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3 CNMI nurses hurdle NCLEX
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Posted on Feb 09 2006
The Department of Public Health announced yesterday that three nurses at the Commonwealth Health Center recently passed the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX.
Acting DPH Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez held a news briefing yesterday morning at his office and presented nurses Elaine Camacho, Nieves Nekaifes, and Laurina Boyer, who all hurdled the NCLEX with flying colors.
Villagomez said the three are now considered “Registered Nurses” at the CHC, joining the hospital’s other nurses who are also NCLEX-passers.
The three passed the state certification exam for nurses under the assistance and guidance of Faye Untalan, the Area Health Education Center director for the Pacific, who also joined the presentation yesterday.
“It’s wonderful news for the community. We want to show the community this achievement and that we are encouraging the others to do the same,” Villagomez said, adding that he is extremely proud of the three nurses for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance in taking the certification exam.
Boyer said the hospital is now arranging for their movement from nurse assistant positions to “RN.” Boyer has been working at the Pediatric Unit for one year and three months now. She graduated magna cum laude at Northern Marianas College in 2004.
Camacho, who has been working for the CNMI public hospital’s medical surgery department for the past 14 years, thanked the support and encouragement given her by CHC. Camacho and Boyer took the exam last Dec. 17 and received the results in early February.
Nekaifes took the exam a week later but also received the results this year. She has been with CHC for the past 12 years. She also expressed appreciation for the recognition given them.
As for her advice to other nurses, Nieves said, “Don’t give up. Keep [fighting] the challenges and eventually you will see the light.”
Villagomez said the hospital is always there to encourage other nurses to take the NCLEX exam. Deputy Health Secretary Lynn Tenorio was also present during the briefing.
