Conus Diagnosis issue no.2 by Conus Diagnosis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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03 04 05

ABOUT THE COVER

EDITORIAL

“Journalism: the Immutable TRUTH ” Anyone can simply write an article, integrate any form of information to it, give it an attractive yet credible appearance and layout, and post...

NEWS XU to hold F2F Classes for Second Semester for SY 2021-2022

Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan— Select colleges have been granted approval to resume face-to-face classes in the University for the second...

NEWS XU-CONUS Wraps Up Nursing Week 2022

The Council of Nursing Students kicked off the annual Nursing Week last March 28 - April 2, 2022 with the theme: “Nurses: Heroes of the Modern Time.”...

proud and precious moment and a great milestone that is wonderfully achieved by all of them—it is with great pride, honor and glory that the Capping, Badging and Candle Lighting ceremony has finally been bestowed upon the Xavier University College of Nursing Second and Third Year Level students. Despite the challenges that the student nurses underwent, having this significant event means that in their hearts, they are already equipped for the challenges that a student nurse will have to face and overcome.

C R E AT I V E “Homeless and Hungry On Christmas Eve”

News Headline: Nearly 4 million people across more than 400 cities were affected by Typhoon Odette, according to the Philippine...

C R E AT I V E

“Homeless and Hungry On Christmas Eve”

News Headline: Nearly 4 million people across more than 400 cities were affected by Typhoon Odette, according to the Philippine...

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It will be all worthwhile

It’s 4 AM, the sky – pitch black, My bed enchants me, but a new day awaits If it rains, grab a mac; if it shines,...

NEWS EDITOR Angela Balhon

F E AT U R E

The stride of the third year nursing students The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the paradigm of everyday life: restrictions were imposed, changes...

LEAD FEATURE WRITER

Ralph Daniel Diola

COPY EDITOR Emmanuelle Paayas

FEATURE WITERS

Rodesa Shaira B. Cornito, RN, LPT, MAN

FEATURE EDITOR Princess Dayrit CREATIVES EDITOR

F E AT U R E

Iubilae Babiera

CONUS MODERATOR

CREATIVE WRITERS

Jethro Noel C. Daños, RN, MAN CONUS MODERATOR

LAY-OUT EDITOR Johnry Camahalan LEAD PHOTOJOURNALIST Eloisa Dano GUEST ARTIST Michael Rafael Baygan

Carynn Tacandong Zhoey Reyes Rhonalyn Lanuza NEWS WRITERS

LAYOUT ARTISTS

Kim Samoya Pamela Bracero Louise Llagas Hyacinth Premacio Edd Akut Hillary Pacuribot Louella Acut Blanche Bacarro Athena Aguillon Angelica Naelga Caillaux Jimenez Eleamae Lanzaderas Kyle Duroy Kristah Gamolo

Editorial

CONUS DIAGNOSIS

The Official University-Community Publication Of Xavier University College of Nursing

Illustration by Michael Rafel Baygan

TRUTH

“Journalism: the Immutable TRUTH” TRUTH

TRUTH

The very concerning issue with these platforms is that not all pieces of information adhere to the principles of objectivity and truth, as anyone can simple write an article, integrate any form of information to it, give it an attractive yet credible appearance and layout, and post it online—with every viewer being none the wiser.

ith regards to the exchange of information in society, the status quo has shown that individuals readily consume knowledge at an accelerated rate—more so in comparison to any other point in history. For this very reason, the ability of people to digest information has become readily available through the many platforms made especially convenient by the internet, which is why the paradigm of information has drastically shifted ever since. The supposed nuance of information, in this day and age, is that it is immediately deemed factual by people, without an ounce of skepticism. This may perhaps be a generalized take on the matter, but it cannot be denied that many “citizens of the net” have freely accepted almost everything on their screens to be authentic regardless of its sources’ credibility. Because of this, many individuals have fallen into the trap of Fake News, a term that has become unfortunately ubiquitous in recent times. At its very core, the issue with fake news lies not on its availability to the public, but rather on the inability of consumers to properly differentiate fact from opinion. However, many pieces of information, especially those found on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and the ever-famous Tiktok, have become a “hub” for people to get their “news”.The very concerning issue with these platforms is that not all pieces of information adhere to the principles of objectivity and truth, as anyone can simple write an article, integrate any form of information to it, give it an attractive yet credible appearance and layout, and post it online—with every viewer being none the wiser. Perhaps the irony to the overall concept of fake news is that it fuels the ego of its readers as they, more often than not, adhere to the writers’ principles and ideals. Fortunately, not all hope is lost in the current paradigm because of the existence of what is and will always be the solution to any form of false information—journalism. Journalism, simply put, is the very cornerstone of truth. It ensures that any form of deception and deceit is either clarified or proven otherwise. This is exactly why, in the grand scheme of things, its three fundamental principles should be upheld, most especially in University practice: Journalism’s aim to inform, verify the credibility of information, and stimulate constructive discourse amongst its audience. Firstly, with regards to the facet of informing, credible news outlets should exhaust every effort to ensure that the news

produced for consumers are legitimate. This simply means that they are able to report the actuality of matters—no more, no less. This sets itself apart from other platforms, such as the mentioned social media applications, where information is freely fabricated or altered. Likewise, information from legitimate sources have been acquired by professional journalists, who remain objective and truthful regardless of the answers they receive from their own queries. It is that professional standard of having to properly inform the public of what is rightfully due to them that journalist are able to tell certain narratives with the utmost degree of respect and honesty, regardless if it were beneficial the image of those involved in the narrative. For this reason, individuals should be wise enough to identify and rely on credible news articles made available to them. Secondly, in relation to verifying fake news, fact-checking has fortunately been heavily apparent in recent times. For example, the news outlet, Philstar, has been meticulously verifying any information, regarding the upcoming elections. They have verified certain statements made by candidates that have been altered on social media. By performing their due diligence as journalists, they have been able to successfully combat misinformation and disinformation that have circulated online. Defamation has arguably been the main culprit in dividing the community during the ongoing electoral campaigns. Though it is expected that arguments will continue to rise because of differing stances of the voting body, it can only ever be constructive if they defend their beliefs with concrete evidence.Otherwise, any form of debate or discourse will be considered pointless. Lastly, and in continuance of the second point, journalism indeed offers a huge leeway to productive debates, discussions, and discourse in pursuit of the truth. When individuals are given access to facts and information provided by reliable sources, they are given the privilege to fully express their stance on built from and with the truths (and not opinions) of others. Moreover, journalism calls upon individuals to proceed cautiously with heightening their critical-thinking skills and discernment on pressing issues. Rather than being destructive, as what fake news would normally actualize, journalism is simply the manifestation of being progressive to allow society to live in the truth regardless of its consequences. Overall, as individuals and as “citizens of the net”, it is only through the conscious effort of being responsible enough to be well-informed that we may uncover the truth.

ISSUE NO.2 13 APRIL 2022 WEDNESDAY

News

CONUS DIAGNOSIS

The Official University-Community Publication Of Xavier University College of Nursing

XU College of Nursing Batch 2023, 2024 Celebrate Cap, Badge Investiture Angela Marie Balhon

arch 12, 2022—Xavier University-College of Nursing (XUCON) commemorated its 24th and 25th Cap and Badge and Candle Lighting Investiture at the University Gymnasium for the Level 2 and 3 student nurses. The 24th Cap and Badge Investiture started at 8:00 in the morning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr. Arthur William Nebrao, SJ; whereas the 25th Cap and Badge Investiture commenced at 1:00 in the afternoon with the Holy Mass concelebrated by Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, the current University President. The presentation of candidates for the Level 3 was introduced by Clinical Instructors, Ms. Rodesa Shaira B. Cornito and

Mr. Alan Elmer G. Celesios while Mr. Jethro Noel C. Danos and Dr. Frances Gay P. Acuna presented the candidates for the Level 2. The Nurses’ Prayer was offered by Ms. Regina Isabela M. Arancon while Ms. Dynn Ebio led the Nightingale’s Pledge during the morning Investiture for the third-year student nurses. In the afternoon, Ms. Alexa C. Dumanon preceded the Nurses’ Prayer and Ms. Alyana Kyle G. Batayola guided the second-year student nurses during their Nightingale’s Pledge. To conclude the ceremony, Batch 2023 sang their batch song, “Long Live” by Taylor Swift as Batch 2024 honored the event with the song, “This is My Now” by Jordin Sparks. Congratulations, aspiring Nurses!

DUTY AND COMMITMENT. One of the most momentous milestones in the life of a student nurse. The Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan College of Nursing celebrates its 24th and 25th Capping, Badging, and Candle Lighting Ceremony after 2 years of hiatus amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

XU to hold F2F Classes for Second Semester for SY 2021-2022 Rhonalyn S. Lanuza

STRIVE TOWARDS EXCELLENCY. After 3 and a half semesters of virtual classes, the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan College of Nursing has permitted the conduction of the Limited Face-to-Face classes for its students.

avier University-Ateneo de Cagayan—Select colleges have been granted approval to resume face-to-face classes in the University for the second semester of school year 2021-2022. After almost two years of exclusive home-based online learning, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan will finally re-open its doors to face-to-face classes, albeit still strictly observing the restrictions promulgated by the InterAgency Task Force (IATF) Covid-19 and regulations set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). According to CHED Chairperson, Prospero de Vera, he expects more Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to resume face-to-face classes by the next school year 2022-2023. “Hadlok siya na exciting for me kay first, gaka worried ko for our own safety. Second, mag adjust na sad ta balik from the online setting but, at the same time I am glad na finally makita na nako akong blockmates and

profs in person and maka experience na jud ko sa outside world again. All is well; labaRN lang jud ta especially at these times,” stated Carolene dela Cruz, a first-year student nurse on the upcoming face-to-face classes. Abigail Tan, another firstyear student nurse, shared her sentiments on the upcoming face-toface classes, “I felt various emotions at once when we were told that we would be switching to limited faceto-face (LFF). I got too accustomed to the thought of online learning, to the point that I forgot that this wasn’t the normal type of learning... Nevertheless, I’m sure that with the right people and institution, I will be able to adapt in no time.” One of the freshmen student nurses appointed to participate in the limited face-toface return demonstration scheduled last February 14-15, 2022 expressed how she had felt about being one of the first students to experience limited face-to-face classes from her batch. Per the memorandum

released by Xavier Ateneo last December 2021, the University is “proactively making preparations to host on-campus learning following the announcement that limited faceto-face classes are now allowed for areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3.” Additionally, based on the conditions given by the regulatory bodies, only fully vaccinated teaching personnel and students will be allowed to participate in the face-to-face classes. Moreover, only selected laboratory courses, i.e. School of Medicine and BS Nursing, as well as all Engineering programs, were permitted to start conducting face-to-face classes. However, it has been announced that participation in this endeavor is non-compulsory. Student nurses may opt to request a leave of absence from the limited face-to-face on-campus classes and hospital duties for the time being. However, they would still need to comply with the needed requirements to move to the next level.

ISSUE NO.2 13 APRIL 2022 WEDNESDAY

News

CONUS DIAGNOSIS

The Official University-Community Publication Of Xavier University College of Nursing

XU-CONUS Wraps Up Nursing Week 2022 Zhoey Stanley Reyes

The Council of Nursing Students kicked off the annual Nursing Week last March 28 - April 2, 2022 with the theme: “Nurses: Heroes of the Modern Time.” The Nursing Week, previously called Nursing Day, is an annual event that showcases the talents and skills of nursing students that go beyond the nursing field. Due to the pandemic, the council took on its second year transforming the faceto-face activities into virtual events. The Department of Events Management (DEM) and the Department of Student Formation and Development (DSFD) spearheaded a series of events to keep student nurses engaged as the college celebrated the profession and sincere vocation of Nursing. The Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2022 took place during the General Assembly wherein two candidates per year level showcased their beauty, charm, and wits to the rest of the college. E a c h

candidate was also provided an opportunity to present their respective advocacies online as part of the competition. Ms. Al-Ali and Mr. Capricho of Level 1, Ms. Batobato and Mr. Basalo of Level 2, Ms. Kang and Mr. Baylon of Level 3, and Ms. Barrientos and Mr. Avellana of level 4 were all the selected candidates for this year’s pageant. Ultimately, Ms. Barrientos and Mr. Avellana were crowned as the new victors of the Mr. and Ms. Nursing 2022, while Ms. Chariefa Aaliyah Al Ali garnered the People’s Choice Award. Another widely anticipated part of the Nursing Week 2022 was the Nursing E-Games. Students showed off their tactical strategies and competitive spirits during the Valorant and Mobile Legends tournaments streamed through the Council’s Facebook page. Out of the 8 teams who competed in the tournament, team Sugba Boys ranked first for the Mobile Legends category with a clean sweep of 3 – 0, and awarded John Batoon (aka Vasto Lorde) as the team’s Most Valuable Player. Meanwhile, team Vjandep Express bagged the Valorant Category, a n d awarded

Ralph Daniel Diola (aka Starlordee) as their Most Valuable Player. After a 1-year hiatus, SN Memesahe makes its return to social media as part of the festivities. Following the gimmick’s iconic influence over the college, students were encouraged to post memes of themselves during duty or classes with the hashtag #SNMemesahe, where the post with the most likes on Twitter would win a P500.00 cash prize. Ms. Emmanuelle Paayas was deemed the winner of this competition following her post about a student nurse’s first

time

the gold and P1,000.00 cash prize.

perform catheterization. DSFD was also able to launch the Trivia Night last April 1, 2022, where student nurses showcased their mastery in nursing subjects. Teams of 5 faced questions that surpassed the usual nursing subjects, with team “Sussy Imposters” taking

ISSUE NO.2 13 APRIL 2022 WEDNESDAY

Creative

“Homeless and Hungry On Christmas Eve”

This is only the beginning of the end. I usually wake up at midnight on Christmas Eve to welcome the festivities and lose myself at the sight of fireworks illuminating the Louella Acut and Hilary Pacuribot night sky—but this year, all I wish for is enough food to eat, water ews Headline: Nearly 4 million people across more than 400 cities to drink, and a comfortable were affected by Typhoon Odette, according to the Philippine place to live in. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). “Juliano, ubani ko sa sen- This is only the beginning of the end. I usually wake up at midnight on Christmas Eve to welcome the festivities and lose myself at the sight of fireworks illuminating the night sky—but tro. Magkuha ta ugthis tubig year, all I wish for is enough food to eat, water to drink, and a comfortable place to live in. para mainom ug makaligu“Juliano, ubani ko sa sentro. Magkuha ta ug tubig para mainom ug makaliguan. Dal-a ang mga balde ug kabo.” My father, a 60-year old fisherman told me. There an. Dal-a ang mga was a tone of urgency and optimism in his voice but I knew better and saw through the balde ug kabo.” Myfacade father,that a he was trying to put up. There was no need to mask the sadness in his eyes. 60-year old fisherman toldPieces of wood, scraps of metal and plastic waste line the shore. The stench of waste me. There was a tone of and dead fish engulf the air. From a distance, a stray dog can be seen settled against the sand. Its breath came in and out deeply as it lay on its side, limbs all stretched out. urgency and I thought I’d already accepted our situation. That this will all just come and go and everything optimism in his voice but will be okay. The government will do their best to provide aid and support. But seeing the innocent dog against the backdrop of the aftermath…I realized that nothing will ever be the same again. I knew better and saw

It’s been more than a week since Super Typhoon Rai—known locally as Odette—slammed into the Philippines. I remember the look on my father’s face when he saw how my mother tried to save whatever was left of what once was called home. It’s one thing to see a mother shed tears, but it’s entirely different when you see your own father on the brink of breaking down. As I surveyed the neighborhood, I remembered the handmade parols hanging in front of each residence. Now, not even a single house stood in our village in Surigao. continue reading to p.5

ISSUE NO.2 13 APRIL 2022 WEDNESDAY

Creative

Everything was gone, including our house. The roof, even the traces of wood that we built it with were all gone–along with the memories that we made and dreams we once held close to our hearts. As I walked the dreadful streets of Surigao with my father, I watched how my neighbors were scavenging to find pieces that would serve as temporary shelter for the next few days. Fallen trees and broken power cables filled the empty streets. Worn out and muddy vehicles were no way close to being used or redeemed. I then saw a small gathering of adults about to ride a bungo carrying with them large blue plastic drums, probably getting water storage as well. Nobody expected the wrath Odette would unleash when it struck the archipelago. It was the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, killing nearly 400 people, while displacing hundreds of thousands more. I remember the look on my younger siblings’ faces and that of my parents’. Scared. Anxious. Defeated. Families like ours lost everything. And now, we face the nearly impossible task of rebuilding our homes without enough food to eat or water to drink. “We thought we were safe because we tied up our house. We thought that was enough to keep it from collapsing,” my father said out of the blue. “We put weight on our roof to keep it from being blown away. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.” My heart clenched as I heard the struggling voice of my father. We’re completely homeless on Christmas. The sight of people with their respective water containers snapped me back to reality. As soon as we reached the waiting line of the water refilling station, I knew that the chances of us getting something were slim. I looked ahead and saw how long this was going to take us. We’ll probably reach the late afternoon until we get our gallons filled. “Uy, Pedro! Ikaw man diay na! Kamusta naman ka?” I looked back to see who the owner of that voice was and surprisingly it was my father’s distant relative, Manong Isidro, with his own empty gallons. “Maayong udto, nong! Sakit sa buot na mawal-an og ma puy-an pero pasalamat gihapon tas Ginoo kay buhi ta og sa maayong lawas kumpleto ang tibuok pamilya. Kamo nong, ‘musta na man?” My father replied with a small smile. My heart melted as I saw my father smile again even if it was short-lived. “Salamat sa Diyos maayo ra man pud mi ni Evelyn. Pero mao lage, nawalan mig atop sa balay. Sus kung kinsa may naka kita sa atop namo, paki uli na lang palihug.” We all laughed with Mang Isidro’s remark to make the situation a lot lighter. “Ay, nong, mangutana tuod ko naa bay mga donation drive dari sa atoa? Gaka hut-dan namig makaon unya ang gipang suot namo kay balik-balik na. Pero mao pud walay tubig ikaligo. Among mga pundo kay dili namo makuha kay nawala tanan gamit.” I looked at my father as he said every word, his voice laced with worry. “Lage, Pedro, hastang hasula aning sitwasyon nato. Ingana pud among gina problema ron. Pero naa koy nadunhgan nga naay pa ayuda mo abot matud pa ni Kapitan. Hatagan daw og mga kwarta, delata, tubig, sanina, og bugas pero pa unahay og lista kay mo dagan og pagka mayor ang anak ni congressman. Pero mo tabang daw sa caravan og vote buying ang mga nilista puhon inig Pebrero. Apil ta ato ta!” Mang Isidro shared with enthusiasm. I had to restrain myself upon hearing that. Who in the right mind would take advantage of a situation just so they would exalt themselves for the sake of the upcoming elections?! We’re already in a dire situation. A real politician would rather extend help willingly without seeking for something in return. What a shame. “Mao ba, nong? Sige magpa lista na lang pud ko ana. Sayang ang hinabang.” Father declared as if the news was a relief to hear. But I knew deep down that he didn’t like that idea. Dirty politicians and their dirty

money. Impure intentions and their faulty principles. We need someone who’s willing to help, not just because they feel entitled to do so. We need someone that goes out of their own way out of concern and sincerity, most especially in times of urgency. The conversation was put to a stop when we heard a commotion starting. “Sir! Ganiha rami ga linya dari. Dili na ga lihok ang linya! Akong pamilya uhaw na!” A random man in the near front yelled when he saw someone from the water district pass by. “Sorry kaayo mga Ma’am og Sir. Pero nahutdan namig tubig. Pasensya jud. Balik nalang mo sunod.” Said the man with an angry look on his face who worked in the water district. “Nagsaba unta mo daan! Dili kay gipa hulat pa mi dari og pila ka oras!” A woman said angrily and left carrying with her empty gallons. “Naunsa! Asa naman ang hinabang sa gobyerno! Kailangan na mig tubig intawon. Ipagawas na inyong mga fire truck!” The guy from earlier added with a pissed face and carried with him his two large water drums. I feel my father’s soft yet firm grip on my shoulder, “Nak, adto na ta. Mangita na lang tag paagi na maka inom og maka ligo imong inahan og mga igsuon.” I started carrying the four empty gallons. “Nong! Uban na lang ta mangita og paagi maka kuha og tubig.” Father said to Manong Isidro. Just as we were about to shift, multiple cabs arrived, all cloaked in the shade of purple. Purple banners, purple flags, and even the people riding were in purple shirts. Hanging in front and on the sides of the vehicles were posters with the figure of a man and woman also in purple shirts, flashing the most synthetic smile that I’ve ever seen. The man and the woman in the posters were at the back of the cab, reliving and flaunting their practiced smiles. Behind them were a bunch of camera crews hovering with their gadgets. “Mao man siguro na ang hinabang ni Salazar ug Reyes.” Mang Isidro voiced out and turned to my father. “Tara, nong! Naa nay paulan. Nanghatag daw na ug bugas, canned goods, ug kwarta dadto sa pikas baryo. Tinag dos mil daw kada isa!” The old man left us and went to the crowd. My father looked over the direction of the candidates and heaved a deep breath. “Reyes ug Salazar, ika-dose ug ika-trenta dos sa balota. Ayaw ninyo kalimti ug botar sa karong umaabot nga eleksyon!” “Mudawat ta sa ilang hinabang, pang?” I knew that my father wasn’t that kind of a person but I asked nonetheless “Biskan pa ug isa ka milyon ang ihatag sa atoa, dili nato na dawaton.” With that, I knew he didn’t have any plans on staying longer. So we left. The day after that, we went back a little earlier when there wasn’t that much crowd. In fact, there was only me, my father, and three other people. It seemed like the majority of the people in our village had opted to go to Salazar and Reyes’ evacuation camp–if that’s what you call it. From my periphery, I noticed a white van parked at a nearby curb. Five people were holding bags full of goods. There were even gallons of drinking water on the side. I noticed that one of the people, a man in a white polo, was running for a position in our district as well. He was only in khaki shorts and a pair of flip flops–a stark contrast to Salazar and Reyes’ sense of grandeur. “Sir, nganong karon man mo niabot. Sayo pa kaayo. Unya pa managhan ang mga tao.” “Nagpa-announce unta mo, sir. Dili na nuon makita sa mga tao nga naa ka diri nanghatag ug hinabang.” Smiling, the man only shook his head sideways. “Nah, sir. Mao gyud among tuyo. Dili mi gusto nga naay mang picture. Pagtabang among giadto diri. Pasensya na gyud ug kani ra among mahatag–bugas, tubig, canned goods, ug mga daily essentials sama anang napkin, tissue, wipes,

ug mga tambal. Unta maka tabang bahalag gamay.” “Ug kabalo mi nga tubig ang isa sa pinaka dako nga problema nato karon. Busa, naa mi ipa-fill up sainyo nga form, para marehistro mo sa water assistance program nga among namugna.” Oneofthevillagersthatwewerewithsuddenly grabbed the man’s hand and took hold of it. “Salamat kaayo, sir! Ikaw gyud akong ibutar karong eleksyon!” “Ay, sir. Salamat kaayo, pero naa gyud na sa imo ang desisyon. Wala mi diria para sa botar o para mamulitiko. Sa atong sitwasyon ron, dili angay nga mulihok ta para magpakitang-tao. Ginabuhat namo ni kay mao ang sakto ug kay kami man ang naay resources para mutabang. Ug usa pa, nia pud mi diri para mangita ug mga volunteer para sa among Build A Payag Program.” With that, my father and I volunteered to join the initiative. That way, in our efforts to build a temporary home, we are also able to help those who are in need just like us. Even if it’s just a “payag” it could shelter an entire family. In spite of the circumstance, someone with the right intentions showed how things can be done. I think the strength of a campaign comes from the volunteers from different sectors who donate their own time and own resources. However, a successful and effective campaign would never be made possible without a hopeful leader who has firm hold on his principles, has the unbending will to fight for what is right and refuses to snap at the threat of corruption–regardless of its nature. Surigao and other islands may have suffered a lot. My family and I may have lost a home but in the context of hope, our faith for healing and recovery will remain steadfast. For as long as these islands are inhabited by people with resilience and leaders with compassion and excellence, there will always be room for hope. The challenge is in preserving the humanity of our people and nourishing it. With another chapter about to unfold in the history of our country, it is our right and responsibility to choose the right person–with the right intentions. Too often, these two aren’t mutually exclusive. There are aspiring leaders with the right credentials but wrong intentions; and there are those with the right intentions but wrong platform. Therefore, we owe

it to ourselves and for the future generations to not let the same mistakes take place over and over again. The damage has been done and nothing will ever be the same again. But it doesn’t stop there. No. This is only the beginning.

Creative It will all be

CONUS DIAGNOSIS

The Official University-Community Publication Of Xavier University College of Nursing

WORTHWHILE Blanche Bacarro and Angelica Marie Naelga

t’s 4 AM, the sky – pitch black, My bed enchants me, but a new day awaits If it rains, grab a mac; if it shines, don’t be late, A little sacrifice for the nurse in the making. It’s 8AM, I see a frown “My head and stomach hurts!” said a lady I tended her, helped her go up and down,And by 10AM, she was back to being chirpy Still a long day before the shift ends But all is well when care transcends. Young ones, Don’t forget why you’re here You’re not here to plaster titles on your names, Nor move out of the country someday for a better life, And I can’t blame you, really, I’m not one to judge, But you’re here to help lives, the ones you love and hate Keep your heads up, backs straight, and never be too late The nursing life is wonderfully worth the wait Young ones, Don’t pressure yourselves too much It gets worse, there’s no lie, and when you’re done You’d have lost the love for helping lives I know, I’ve seen it a couple dozen times Floating soullessly from day to night There’s no shame, no hate, just an unfortunate sight So lighten up, take some time, and breathe one step at a time Young ones, You’ll fall a couple hundred times Life trips you over like that, unfairly And that’s sadly alright Everyday is a chance to be better nurses To do something good for the masses We all make mistakes, but it is what we do after that matters Close your eyes for some time, then open them again Don’t leave them closed forever like the end. When times get tough I remember the reason why I started: To help the sick who has it rough, To follow the passion that I’ve regarded No journey is easy – that we all know Soon, it will all be worthwhile, Chin up, endure, ‘laban!’, then grab our nursing bags and go.

The Other Side of Town Elisabeth Calls the Five Stages of Grief Edd Louis Akut and Athena Dianne Aguillon

Two hours past three. Walls took down themselves to reveal a greater suffering I had never felt before. The door frames pictured every cobbled hallway and footprint marks of people we never knew. The bloodred ink bled on fresh newsprint they call misery. This woman named Elisabeth, stood on the other side of town And calls the five stages of grief. Drive all the way, she said, to the home you once knew, like a bewitching toddler learning her steps anew.

III

The monsoon chills breezed through September. I sat on the cold driver’s seat I once cursed. Perhaps, Green Day could whisper in my ear, I said, like my mother’s lullaby on a Saturday afternoon, or her hands caressing me as I shed in pain. Denial, she said, is an imbecile in the face of truth. The blood-red ink still bled in the mind they call murderous. I caressed my fingers on the bloodred numbers like my mother’s gentle touch. Seventy– an aftermath of the mind’s delusion, right? An illusion that could just drift away.

Jehovah, Allah, Messiah, it is like summoning a sacred name, I beseech thee. Mourning like a whirlwind, to exchange a lifeless spirit, for the shards to be mended. Bargaining, I said, is a dimwitted panhandler, begging to rewrite what was said and done Turning a vivid, wretched evocation into a pretense of an auspicious number. Turning red into black if diligence become my upper hand. A terrifying ordeal turn into a euphoric reminiscence. If only.

Drowning in tears, and a room for seclusion. Daredevil was on its way pestering my soul, and keeps on lingering my thoughts. It was a nightmare, like the 13th of November. An injury from red marks that scarred my flesh and upheaved my grave. Crestfallen on the landing, trying to patch up the tapestry I shred. Depression, I said, is a melancholic illness that eats a life that might turn into a sepulcher. But it is I who made this, Oh, how mortifying the idea of how I was once marveled but now, I have failed.

I looked at the bleeding newsprint, like the rain on a turbulent storm, or the smoldering heat in a California wildfire. I slammed the breaks on a lousy pedestrian. Anger, my mother said, is knowing the mistress in the face of confrontation. The smoke escaped from the hood, like the steam from a cup of hot cocoa on the eve of December.

All of the sudden, I saw a glimpse of gold. Dreamy like a secondary sunset that set the horizon ablaze. An autumn that became summer, in wondrous daylight, and hope that dazzled across the towns of Norway. Consequences were told but never foretold, and just like the sunrise, seen to be extraordinary, a prodigy unfolds. Acceptance, my mother said, is the courage to stand again and let the hurt go. The blood-red numbers that once stained my reputation ends here. And there was Elisabeth, waiting on the white, wooden porch, like a mother yearning for her son’s presence from a faraway college. I got out of the car on the dusty driveway, the fresh breeze embracing my being. As I contemplated heavenward, I espied a stratocumulus whirling into a cirrus as rays radiated upon me. I looked at her and beamed all the way, clasped my hand around her’s and said, every

ISSUE NO.2 13 APRIL 2022 WEDNESDAY

Feature

The Stride of the 3rd Year Nursing Students

Abigail Kim T. Samoya

he COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the paradigm of everyday life: restrictions were imposed, changes were established left, right, and center, and we had no choice but to adapt to it. With our current situation, it all boils down to that wandering thought of whether we’ll go back to our usual routine or if we’ll adapt and accept the seemingly new normal.Though it is inevitable that all of us will have to adapt to a new routine, the pandemic robbed us 3rd year nursing students of certain opportunities to learn a new set of skills through the traditional face-to-face classes. The online classes were there to supplement our learning, but it cannot be denied that there were unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances that arose from them. Yes, one may learn a thing or two from their classes, but what about the application of the skills learned—are they truly effective in the actual clinical setting? For 2 years, students had to improvise both their resources and domestic settings for their Return Demonstrations. Such an activity would oblige a student nurse to simulate how certain nursing interventions and procedures had to be performed. In doing so, many students were very creative in choosing their childhood teddy bears and dolls to act as patients during the demos. Although it was relatively limited compared to the materials made available in the skills laboratory, the main concern of many students was whether or not they have retained the principles in the demonstration—a quality that can only be fully assessed once completely immersed in the clinical setting. Perhaps the only semblance of familiarity left after the pandemic started was the presence of Clinical Instructors to reinforce any information that students may forget along the way. When it was announced that hospital duty was about to begin, I remember feeling a sense of trepidation beating through my chest. I knew we were expected to comply because of the time we lost to the pandemic. I had a conversation with my friend on the matter, and two very important questions came into mind— how do we talk to the doctors, the nurses, and the patient? How were we going to handle this? On one hand, some understandably felt the panic and anxiety surrounding the reality of hospital duty, while others felt the excitement to finally take part in the actual experience. Despite being equipped only with the gist of clinical exposure, the mixed emotions felt by the batch were only the beginning. There were a lot of requirements that followed, along with the numerous expenses to settle aside from the expected cost of being a student nurse. We were told that we had to start fitting our uniforms and PPEs, secure our insurance, complete our vaccinations, and sign agreements and contracts in line with the upcoming hospital

affiliation. It goes without saying that the whole preparation was undeniably hectic and stressful. On February 7, 2022, we saw the first bloom of our trials and efforts come to fruition. Block NA became the first of their batch to go on hospital duty, and I had the privilege to talk to three students from the block: Venisse A. Olarita, Jude Mariano A. Carlos Jr., and Sittie Jobaisah T. Ali—about their experiences in the area. From what I gathered from them, it was normal to feel anxious whilst exploring uncharted territory, despite knowing very little of what was going to happen within the area. With the ongoing pandemic, limitations were bound to somehow cut the experience short. For them, it would’ve been better if the experience would have lasted 2 weeks as the current shifts available only allow students to serve 4 hours in the area instead of 8 hours. However, it is entirely understandable that this was all for the safety of the students, faculty, staff, and patients in the hospital. Despite the many issues, however, the student nurses were able to comply with all their requirements and had even gone to make the most out of their duties—commenting that it was a truly satisfying experience. It was also mentioned by many of them how they were able to recognize the significance of the nursing profession and its underlying principles. It was decidedly a difficult balancing act being in the hospital, performing your clinical tasks, standing in the operating room for hours on end (for some), and complying with the unending written requirements. Nevertheless, the entire experience brought them back to the reality of how it is to be a nurse-in-training. Some people generally think that it is exhausting to work long hours, and they may be right about that. It may be discouraging, but they forget that with experience, a silver lining could also ensue. This would supplement them with knowledge allowing them to witness great things like certain surgical procedures. For example, a student nurse was able to assist a cesarean delivery, and for them, it was truly a brilliant way to celebrate and bring forth life. With the very dynamic change in the educational paradigm, this has greatly changed the manner students would normally approach their classes. Matters which used to be considered simple are now deemed as difficult, causing an uprising in their fears and anxieties. Despite this, let us remember that we owe it to ourselves at the end of the day to continue to persevere. We already made it this far, and the finish line’s not far ahead. I know the uncertainties of these experiences feel rattling, but the best advice given by the pioneers of this new journey is to go with the flow and follow where the current will take you. To my fellow nursing students who are about to go on with their clinical duties, take the stride for I wish you good luck. May you have an unforgettable experience worth sharing someday.

ISSUE NO.2 13 APRIL 2022 WEDNESDAY

new era is about to begin. New people are to be elected to the nation’s top government positions, but the question remains—who then would be the best candidates? Presently, many individuals are in discourse about who would best serve the nation’s interest. One would argue which candidate deserves to sit on the throne—perhaps not the throne of royals but the throne of service. Many people have argued about the differences in their opinions of an ideal leader. With this, different voices have been raised while some have unfortunately been silenced; this has created confusion amongst the people and may have divided them further due to their inability to find common ground for proper discourse. With that being said, your choice is your

responsibility. Your role is to choose the person who you know would kneel down before the people; would stand with and for the people; and would bring about the betterment that the people deserve. The votes in this upcoming election will become the turning point of the nation’s future in the following years. As voters, we do not only vote for ourselves, but for the sake of the future generation. If we do not choose properly, our nation will be at risk. Your vote is not just your right but your privilege as a citizen of the nation. In the upcoming elections, many false promises will be made, which is why it is also our responsibility to discern and deduce the true intentions of all the candidates. When choosing a candidate, let us settle for someone who is, first and foremost, honest.

As persons who will choose among the aspiring individuals to lead the country, let us choose individuals by knowing their true identities—not merely making our decisions through the exterior they exhibit. Whatever choices and decisions people make, may this promote our citizens’ camaraderie, individuality, and respect—which consequently allows our country’s development to one day come to fruition. At the end of the day, may the choices of every individual bring about a good opportunity for them to receive what they deserve. Remember, politicians are not elected to be rulers or dictators. Rather, they are elected to be our nation’s public servants.

XU Student Nurses and the Battle against

Hyacinth L. Premacio

PRESSURE

here is an undeniable pressure put on the shoulders of students to do well and to make their loved ones proud—such pressure has become even more pronounced during these times where students are expected to produce the same outstanding results in a new mode of learning and in a new setting. Student nurses, who would one day hold the lives of people in their hands, carry newfound pressure in the pursuit carrying on a legacy.

PURSUIT OF A DREAM For many, it is a dream to step into the University and learn how to be an everreliable, radiant nurse, who always takes great care of their patients and entertains their sometimes admittedly silly questions. It is a dream that slowly wilts in the face of a seemingly neverending global crisis. How then can these student nurses relentlessly pursue their passion without extinguishing their passion?

MOUNTAINS AMONG BOULDERS Students are resourceful like no other, and to cope with this newfound pressure

“variant”, have turned to diverse hobbies and activities to invigorate themselves. The second year level officers, for instance, have organized a batch-wide movie marathon in their own discord server to unwind after exams. Efie Shane Rafer of Level shared how spending time with her family helped her maintain her focus. She mentioned, ”Some of the things that I like to do when experiencing burnout is to spend quality time with my family [...] This is what I call the “recharge”. I mean, things don’t work when they’re running low on battery and energy, right? I think the same goes for human beings.” Among other students, like Blessila Altheia Quitor, who is also a sophomore, prefers riding around the city to clear her mind. She stated, “It makes me feel in control of my life that no matter how long the journey takes, I can reach the destination I want.” Others have expressed that they prefer long phone calls with friends and loved ones, while others have chosen to let their creativity loose on canvases and musical instruments. Many have also chosen to spend off-days with their furry friends. No matter what shape their “mountains” are, what is most important is that these future nurses will always stand strong despite the many boulders life may throw.

The Official Publication of Xavier University College of Nursing

REKINDLED FIRES The recent limited face-to-face return demonstrations were akin to a bolt of lightning impacting the student nurses. Finally, the “faceto-face deprived” 2nd-year student nurses have been given the opportunity to see procedure simulations up close after almost a year of selfdirected learning through their screens. This bolt of lightning has rekindled the dying embers within many nursing students. For example, Casey Elisha Homeres, a sophomore, shared, “ Like intense burnout since 1st year,di gyd ko ga function pero katong nag f2f retdem ta nibalik akong energy and passion sa course.” Moreover, her fellow batchmate, Sam Rivera also expressed her sentiments on how the actual campus demonstrations have restored her inclination to nursing again. Overall, the once overwhelming pressure fades away with each new experience accompanying the return of in-campus and on-site learning. For those who have heard the first cries of a newborn, assisted an immobilized patient, or received the heartwarming gratitude of families after caring for patients, perhaps the pressure to battle on would have been well worth the wait.

ISSUE NO.2 13 APRIL 2022 WEDNESDAY