Unmasking Behind the Whites: Nurses’ Month

Behind the white uniforms we try so hard to keep them spotless, and the shoes we protect from mud and crowded jeepneys, what does it really mean to be a Registered Nurse? Nursing often holds deeper, unseen challenges many nurses quietly carry. This Nurses’ Month, I’d like to honor that truth by sharing inspiring insights from two of my former professors, Ma’am Auhreen Oria, R.N., and Ma’am Maria Gay M. Alcoberes, R.N., about life in nursing—both in the present and for us, the future nurses.

Ma’am Auhreen Oria, RN—our former Nursing Program Chair and my freshman Anatomy & Physiology professor—originally wanted to be an architect, with nursing only as her third choice. She emphasized that nursing isn’t about glamour or money. Her student years were tough, with return demos, shifting duties, and no access to mobile resources. She began as a psychiatric nurse, a path she never expected, but her previous mentor, their head nurse, helped her grow. One of her hardest lessons was staying professional when her privacy was violated. Ma’am Oria later became a Clinical Instructor and shared that nursing isn’t always easy—she faced difficult patients and families, but reminded us that empathy is essential. While working abroad, she missed home but stayed focused on her purpose as a Nurse.

“The heart of nursing is compassion; without it, you’re not truly nursing” she stressed in which she further elaborates that Filipino nurses are valued for this compassion. Nursing isn’t just a job; it’s about loving what you do and giving your best to be truly effective. Ma’am Oria reminds us that nursing isn’t about glamour, but something to be proud of. We’ll face many patients, tough situations, and even challenges from staff—but don’t take it personally. Every challenge and reprimand from clinical instructors has a purpose: to prepare us to be better nurses. When we’re ready and focused, challenges help us grow. “We know you’ll be our future nurses. If we were the patients, we’d want you caring for us because we know how we honed you. Don’t give up—stay focused and see every challenge as a chance to do your best.” She also reminds us to prepare; preparation means studying and truly understanding how to care for patients.

Ma’am Maria Gay Alcoberes, RN, who leans more toward the academe, shared that while nursing may appear appealing from the outside, the reality is different. As she puts it, “Lo and behold, the passion you have for this career isn’t about the money—it’s the love of service.” Moreover, she quotes that “If we’re going to anchor myself with my strength and capacity, it will wear me down. Good thing, lo and behold, this the thing that I can really say that this pushes me forward–I devote in the morning with the Lord.” By anchoring herself to God, she sees her strength from Him. She was able to survive because she devotes herself to God. Ma’am Alcoberes adds, “Your hope is in God.” Regardless of what happens, at the end of the day, she anchors everything to God. Within her strong and assertive personality she is always aware that she can’t always do that—she’d always go to God to get hope and strength. “Giving it all to God gives me peace, knowing at the end of it God will do something about it.” Her passion is guiding first-year students, where she feels God has placed her. She encourages aspiring nurses to trust God through every struggle—exams, challenges, and all. But she reminds them, faith isn’t enough alone; they must also work hard and study. With God and effort together, the journey becomes clearer and stronger.

Lastly, Ma’am Alcoberes, RN humbly reminds each and every one of her students that may we entrust everything to God, then do the work; rest assured, the rest will follow—this is how we find true peace. “I invite you to anchor yourself in God, because intelligence or looks alone will not suffice.” She heartily says, with faith in her eyes, “I look forward to seeing you graduate one day; I’ll be there, proud and emotional like a mother. Though our paths may differ, I hope to find you in a good place, living out your purpose.”

Ma’am Oria quotes, “Even if this is your chosen profession, or not, focus on your goal. Take it one step at a time. If you are in your first year, take it as it is–what is being given, comply with what is given. Always envision yourself wearing that white uniform, giving care to your patients, compassionately and dedication.”

Amid the difficulties we face as student nurses and nurses, let us always thank those who have guided and inspired us. Let us pray for those who help us find purpose in tough times. We also appreciate our Clinical Instructors—whether part-time or full-time nurses—may they stay strong and continue to love what they do.

Happy Nurses’ Month, Ma’ams and Sirs! A big round of applause and congratulations to our Newly Registered Nurses. (Sophia Beatrice V. Sison)