College of Nursing Graduates Students with 100 Percent NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate for Two Consecutive Semesters
For two consecutive semesters, students from the Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 classes in the College of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program graduated with a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
The NCLEX exam is a standardized exam that determines if it’s safe for one to begin practice as an entry-level nurse, according to Kaplan Nursing. The NCLEX-RN tests students’ application and analysis as well as critical thinking skills to making nursing judgments. The College uses this same format in formulating exam questions throughout the curriculum as well as computer-based exams so that students are well-prepared for the NCLEX.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment for which our students should be very proud,” says Janie Heath, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN, dean and Warwick Professor of Nursing. “It’s a major step for our students, bridging the gap between academia and practice. They are ready and prepared to skillfully care for their patients at the bedside.”
The classes were comprised of 174 students, 96 of which are now practicing at UK HealthCare (UKHC). The NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate of the College’s graduates is 11.9 percent above the national NCLEX pass rate average of 88.10 percent for those with baccalaureate degrees who passed the examination.
“These outstanding outcomes speak volumes about the investment in student success cultivated by the College of Nursing” explains Patricia Burkhart, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and associate dean of undergraduate faculty affairs. “Excellence in nursing knowledge and skill competency are a direct result of student motivation and the support and guidance students receive from our expert faculty. Our undergraduate faculty make student success a priority every day in the classroom and clinical practice setting."
