NMC Nursing graduate passes NCLEX on 1st try

Another recent nursing graduate of the Northern Marianas College passed the rigorous National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses on the first attempt. Hee Yong “Sophia” Yoon took the exam on Aug. 2, just a few months after receiving her degree in nursing from NMC.

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.

After graduating from Mount Carmel High School in 2008, Yoon decided to pursue her studies at NMC.

“I was actually having difficulty deciding which major to pursue after finishing high school so my parents suggested for me to pursue nursing,” said Yoon. “Since my favorite subject was science, I decided to go for it.”

Yoon later received the “Most Dedicated” award at the NMC 2011 Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Yoon was also recognized for her academic achievements when she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society at two-year colleges. She also graduated from NMC cum laude.

“At the beginning, I thought studying nursing at NMC would not be that difficult but I was proven wrong,” said Yoon. “It was challenging but I became a more confident, responsible person.”

As an NMC student, Yoon was an active member of both Phi Theta Kappa and the NMC Nursing Club. Yoon participated in a variety of community service activities from health screenings to beach cleanups, and even served as the NMC Nursing Club public relations officer during her last semesters at NMC.

“We are very proud of Sophia for passing the NCLEX on the first attempt,” said NMC nursing chair Rosa M. Tudela. “We hope to see her begin her career as a registered nurse, and wish her the best on her future endeavors.”

Yoon’s future plans include getting hired as a nurse, and turning her associate degree in Nursing from NMC into a bachelor’s degree.

“I just want to thank the many people who helped me through all this: my family, friends, the Do-eul Scholarship committee, and of course, my nursing instructors for helping me and pushing me to do my best,” said Yoon. [I](NMC)[/I]