Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation

Commonwealth Health Center
OPERATING POLICY

CATEGORY: Administration CODE:

SUBJECT: Graduate Nurse Professional Development Program
EFFECTIVE: 05/01/17

RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT/DESIGNEE: Nursing

PAGE: 1

PURPOSE:

In accordance with Public Law No. 14-062, an interim permit, not to exceed one year from the
date of graduation, may be issued to nurses who graduated from a recognized nursing
program. The CHCC provides employment opportunities for those who hold such interim
permits as “Graduate Nurses”. Graduate Nursing licenses are only valid for one year,
therefore, the CHCC strongly encourages Graduate Nurses to pass the National Council
Licensing Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses and License Practical Nurse within
one year of the date of their graduation. In order to increase CNMI workforce capacity and to
augment the CHCC’s staffing needs, the CHCC provides professional development support
to Graduate Nurses in their pursuit of RN or LPN licensure.

POLICY:

Should a Graduate Nurse avail of the CHCC’s “Graduate Nurse Professional Development
Package”, subsequently pass the NCLEX exam, and become a registered nurse, the
individual must sign a two (2) year continuous employment contract with the CHCC, if the
contract is breached, the individual must reimburse CHCC the total cost of the package.

The Graduate Nurse Development Package includes:

 Paid eight (8) week on-line review for the NCLEX-RN examination through the
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Alternatively, the student may
choose a different review program, but the CHCC’s financial support of the review will
not exceed $100.00USD.

 Paid $200 USD NCSBN registration and $110USD CNMI Examination.

CHC Operating Policy, cont. Code:
Subject: Graduate Nurses Page: 2 of 2

 Paid administrative leave of up two (2) weeks to study for the NCLEX examination.

 Use of a private study area in the Medical Library on the CHCC campus. This
includes Security services if necessary and refreshments when available, from the
cafeteria.

REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

(PLEASE PRINT & SIGN)

________________________________________ _________________
Director, Human Resources Office Date

________________________________________ __________________
Director of Nursing Date

________________________________________ __________________
Chief Executive Officer Date

Reviewed Last
(Date and Initial)

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