Validation of prior nursing knowledge and performance in BSN education by RN students

This ex post facto study was designed to investigate the use of validation testing of prior nursing knowledge by registered nurse (RN) students for possible correlates usable in baccalaureate nursing education. Record reviews were used with a convenience sample of 182 registered nurses enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program. Criteria for selection of records included documentation of performance on a standardized validation exam and achievement in two required junior-level clinical courses. The four null hypotheses were rejected with the validation exam as the dependent measure. Significant positive relationships were found with mean scoring on the validation measure and achievement in prerequisite and required upper-division course work. Findings also indicated significantly higher scores on the validation exam after a longer time since graduation from the basic nursing program. Implications of practice experience and academic achievement in the basic nursing program need to be considered in the case of RN students who wish to pursue a baccalaureate in nursing.