Improving Undergraduate Nursing Testing Practice by Developing a Peer-Review Methodology

Nursing tests are considered a high-stakes method of evaluating students' mastery of learned concepts and a means to prepare students for the licensing examination. After observing a downward trend in nursing program graduates' NCLEX-RN pass rates, an increase in test question issues, and anticipating the NCLEX-RN changes to the NGN format in 2023, the department sought to increase test quality.

Using shared governance, faculty mentorship, and evidence-based test practices, a testing methodology and process was created by implementing a test review committee.

Implementation of the test review committee demonstrated a significant improvement in the quality of tests administered, facilitated improved faculty test development, and increased student preparedness for the 2023 NGN examination by demonstrating a 100% pass rate.

Although implementing the test review committee and changing test practice required continued faculty support and mentorship, the outcome produced a standardized quality testing process that demonstrated student success. [.