Standardized mastery content assessments for predicting NCLEX-RN outcomes

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Sciences
• Academic Assessment

Background:

• Nurse educators require reliable predictors to identify baccalaureate nursing students at risk of failing the NCLEX-RN examination.
• Early intervention strategies are crucial for improving student outcomes and licensure rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the predictive accuracy of standardized assessment scores in fundamentals, mental health, and pharmacology for NCLEX-RN failure.
• To identify specific assessment areas that can serve as early indicators of student risk.

Main Methods:

• A logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between standardized assessment scores and NCLEX-RN failure.
• Data from baccalaureate nursing students' standardized assessment scores were utilized.

Main Results:

• The pharmacology standardized assessment score demonstrated significant predictability for NCLEX-RN failure.
• The pharmacology assessment achieved 73.7% accuracy in identifying students at risk of failing the examination.

Conclusions:

• The pharmacology standardized assessment is a valuable tool for the early identification of at-risk nursing students.
• Implementing pharmacology assessment data can enhance targeted interventions to improve NCLEX-RN pass rates.