(NMC) — Another nursing graduate of Northern Marianas College recently passed the challenging National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses on the first attempt.
Milescelyn Rodriguez took the exam on July 20, which is nearly two months after she graduated from NMC with a degree in Nursing.
Following graduation from Marianas High School in 2007, Rodriguez decided to pursue her studies at NMC.
“I chose to enroll at NMC because I thought it would be a good place to start my college education. It’s convenient, close to home, and cheaper than going off island,” said Rodriguez. “I soon found out that NMC’s nursing program was one of the most challenging and rewarding programs at the College.”
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.
“I would like express my appreciation to my family and friends for supporting and inspiring me,” said Rodriguez.
“I would also like to thank the NMC Nursing Department faculty and staff who have been instrumental towards my success.”
To prepare for the examination, Rodriguez also enrolled in an NCLEX-RN review course that was coordinated by the CNMI Area Health Education Center in collaboration with the Community Development Institute.
CNMI AHEC is a program that partners with CDI to provide training and professional development geared toward the health care field. CDI is a program under the Division of Community Programs and Services at the college.
While Rodriguez pursued her nursing degree at NMC, she was also actively involved in various student organizations that included the Associated Students of NMC in which she served as the student body president.
Rodriguez also served as the president of the NMC Nursing Club, and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for academically outstanding students at two-year colleges.
Rodriguez was recognized for her academic achievements and active involvement in the NMC community during the college’s annual Charter Day celebration where she was named the NMC Student of the Year for 2009-2010.
A few weeks later at NMC’s 30th Commencement ceremony Rodriguez was one of two students awarded the prestigious Student Leadership Award.
“While Miles was a student, she was able to successfully manage her academic studies and her responsibilities as a student council president,” said interim NMC President Lorraine Cabrera. “We are very proud of her accomplishment.”
Rodriguez, who graduated cum laude, joins a long list of NMC nursing alumni who have passed the NCLEX on the first attempt, and have started successful nursing careers.
“We are extremely proud of Miles passing the examination,” said NMC nursing instructor Johnny Aldan. “Her success in passing the exam on the first try is a testament to the quality of NMC’s nursing program.”
