The Nursing program at the University of Guam is notorious for being one of the most challenging yet successful programs the university offers, which students can expect high demands from the program that involves a great deal of time and commitment. For Briana Mafnas, a UOG nursing student and mother, her time devoted to the program is a stepping stone towards her dream of becoming a nurse.

As a nursing student, she is tasked with reading up to 5-8 chapters a week for her pathophysiology class, along with participating in clinicals, which can last up to 12 hours for a single day. The constant hours dedicated to the program occasionally takes a toll on the mind as Mafnas described.

“It’s a lot of studying and late nights”, Mafnas said.

Yet Mafnas is a mother, who knows how to balance time with family, friends, and school. Being able to manage time is an asset, which plays an important role in her life as it alleviates unnecessary stress that can obstruct her goals.

She explained the importance of having a strong support system and time for herself.

Gicelle Aromin, a friend of Mafnas, admires her time-management and ability to juggle duties as a mother and student.

“I think she’s doing a good job,” Aromin said.

Prior to entering the nursing program, students can expect to be challenged both academically and emotionally.

Mafnas encourages prospective nursing majors to be prepared mentally and physically.

Though her journey towards becoming a nurse seemed distant as a freshman, Mafnas explained that Mason, her son, motivates her to never give up on her dream of becoming a nurse and to always look at the reasons why she started.

Mafnas said: “Don’t doubt yourself. No matter how hard it gets, just keep going and don’t quit. You’re going to get through.”  

The University of Guam’s four-year nursing program began in 1988 and received its first national U.S.-accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. in 1995. It is currently accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

“The last two graduating classes of UOG’s nursing program passed the standardized nursing licensure exam, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), with a 100% first-time pass rate, surpassing the national average of 90%” according to a UOG press release.