Predictors of Success on the NCLEX-RN Among Transfer BSN Students

Fortier, Mary E.

Tuesday, 31 July 2012: 10:45 AM

Mary E. Fortier, EdD, RN, CNL
College of Nursing, Seton Hall University South Orange New Jersey, South Orange, NJ

Learning Objective 1: identify the academic factors that impact the transfer BSN student and their success on the NCLEX-RN: defined as a first time pass.

Learning Objective 2: identify the demographic factors that impact the transfer BSN student and their success on the NCLEX-RN defined: as a first time pass.

Purpose: In light of the recent IOM Report and Patricia Benner’s study: A Call for Radical Transformation, we, as nurse educators, need to identify the barriers to a baccalaureate degree in nursing and create a seamless pathway for our RNs to achieve a baccalaureate degree in nursing. This quantitative research examined predictors of first time success on the NCLEX-RN Examination among transfer students in a baccalaureate degree program.

Methods: Benner’s theory of novice to expert was used as a guiding framework. This research identified demographic and academic variables and their relationship to NCLEX-RN success on the first attempt. The data was analyzed with SPSS 17.0 software and the alpha level was set at p = .05. SPSS 17.0 was used to analyze both the descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics included means, standard deviations and frequency distributions. The chi square test was used to determine if the frequency in each category is different from that which would be expected by chance. Correlational analysis was performed to determine if there are any significant relationships between the variables, using a Spearman rho correlation and a Pearson-r to determine the strength of the relationship among the criterion variables and NCLEX-RN success. Logistical regression was selected in an attempt to examine the relationships between multiple criterion variables and the dichotomous criterion variable of NCLEX-RN success.

Results: This research study, using logistic regression found final GPA was the strongest predictor of NCLEX-RN success. These research results will lead to the enhancement and modification of admission policies, remediation and mentoring and curriculum development in nursing.

Conclusions: If such predictors could be identified early and supported statistically with success on the NCLEX-RN, administrators and faculty could rest easier in regards to their NCLEX-RN pass rates and devote additional time to the more important areas of scholarship, teaching, and service to their institutions.

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