The Spring 2023 graduates of the University of Guam’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program achieved a 100% pass rate after taking the National Council Licensure Exam for the first time. First row, from left, Ezechiel Palacol, Genry Topacio and Mason C. Calma. Second row, from left, Cyrene Bansil, Jasmine Quinto, Jaena Claire Cabrera, Jamila Olivares, Melody A. Reyes, Angelique L.W. Morales, and Aliya L. Fabila. Third row, from left, Joleene Mendoza, Chasnel A. Dela Cruz, Krystal Pilante, Nicole Reyes, Alexis Santos, Nan Wang, and Shelby Weilbacher. Photo courtesy of University of Guam

“This recent achievement further validates the quality of our Nursing Program and our continued efforts to provide a career pipeline that meets the needs of our healthcare sectors in Guam and the Micronesia region," said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. “Our Nursing Program is on par with some of the best in the nation.”

Spring 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 graduates of the UOG’s Nursing Program also achieved a 100% pass rate as first-time test takers. Each group of Spring graduates of the UOG Nursing Program from 2020 to 2022 achieved a 95% pass rate or higher, showing resiliency and rising above the pandemic-related challenges that made practicums and classroom learning more challenging.

“We are very proud of our Spring 2023 cohort for having achieved 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX despite having to overcome delayed admission to the program during the pandemic,” said Dr. Yvette Paulino, Interim Dean of the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health at UOG. “Most importantly, we have produced 17 more Registered Nurses to serve our community.” 

The University’s Nursing graduates have always achieved passing rates above the national pass rate every year, in recent years, said Dr. Paulino.

"We are thankful for the Nursing Program's partnerships with island clinics, hospitals, government of Guam agencies, and other health care providers for allowing our students to receive real-life training," said President Enriquez. The Nursing Program has cultivated partnerships with the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, Guam Regional Medical City, Health Care Services of the Pacific, FHP Clinic, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, the Department of Education, Department of Corrections, and Naval Hospital Guam.

Dr. Paulino commends her team of current Nursing faculty including Dr. Ana Joy Mendez, Dr. Anna Varghese, Dr. Rosielyn Babauta, Antoinette Kleiner, Sandra Cruz, and Veronica Alave for holding the program and its students to a high standard. She also acknowledged recently retired Professor Dr. Kathryn Wood and numerous retired instructors whose mentorships have helped many nursing students succeed. 

The Nursing Program’s faculty also honors the legacy of the late Dr. Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima whose tireless efforts as the Dean led to the Nursing Program’s engagement with the community through outreach efforts and in providing a quality education that aligns with the healthcare needs of the island and the region. 

To learn more about the Nursing Program, go to https://catalog.uog.edu/current/programs/school-of-health/nursing.php