Northern Marianas College 2024 nursing graduates Timothy Park and Kristine Deleon Guerrero have successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), joining the long list of students from NMC who have passed this rigorous exam.
The NCLEX-RN is an exam that nursing graduates must pass in order to practice nursing as a Registered Nurse. The exam tests nursing graduates' knowledge, skills, and abilities to certify that they can apply entry-level nursing practices correctly.
NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD extended his congratulatory remarks, “The College is incredibly proud to see more of our nursing graduates passing the NCLEX. Congratulations to Timothy and Kristine on their successful passage.”
NMC Nursing Department Chair Rosa Aldan also congratulated the nursing graduates on their achievements.
“We congratulate Timothy and Kristine for their achievement in passing the NCLEX-RN Exam,” Aldan said, “and we look forward to seeing them apply their knowledge as Registered Nurses in our CNMI community and the world beyond.”
Park’s motivation for pursuing nursing stems from his parents’ wishes for him to become a nurse. He added, “Also, I knew that a lot of people are struggling with their health and I wanted to help them as much as I can to make this a better planet.”
In preparation for the NCLEX, Park highlighted his use of Kaplan, CAT exams, Saunders Comprehensive Review, and the Archer Review in order to understand the material, have an idea of what the NCLEX will be like, and address any content that he was weak at.
Additionally, Park expressed that NMC provided a lot of help toward his preparation for the exam, stating that the Kaplan Live Reviews, classes, and clinical experiences were all helpful. “Also the motivation and help from the instructors will help the most, because without them, I would not have passed the exam,” he said.
In advice to students who are planning to take the NCLEX, Park recommends studying more outside of class. “Also studying with the peers should be better than studying alone because the things that you don’t know, they will help you on those,” he said. “Use time wisely and do not overstudy. Take your time, and eventually, you will pass!”
Park is currently in the process of applying to work as a Registered Nurse at CHCC.
Deleon Guerrero attributes her passion for nursing to her deep sense of duty to help others. Nursing aligns with her core values such as service, empathy, and making meaningful differences in the lives of others.
“The opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals and the community as a whole drives me every day,” she said. “Whether it’s offering physical care or emotional support, I am committed to being there for those in need, ensuring they receive the best possible care with compassion and dedication.”
Deleon Guerrero highlighted the importance of mental preparation when it came to the passage of the NCLEX, stating that it is just as important as academic preparation. She noted, “It’s one thing to know the content, but it’s another thing to be confident and trust in your abilities when studying for the exam.”
Additionally, she expressed that the NMC nursing curriculum and instructors prepared their students by instilling values such as consistency, resiliency, and patience within their learning, along with the remediating of Kaplan questions and content in preparation for the exam.
“We were reminded every day that this academic journey will not be easy and that it will require the best parts of us to become what it takes to be a Registered Nurse because our people deserve the best care and support at their most vulnerable time,” said Deleon Guerrero.
As a message to students who are planning to take the NCLEX in the future, she said, “You did not come this far to stop now. Besides the content, critical thinking, and hours of studying you must put in, you must also fill your mind with positive energy and be your number one source of motivation. A lot of us did not feel ready, and you will never be until you take it. Trust in yourself and remember you have time!”
Deleon Guerrero is currently in the process of applying to work as a Registered Nurse at CHCC.