3 more NMC Nursing grads pass NCLEX on first try

  Three 2011 graduates of the Northern Marianas College recently took and passed the challenging National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NLCEX-RN.

“We are very proud of our nursing graduates and new RNs Elde Aque, Sharisse Rivera, and Min Seon ‘Mindy’ Park for passing the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt,” said NMC Nursing Department chair Rosa M. Tudela.

The NCLEX-RN tests an individual’s nursing knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. The exam is used by nursing boards in all 50 United States and all U.S. territories to award nurse licenses. Licensed nurses may have their credentials endorsed by a state or a territory’s board upon meeting board requirements without having to retake the exam.

“This exam is both difficult and critical to pass, and we are extremely happy that they continued to maintain their record of achievement,” said Tudela.

Both Aque and Park graduated from NMC cum laude, while Rivera graduated magna cum laude. Park is also the recipient of the NMC Alumni Association’s Community Service Award, while Rivera received the Best in Clinical Award from the NMC Nursing department. They were also active members of the NMC Nursing Club, as well as many other organizations and groups within the College and community.

For Aque her inspiration for becoming a nurse came from watching home health nurses care for her grandmother that made her “think that the profession [of nursing] was pretty cool.” Park also noted that experiences with her mother sparked the interest, while Rivera notes that it was her interest “in the field of science” that drew her to nursing.

“The clinical experience was the most memorable experience as a nursing student. It allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained in class, and to become exposed to different cultures and ethnicities,” said Rivera looking back on her experience as an NMC nursing student. She plans on later pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

“Attending NMC was a good experience,” said Park. She now hopes “to get a job, build experience as a nurse, and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, as well as a masters.”

For more information about the NMC Nursing program, contact the NMC Nursing Department at 234-5498 Ext. 1616 or visit their offices in Building C at the NMC As Terlaje campus (Monday-Friday, 8am – 4:30pm). (NMC)