily help them work on that.
There are two people who influenced me to become a good In Dean Arquiza’s point-of-view, where is IN now and where
educator. First, my grand uncle – he’s the Dean Emeritus of the do you think it is headed? What growth have you envision
Graduate School of Siliman University. Then, my father-in-law who for IN?
is a great educator as well. He was the President of the Philippine We have maintained our standards and the best indicator
Christian University for almost 20 years. of that is the results of the recent NLE. IN is currently Level II
My Dean from Siliman University who is a very fine lady Reaccredited and we are hoping for it to undergo a second
inspired me as well. By just being there and seeing her actions, I Level II Reaccreditation early next year. We envision for a Level
was inspired by her. Dean Elegado, my first Dean here, a very fine III Accreditation by 2013 and in 6 years, our Institute will be
lady as well, is to whom I have seen most of the characteristics of celebrating its Diamond Year, IN will be 60 years old. Life is a
all the deans I have worked for. I was actually hired by her to work journey and there are people who will walk with you. Without
here. She is a good person and she epitomized what a Christian these people walking with you, you will not attain your goal;
Nurse is with the principles and virtues of honesty, uprightness, you will not reach your ‘journey’, so with everybody’s help – the
caring for others, giving, and forgiving. administration, the faculty, students, and alumni, we envision
Would you consider all these challenging or rewarding? the Institute of Nursing to become a Center for Excellence for
Nursing Education by the year 2015.
Why? In what way/s?
It is both challenging and rewarding. At the end of the day Among the many nursing values, what among these would
when you know that you have done what you are supposed to do,
that’s the time when you get your reward. It’s very fulfilling. You
you emphasize to the students?
Honesty. I always tell this that the greatest virtue of a
know the woman’s tasks and obligations. I am a mother, a wife, a nurse is her honesty, most especially because as nurses we are
dealing with lives. I am always guided by the Christian principles.
sister, a child, a teacher all at the same time. Then as a teacher,
you are a parent. You have to live with all these roles. Life is a The Bible is a very rich source of inspiration to everybody. Also
choice. It is up to you to be happy with your job or not. You don’t
look at it like just a job but something that you do which makes you
there must be love, the kind of love best exemplified by our Lord
Jesus Christ.
happy and enjoy at the same time. What would you tell or advice our students at this point?
Considering the recent Philippine Nursing Licensure How would you motivate them and inspire them?
Examinations wherein our graduates performed very well, By ‘Walking the Talk’. You show them what you can do.
what are your expectations now from the students of IN? What is your message to the FEU-IN community and to the
FEU-IN students, in general and to the graduating batch?
We expect them to pass the NLE and if they can make
the passing rate higher, it will be better. You can see that we are For everybody; be the best that you can be in whatever
improving, from 79% last year to 84%. Of course, it’s everybody’s you do and wherever you go.
dream to get a 100% but we have to be realistic in settling our goal as
a student as FEUCSO President. So when Web Ramores, end of the day it’s always your
an IARFA student, was elected as the president of FEUCSO academics that matters. But to
last school year, it inspired him to accomplish the same feat those who want to be involved
for IN. socio-civically and in volunteerism
Roxas’ opinion on why it took up to now for a nursing like donating blood and becoming
committee members, it’s all about
student to be elected is similar to the common perception on
passion. Don’t be scared as long as
the profession. “There’s this saying that nurses work under you have the values to back it up.”
doctors and they are just assistants. But my predecessors
and I believe that nurses work with doctors. I believe that Present and Future Endeavors
nurses can also imbibe leadership,” he explained. “I’m doing well. I am thankful
Another reason he cited is that the nursing course is to the people who supported me all
difficult. “No one before had the initiative to run as president along,” Roxas said when asked about
of the FEUCSO for the course (nursing) is very demanding his performance as president.
and you have to exert extra efforts and manage time,” Roxas is currently a third year
Roxas said. student and a second term is possible
Roxas added that in order then for a nursing student to when he enters fourth year.
be able to cope up with the responsibilities of a leader, he must When asked about his plans
after his term, he said “I’m
be well-trained and well-diverse. “It’s also important for you to
be academically competent so that no matter what pressure not sure yet. The only
thing that’s sure is that I’ll
is thrown at you, you can balance your time,” Roxas said.
continue being a leader in
Being a Nurse-Leader my own way. Whether it is by
“A nurse leader serves with passion. They are being in Red Cross, Tamvol
passionate in their work for it actually involves caring for (Tamaraw Volunteers) or
people. Aside from assisting your patients with love and Oradec (Oratorical and Debate
care, you also put in a spark of leadership and volunteerism. Council), I would be proud
Being a leader, how a nursing student does it, is already a to continue my service to
sign of humility as you offer yourself in service to others,” the FEU community.
Roxas said when asked how a nurse-leader differs from
the others.
Roxas said that he is no stranger to the pressures
of being a nursing student. Yet, according to him this did
not serve as a barrier in extending his service to the FEU
community. “It’s the passion that drives you through. The
fear is overcome by your values and your passion for
leadership. No matter what rotation or duty you have, as
long as you have the thirst to serve the FEU community,
you can surpass everything,” Roxas furthered.
Just like most students,
Roxas’ top priority is his
studies. “At the
10 The Lamp
June-October 2009 Optica
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June-October 2009
11 The Lamp

Photos by: Lawrence Alfred Gregorio and Xyla Noelle Babao. Layout by: Austeen Soriano, Henzen Revilla and Kathreen Lisay
12
FEU-in
Ghost Stories By Patricia Bianca Laygo and Arsenio Maclang Jr.
N
othing as compared to the published
ghost stories sold at bookstands,
hair-raising hearsays and ghastly
horror flicks, student nurses can surely give
you the good ol’ shivers and a desperate fail-
ure to get some shut-eye at night, for they
can load you up with their own fair share of
frightening, real paranormal encounters dur-
ing their call of duty at different hospital ar-
eas and other infamous clinical institutions.
Haunted Bathroom
A student from BSN015, particularly from
Group 57, vividly recalled how she and her
other group mates had a terrifying experience
while they are in for a transient stay at one of
the dormitories in Batangas after their duty.
As they were all in the room for a day’s rest,
they heard a sudden, incessant banging at the
door. Turning to see who it was, they opened
it and found no one on the doorstep, and this
incident continued to happen a couple of times
during their stay. Moreover, she even told
how they would hear someone taking a bath
at exactly 3’o clock in the morning, even using
a pail and a tub, hearing every splatter of the
water reverberating clearly through the walls of
their restroom. One group mate of hers even
claimed to have seen an apparition, a ghost of
a woman, whom they supposed to be a nurs-
ing student once who had committed suicide
and had also stayed in the same dormitory.
The Conference Room
A particular hospital in Bulacan has been
noted for its uncanny conference room which
appears to be in a secreted location. Many stu-
dents have reported eerie experiences while
staying in the said area of the hospital. A student
from BSN019 narrated her own encounter while
in the toilet of the conference room. After using
the toilet bowl, she was about to get the steel
hose when suddenly she noticed a reflection of
a small, dark-skinned boy standing behind her.
This made her scream and leap out of the place.
They then told their clinical instructor about the
incident and confirmed that there was really an
apparition on the said location. Another occur-
rence happened on students of BSN001-Group
2, who has just finished their case presentation
on a patient who underwent below-the-knee am-
putation. The patient eventually died of cardiac
arrest few days before the presentation. With
lights off, the students were changing theirs uni-
forms from scrub suits to clinical uniforms when
all of a sudden, an unpleasant odor, which was
like a decayed foot, came out of the toilet. They
Features
just ignored the whiff and continued with what
they were doing. Suddenly, a white flash ran
from the toilet and then went out of the window.
The quick incident stunned them and they hur-
riedly looked for the switch to turn on the lights.
Lost Shadows
One student from BSN002-Group 8 was
yet another witness of a trembling paranormal
experience in a hospital in Bulacan. She was
having her night shift at the time. At around 12
midnight, she and her other group mate gave
their patients’ medications. Consequently, they
went to the nurses’ station to do a recording
on the patients’ charts. Thereafter, they paved
their way to the students’ lounge while sharing
stories. On their way to the right, she suddenly
noticed something creepy on the opposite hall-
way. A figure of a black shadow crossed the
hallway and percolated into the window. She
suddenly stopped and thought it was only a
mistake. She asked her other classmate if she
saw the same and she confessed she did. At
that instance, they started running towards the
students’ lounge. They told it to their clinical in-
structor, who informed them that an apparition
usually appears on that hallway on the left, in
front of the chapel.
The Constipated Ghost
One student from BSN008-Group 32
who had their night shift at a hospital in Bula-
can also mentioned one particular instance
that really gave her goose bumps. At around
2:30 am, while sitting at the students’ lobby,
they were suddenly thrilled by a specter, which
was right inside the toilet. It was a vision of a
woman, whose face was covered with long hair.
She was sitting at the toilet bowl and peeping
through the door. The apparition stayed there
for 15 minutes, which gave the student an un-
forgettable nightmare.
Part of being a nurse is experiencing these
supernatural incidences from time to time, may
it be day or night. These are unavoidable cir-
cumstances since the hospital, aside from an
area of healing, also serves as a succumbing
spot for many patients; wherein some are still
in denial of their fate. Hence, it is of paramount
importance to pray for their souls to finally lay
them in peace.
And just in case you are walking alone
in the hospital hallway or sitting at the lounge,
slowly look around you. They may just be
there… watching you… waiting for you to see
them, too…
Fundamentals of Nursing:
The First Year and Second
Year Experience
By Riza Rosarito Pulpulaan
This school year, another
batch of young and fresh minds
is immersed into the arena of
the nursing profession. More
and more potentials are har-
nessed to their utmost level and
students are driven to bring out
their fullest capacities so they
can be nurses of leading com-
petence and genuine compas-
sion in the near future.
As we all know, the begin-
ning years in the IN life would
always be founded on the
fundamentals, as in the case
of younger years which have
always been grounded from
simple ABCs. But this time,
the freshmen and sophomores
are much faced with novel and
unpredictable experiences,
as they are having their own
first-time face-offs. By this, it
is chiefly pertaining to the new
nursing curriculum mantled on
the 1st and 2nd yr students and
to the college life specifically
focused on the nursing course
per se.
First time exposures in
college and in the clinical set-
ting could really be tough and
challenging at first, but as time
goes by, you would uncon-
sciously find yourself getting
used to it and perhaps, you
would eventually become more
committed to it.
Life in the university is
incomparable to the life during
high school days. During this
phase, one prepares the path
he would be actually taking
over for the rest of his career
days. Indeed, it comes with a
more serious and bludgeoning
course. For 1st year students,
it is a transitory period of mak-
ing adjustments and fitting into
the real world of diverse strang-
ers same as with everyday of
meeting the unknown and en-
countering new situations far
different from that of before.
On the other hand, if the
2nd year students are to be
talked about, it is well known
that they are the first batch of
nursing students who are ex-
posed early in the clinical set-
ting and dished out with a more
advanced learning, together
with the 1st year students, due
to the adaptation of the new
curriculum (originally, the nurs-
ing curriculum practiced for the
past few years).
The new curriculum that
covers the freshmen and soph-
omores has drawn in much at-
tention and impact to the whole
IN community, especially to the
nursing students. However, the
majority is settled with the said
curriculum. Besides, there is
nothing else the students can
do but to adhere to the agreed
change enclosed in the memo-
randum ordered by CHED.
Freshmen and sopho-
mores were asked to disclose
their sentiments regarding their
overall experiences under the
nursing program. Some were
able to open concerns about
the new nursing curriculum,
while others about the early ro-
tation of duty. They described
most of their experiences to be
fun, exciting, exhausting, caus-
ing sleepless nights and pres-
suring due to hectic schedule
and lot of major subjects. One
student from BSN029 even
said, “I feel unlucky to be in the
batch under the new curricu-
lum, but at the same time, I feel
lucky to be exposed early in the
clinical setting.”
Nova, 1st year student,
said she agrees with the ad-
aptation of the new curricu-
lum. “Though it’s quite hard,
it’s better for us because we
The Lamp
June-October 2009
become aware of the things a
nurse needs to do. Besides, we
can have early knowledge and
practices of the nursing pro-
fession,” she said. Another 1st
year student, April, who agrees
with the extended hours of RLE
said, “I prefer the new curricu-
lum because we could learn
more about the purposes as
well as the activities of nurses.”
On the contrary, Rachelyn, 1st
year student, mentioned she
prefers less number of units
because she finds it hard to
be under the nursing program.
However, “I think that early duty
is super cool, “she stated.
Second year students
also have opposing views.
Heart, a 2nd year student,
shared that she would like the
AHSE program to be imple-
mented again. “Students are
too pressured to adapt on the
leanings. There is lack of time
for absorbing too much ideas
and knowledge. And I can say
I’m inadequately prepared for
early exposure in the clinical
setting,” she objected. And al-
though students like J.C., Mi-
chael, Angelo, F, and a student
from BSN206 support the new
curriculum and feel privileged
and challenged about it, not all
of them are glad and can direct-
ly say they are satisfied with it.
When asked to briefly describe
their experiences, the follow-
ing were their feedbacks. J.C.
said, “I feel proud and satisfied
because we are advanced. I
think it’s too early for us to be
exposed in the clinical setting,
but it’s for our own good-to ex-
ercise ourselves for the near
future.” Michael added, “The
new curriculum can really test
us all specially our time man-
agement.” Angelo pointed, “So
far, I have good experiences
under the new curriculum even
if some of the subjects are not
taught well, and much time is
still needed. It’s hard to adapt
at first, yet we still have to be
progressive.” Moreover, F ad-
mitted she is afraid because of
less experience. She reasoned
out, “We are still in 2nd year
yet others are already explor-
ing the clinical setting. Also,
the student from BSN206 said:
“It’s a very stressful experi-
ence since we are taking the
major subjects all at the same
time. But through this, we could
master well the skills that are
discussed. “
To wrap it all up, it ap-
pears that most of the respons-
es of the 1st year and 2nd year
students are in favor of the new
curriculum despite its repercus-
sions. The students are able to
see that the new curriculum
would provide them optimum
learning and necessary compe-
tencies that would greatly ben-
efit them in the long run. Above
it all, it should be assumed be-
forehand that nursing in its very
nature is never easy. Likewise
with any other courses and life
in general, we have to bear a
lot of hardships, meet inconve-
niences, and expect the unex-
pected. First time experiences
like entrance to college and to
nursing course and exposure to
new curriculum and early duty
are not bad after all. As a mat-
ter fact, they open up for great
opportunities and serve as a
training ground for us. One by
one, we are honed to become
better and more goal-directed
persons and nurses. There are
many things to happen and
there are still rooms for growth
ahead of us. As always, live life
to the fullest and do the best
you can. Enjoy nursing! ☺