Graduates from the University of Guam 2017 nursing cohort achieved 100% for the NCLEX RN first take pass rate. Back row left to right: Aida Kristina Alba, Jeffrey Bonifacio, Von Carlo Urlanda, JD Ignacio. Front row left to right: Emely Wong Tio, Kimberly Cauilan, Jacqueline Jabinigay, Shirae Fejeran, Crystal Marquez, Delyn Dois, Christine Christobal, Marian Arroyo, Geneffer Raigelig, and Aida Yap.

 

For the second consecutive year, an entire cohort of nursing graduates from the University of Guam School of Health (SOH) achieved a first-time pass rate of 100 percent for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This accomplishment surpasses the national average first-time pass rate of 90.04 percent for the 2016-2017 calendar year.

The NCLEX is a standardized test nursing graduates must take to become registered nurses.

“We’re so very proud of our graduates,” said SOH Dean Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima. “This is the first time in UOG history that we have made it two years in a row. We’re very happy and thankful to all people who helped them perform so well.”

UOG nursing graduates in 2003, 2010, and 2016 also earned a 100 percent pass rate for the NCLEX, making 2017 the fourth year that graduates were able to accomplish such a goal.

Hattori-Uchima credits the extra time and effort volunteered by the SOH faculty to the great success.

“Each student had a personal mentor for NCLEX prep," she explained. “These students really wanted the help. And I think the combination of the faculty giving their time and expertise, the students’ willingness to take the faculty’s advice, and the support of the University that culminated into this achievement.”

With support from an annual donation from TakeCare Insurance, UOG was also able to provide students with nationally recognized online review courses for free.

“The TakeCare funding allows us to be innovative,” Hattori-Uchima said.

Local medical facilities have also embraced the 2017 nursing cohort with open arms, praising their preparedness and caring for others.

“The feedback from employers who have hired our 2017 graduates has been overwhelmingly positive,” Hattori-Uchima said. “They are motivated, well-equipped, and able to recognize and tend to the diversity in Guam’s patient population.

For more information on the UOG nursing program, visit www.uog.edu/soh.