Background/Purpose:  This study was undertaken to determine if the initial results indicating that the national League for Nursing Community examination was the best predictor for NCLEX-RN success for our diverse student could be replicated. 

Data:  NCLEX-RN Pass and Fail data and scores on standardized achievement exams (National League for Nursing (NLN) Pretest, NLN Adult Health, NLN Maternal-Child Health, NLN Community Health, HESI Mental Health Examination) were obtained from archived reports. 

Sample:  Sample sizes for the various analyses ranged from 98 to 179 (N=190). 

Analysis:  Discriminant analyses were conducted.  The NLN pretest correctly identified 10 (63%) of the graduates in the Fail category and was statistically significant; cannonical r = .29, Wilk’s λ = .91, p = .00 (n=100).  The single best predictor was the NLN Maternal-Child examination.  Scores obtained on this examination accurately categorized 73% of the sample (n = 179) and correctly identified 28 (72%) of graduates in the Fail category (canonical r = .46; Wilks’ λ = .79, p = .00).  Predictive ability improved to 77% overall (n = 77) when all standardized examination scores were entered into the discriminant function.  Eighty five percent of the Fail group were identified correctly with this analysis (canonical r = .53, Wilks’ λ = .72, p = .00). 

Limitations:  This study is limited by the small sample size.     

Discussion/Conclusions:  Unlike the previous study, the NLN Maternal-Child examination scores was the best predictor of student success on the NCLEX-RN for this sample.  Identifying students at risk at this point in the curriculum would allow students two additional semesters to develop a remediation plan and to seek additional assistance in preparing for the NCLEX-RN.  

Faculty are encouraged to conduct a systematic assessment of the predictive ability of standardized examinations used in their own programs to determine the predictive usefulness for their unique students.