Nursing Student Success: Predictors of Retention and Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam

Abstract

The current nursing shortage has challenged colleges to educate nurses at a faster pace than in previous times. Successful completion of the nursing programs and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam is important for the students, faculty, and nursing programs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the possible predictors of completing the baccalaureate nursing program at a college in the eastern United States and passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. This study investigated historical data from 2 graduating classes of the Bachelor of Science (BSN) nursing program to determine whether the admission variables of the preprogram grade point averages (GPA), American College Testing (ACT) scores, course grades in anatomy and physiology, and/or the Health Education System Inc. (HESI) Exit Exam scores could predict who was most likely to complete the nursing program, as well as pass the NCLEX-RN. A non-experimental study using the Pearson R correlational test identified a significant relationship (p < .01) between the preprogram variables and the HESI exit exam scores with the completion of the BSN program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. The results of this study will contribute to the body of knowledge needed to address this problem with attrition and successfully completing the nursing program, as well as passing the NCLEX-RN exam. The implications for positive social change includes addressing the critical nursing shortage by increasing the number of nursing graduates that pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt, which ultimately will result in improved healthcare throughout the United States.