Surviving Oral Revalida at Ateneo de Davao University: What I Learned (The Hard Way)

By; Rossein Zaynah A. Paglala| April 2025

If you’re a nursing student at Ateneo de Davao University, you’ve probably heard the word “Oral Revalida” whispered with fear, or outright panic. And rightfully so.

Let me break it down and give you real talk + real tips based on my own experience (which involved tears, cramming, and a lot of self-reflection).

What is Oral Revalida?

Oral Revalida is one of the most crucial and nerve-wracking major exams in our nursing journey. It’s a comprehensive oral exam held at the end of the semester, covering key RLE concepts we’ve tackled during clinical duties.

How it works:

• You’ll be given 10 topics a month before the revalida.
• Topics include disease profiles, management, interventions, and nursing diagnoses.
• You’ll draw lots to get one specific topic, which you’ll present to your Clinical Instructor (CI) one-on-one.
• NO notes allowed during the presentation.
• You’ll bring your own manila paper, markers, and masking tape.
• Presentation includes:
  • Preparation (15 mins)
  • Presentation (25 mins)
  • Discussion / Q&A (15 mins)

What You Need to Discuss:

Here’s what you’re expected to present clearly:

• Definition of the condition
• Anatomy & Physiology of the major organ involved
• Etiology
• Symptomatology
• Pathophysiology (simplified!)
• Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests
• Medical Management
  • Pharmacologic and Surgical
• Nursing Interventions / Post-op Care
• 5 Priority Nursing Diagnoses (from a list of 10)
• Prognosis

Sounds like a lot? It is. But here’s what I learned...

My Honest Experience: CRAMMING & CRYING

Despite getting the topics one month in advance, I started studying... four days before the exam. I thought, “I still have time.” I kept delaying it until I realized I had to master an entire disease profile, nursing interventions, pharmacology, and Pathophysiology  in just a few days.

I cried. A lot. I was so scared I wouldn’t pass. I felt unprepared. And I knew it was my own fault. But I also learned a lesson I want to share with you.

Tips for Juniors: DON’T BE LIKE ME

Here’s how to survive and thrive in your Oral Revalida:

1. Start Early. Don’t Waste the Gift of Time.

One month is a blessing. Use it. Break down each topic weekly. Start reviewing with your groupmates. Quiz each other. Even just an hour a day adds up.

2. Practice, Don’t Just Read.

Speaking your answers aloud helps you get used to explaining without notes. Practice like it’s the real thing. Time yourself. Stand in front of a mirror or a friend.

3. Be MAGIS – Go Beyond What is Expected

This is where your Ignatian values come in. Don’t settle for “sakto lang.” Go the extra mile. Understand the case, don’t just memorize. When you aim for excellence, confidence follows.

4. Prepare Your Materials Ahead of Time

Trust me, you don’t want to be panicking over a missing marker 5 minutes before your exam. Prepare your manila paper, markers, tape, and materials days before.

5. Study to Understand, Not Just to Pass

Remember: this isn’t just an exam. This is training for real-life patient care. The lives of future patients depend on how well you understand these conditions.

My Final Advice: Have Faith & Be Disciplined

Yes, it’s scary. But you can survive it. Don’t let fear or laziness stop you from doing your best.