NCLEX-RN strategies for success: a private university's experience

Our university is committed to teaching excellence and effective student learning. To demonstrate this effectiveness, our school of nursing conducted a pilot study to assess the status of student learning through documented success on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Recognizing that recommendations on NCLEX-RN test plan development and revisions are based on results of the triennial RN job analysis study, it became apparent to faculty for the need to identify and enhance nursing skills a student should be able to perform at the entry level of a newly licensed registered nurse. Predictive variables were identified and correlated with outcomes on the NCLEX-RN. Recommendations for research, education, and practice were developed and implemented leading to 1999 quarterly increases of 5-10% in NCLEX-RN scores.