UPDATED TABLES OF SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PHILIPPINE NURSE LICENSURE EXAMINATION
Preparing for the Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam (PNLE) can be challenging, but knowing its structure will guide your review and increase your chances of success. The PNLE is divided into sets of 100 items each, each assessing essential competencies for the Filipino nurse. Below is a summary of each area, accompanied by references to foundational textbooks and official documents.
NP I: Community Health Nursing, Care of Individual, Population Groups & Community
This section tests knowledge and skills in community health nursing, focusing on promoting wellness, disease prevention, epidemiology, and the nurse’s role in caring for individuals, families, and communities.
Key Topics:
- Philippine public health programs
- Epidemiology and health education
- Family and community nursing care
- Primary health care and DOH programs
References:
- Maglaya, A. S. (2017). Community Health Nursing: CNEA Textbook of Community Health Nursing (11th ed.).
- Department of Health (DOH). Manual of Operations for Public Health Programs.
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Table of Specifications for PNLE (latest version).
NP II: Care of Mother, Child, and Adolescent (Well Clients, At-risk, or with Problems – Acute & Chronic)
This part covers the continuum of care for mothers, infants, children, and adolescents, both well and at-risk. It includes safe motherhood, newborn care, and management of acute and chronic health conditions.
Key Topics:
- Maternal and newborn care
- Pediatric growth and development
- Adolescent health concerns
- Common acute and chronic pediatric problems
References:
- Pillitteri, A. (2019). Maternal and Child Health Nursing (8th ed.).
- Maglaya, A. S. (2019). Nursing Practice II: Maternal and Child Nursing.
- Department of Health (DOH). Safe Motherhood Manual.
NP III: Care of Clients with Problems in Oxygenation, Fluid & Electrolytes, Infectious, Inflammatory & Immunologic Response, Cellular Aberrations (Acute & Chronic)
NP III examines your competence in managing clients with issues involving oxygenation, fluid and electrolytes, infectious diseases, inflammatory and immune responses, and cellular abnormalities (such as cancer).
Key Topics:
- Respiratory and cardiovascular care
- Fluid and electrolyte management
- Infectious and immunologic disorders
- Oncology nursing
References:
- Brunner & Suddarth. (2022). Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (15th ed.).
- Smeltzer, S.C., Bare, B.G., et al. Brunner and Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing.
- Lewis, S.M., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M., et al. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing (11th ed.).
NP IV: Care of Clients with Problems in Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, Metabolism, Endocrine, Perception and Coordination
This area includes assessment and management of nutritional issues, gastrointestinal, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and neurologic or sensory coordination problems.
Key Topics:
- Gastrointestinal and nutritional nursing
- Endocrine and metabolic conditions
- Neurologic and sensory dysfunction
- Nursing interventions for perception and coordination problems
References:
- Brunner & Suddarth. (2022). Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (15th ed.).
- Lewis, S.M., et al. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing (11th ed.).
- Ignatavicius, D., Workman, M., Rebar, C. (2021). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care (10th ed.).
NP V: Care of Clients with Maladaptive Patterns of Behavior; Life-threatening Conditions; Acutely-ill/Multi-organ Problems; High Acuity & Emergency Situations (Acute & Chronic)
This section assesses readiness to manage behavioral health problems, psychiatric emergencies, critically ill clients, multi-organ dysfunction, and other high-acuity/emergency scenarios.
Key Topics:
- Psychiatric and mental health nursing
- Emergency and critical care nursing
- Management of multi-organ dysfunction
- High-risk and life-threatening scenarios
References:
- Varcarolis, E. (2022). Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (9th ed.).
- Kee, J.L., Hayes, E.R., McCuistion, L.E. (2017). Pharmacology: A Nursing Process Approach.
- Porth, C. (2015). Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States (9th ed.).
By reviewing these five key areas and consulting authoritative sources, you’ll be better equipped to integrate theory and practice, ensuring success in the licensure exam and in your future nursing career.
References
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Table of Specifications for the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination. PRC Website
Maglaya, A.S. (2017, 2019). Community Health Nursing; Nursing Practice II: Maternal and Child Nursing.
Pillitteri, A. (2019). Maternal and Child Health Nursing, 8th ed.
Brunner, L.S., Suddarth, D.S. (2022). Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 15th ed.
Lewis, S.M., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M., Harding, M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing, 11th ed.
Ignatavicius, D., Workman, M., Rebar, C. (2021). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care, 10th ed.
Varcarolis, E. (2022). Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, 9th ed.
Department of Health (DOH) Philippines. Various Manuals and Guidelines.
Remember, every page you read and every practice question you answer brings you one step closer to your dream of becoming a licensed nurse. Stay focused, believe in your abilities, and don’t give up—your hard work will pay off. The nation needs compassionate and competent nurses like you. Good luck and keep striving for excellence!
