A five-year study of graduates' performance on NCLEX-RN

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Professions Licensure

Background:

• The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a critical benchmark for nursing graduates.
• Understanding factors influencing NCLEX-RN performance is essential for improving nursing education and licensure outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify admission and curriculum variables that predict success on the NCLEX-RN examination.
• To analyze the relationship between National League for Nursing (NLN) Comprehensive Achievement Test scores and NCLEX-RN results.

Main Methods:

• A 5-year study (1988-1994) analyzed data from 188 nursing graduates.
• Quota sampling was used to select participants.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine predictor variables for NCLEX-RN success.

Main Results:

• Strongest predictors of NCLEX-RN success included SAT verbal scores, nursing grade point average (GPA), and NLN Comprehensive Achievement Test scores.
• A predictive model combining three nursing courses and NLN Comprehensive Achievement Test scores showed significant predictive power (P = 0.0001).
• Despite limitations of pass/fail data, predictor variables demonstrated strong statistical significance.

Conclusions:

• Academic performance metrics, such as SAT verbal scores, nursing GPA, and standardized achievement tests, are robust indicators of NCLEX-RN success.
• Specific nursing coursework, in conjunction with standardized testing, can effectively predict licensure examination outcomes.
• These findings support the integration of comprehensive assessment strategies in nursing education to enhance graduate preparedness for the NCLEX-RN.