The BSN is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring that graduates receive a high-quality education that meets national standards and prepares them to enter the nursing profession with confidence.

“These graduates are highly capable, compassionate, and committed to improving healthcare outcomes for Guam,” said Dr. Annamma Varghese, Assistant Professor and Nursing Director. “Their dedication to serving the community reflects the core values of nursing.”

Pushing Forward, Creating Change

UOG’s Nursing faculty commended this year’s graduating cohort for their resilience and adaptability. While many of them faced personal, family, and financial challenges, they stayed committed to their academic and clinical responsibilities.

“One memorable aspect of this class is the strong sense of teamwork and support they showed to one another throughout the program,” Varghese said. “Watching the students grow into confident future nurses has been incredibly rewarding.”

Part of the students’ growth is the tangible impact of their work on the profession.

Dr. Yvette Paulino, Dean of the Margaret Perez Hattori-Uchima School of Health, noted that several of the students’ capstone leadership projects are currently in the process of being implemented at Guam Memorial Hospital and Guam Regional Medical City.

“They are also improving the University through projects such as helping to revise the Nursing program learning outcomes and exploring clinical services at the University,” Paulino added.

Honoring Academic and Clinical Excellence

Several graduates were recognized for outstanding academic and clinical achievement during the Nursing program’s pinning ceremony on May 19 at the University of Guam Calvo Field House. Carina McCarthy and Angela Topacio received the Excellence in Theoretical Knowledge Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, professionalism, and adherence to the nursing code of ethics. Natasha Jaleco received the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award for excellence in applying nursing knowledge in clinical settings while maintaining high academic and professional standards.

“Clinical experiences taught me that nurses are not only caregivers but also advocates who help guide patients and families through the healthcare system,” Jaleco said.

Gearing Up for Licensure

The next step for the graduates is to take the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, to become registered nurses. UOG’s Nursing program has a consistent track record of first-time success on the exam. Graduates from Spring 2023 achieved a 100% pass rate, while each Spring cohort from 2020 to 2022 and from 2024 to 2025 achieved a 95% or higher pass rate.

Varghese attributes the program’s high NCLEX pass rates to a combination of dedicated faculty and preceptor mentorship, administrative and community support, and a rigorous curriculum comprised of classroom instruction, evidence-based practice, and extensive clinical rotations in various healthcare settings across Guam.

Additionally, the program has integrated simulation experiences into the curriculum through new technologies such as Virtual Reality and SimX simulation platforms.

“We want to ensure that our students are well-prepared and not left behind in an increasingly technology-driven healthcare environment,” Varghese said.

Expanding Capacity for Future Nurses

The Nursing program is also preparing to expand its instructional and simulation capacity with a new nursing annex slated to open later this fall. The additional space will support hands-on learning, simulation training, and collaborative instruction designed to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals on Guam and throughout the region.

“This new space represents an investment not only in our students but in the future of healthcare on Guam,” Paulino said. “The nursing annex will enhance the learning experience for our students while strengthening our ability to educate the next generation of nurses who will care for our island and region.”
Paulino says the new facility can support cohorts of up to 60 new nursing students each year.

The Next Generation of Nurse Leaders

The most recent cohort of BSN graduates will contribute directly to the health and well-being of the people in the community, as many of them will choose to remain and serve on Guam, according to Varghese.

The graduates also represent the continuing role the UOG Nursing program plays in addressing Guam’s nursing workforce shortage by preparing locally educated nurses who understand the needs of the community.

“They are our Triton Nursing ambassadors and truly the next generation of nurse leaders in our island and region,” Paulino said.