A Model for Student Success

Institutions may be experiencing an increasing number of applicants who are underprepared for nursing study, especially institutions with access missions. Early identification and intervention can mitigate risk of attrition and unsuccessful NCLEX-RN^® outcomes.

An initial study of approximately 1,500 graduates from a multi-campus system led to the development of a comprehensive approach to student success. The model includes identifying nonacademic success factors through an early assessment survey, implementing a data-driven admissions matrix, changing progression policies, designing a new learning-relearning approach, and offering robust cocurricular student support.

NCLEX-RN pass rates and student persistence have improved in the 4 years since implementation, and graduation rates are stable.

Although improvements have been made, there is more work to do. African American students have not demonstrated overall improvements when compared to students of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Further research is needed to test, design, and implement strategies to address social and race-related factors influencing persistence and success. [.