Description/Overview: Three presentations will describe how the use of valid and reliable critical thinking (CT) tests informed remediation, enriched clinical experiences and focused nurse orientations. Evidence-based decision-making process was employed to improve success on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®) for Bachelor of Science in nursing students. The essential components of a nursing program that contribute to student success were examined. Lessons learned and opportunities for more comprehensive pertinent assessment methods are discussed. In a multi-site study, family and adult nurse practitioner students, who took specialty exams 3 to 6 months prior to graduating used testing outcomes to personalize deficiency-specific clinical experiences. Secure computerized end of curriculum testing predicted success on advance practice registered nurse (APRN) certification examinations. Ninety-four percent of faculty was very satisfied with testing and implemented program policies for continued use. Identifying the CT ability of nurse applicants is difficult at best. Research demonstrates the use of interviews; previous experience and references have not assisted in the employment of nurses with strong critical thinking ability. A descriptive-correlational study design was implemented to examine the relationship of selected variables and length of hospital orientation. Outcomes allowed for the development of focused orientation based upon identified knowledge strengths and weaknesses. The evidence-based processes presented are ones that may be applicable to other nursing programs despite differences in mission, philosophy, nursing student or orientation population. Computerized CT testing may be employed to identify, remediate and guide diverse nursing student populations for successful entry and retention into practice.

Learner Objective #1: Discuss evidence-based program data that influences NCLEX® or certification pass rates, and guides focused orientation plans.

Learner Objective #2: Discuss the pros and cons for adopting a progression/hospital policy based upon outcomes of a critical thinking specialty, NCLEX® or certification simulation exam.