Indicators of Baccalaureate Nursing Student's Success on the NCLEX-RN

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors contributing to baccalaureate nursing students’ NCLEX.  Research considers the standardized nursing tests an important indicator of nursing students' learning (Alameida, et al., 2011; Schooley & Kuhn, 2013). Previous studies consider the standardized nursing tests an important indicator of level of nursing students' learning (Alameida, et al., 2011; Morrison, Adamson, Nibert & Hsia, 2008).   A previous study using an associate nursing program was conducted using graduates from 2007 to 2010 and found the Fundamental’s specialty Hesi exam to be one of the early indicators of NCLEX performance (Schooley & Kuhn, 2013).

In addition, NCLEX pass rate of nursing students is imperative for accreditation of the nursing program’s.  State Boards of Nursing mandate probation for any nursing program whose graduate students’ NCLEX test pass rate falls one standard deviation below national average for three consecutive years. It is important for the nursing program to analyze which factors most contribute to nursing students passing the NCLEX.  Nurse educators must understand curriculum factors affecting NCLEX performance, particularly on first attempt.

Many factors appear to be associated with student pass rate of the NCLEX-RN test.  In particular, previous studies suggest pass rate of NCLEX-RN test is determined very accurately by pass rates of a series of Health Education Systems Incorporated (Hesi) tests given to students during their tenure in the nursing  program.  More specifically, it has been suggested two Hesi tests, the Maternity test and the Pediatrics test, are crucial in pinpointing students’ weak areas on the NCLEX-RN test (Bonis, Taft, &Wendler, 2007).  The research conducted by Schooley and Kuhn (2013) supported this finding as well.  The focus of the current study is on factors within the baccalaureate nursing program, from entrance criteria to progression criteria.