Predicting success on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse: another piece of the puzzle

A retrospective correlational study was conducted at a state-supported bachelor's degree nursing program to determine variables that predict success on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Data were collected from 1985 through 1988 on a sample of 298 students. The independent variables studied were: grade point average (GPA) overall, GPA in the major, GPA in science, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) verbal and quantitative scores, National League for Nursing (NLN) Comprehensive Baccalaureate Achievement Test scores, and Mosby Assess Test scores. The outcome variable was the NCLEX-RN. Pearson correlations indicated the Mosby Assess Test, overall GPA and GPA in the major, NLN Achievement Test, and SAT verbal to be of moderate predictive value. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the most useful combination of predictors was the Mosby Assess Test, SAT verbal, and overall GPA. The results support the value of a program at this school designed to increase students' verbal abilities.