Abstract
The authors discuss a study that examined the relationship of prenursing admission variables to success on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). The sample included 325 associate degree graduates from 1997-2001. Statistical analyses revealed that grade point average at admission is the strongest predictor of success. Course grades on psychology and natural sciences are also positively related to success. The results will help nurse educators to select applicants with greatest potential for success and identify "at risk" students early.
As nurse educators, we are the "gatekeepers" to nursing. Admission committees strive to select the best candidates with one purpose being to more successfully respond to the nursing shortage. Selection of those applicants who are predicted to perform better optimizes the success rate of limited enrollment as well as the utilization of the shortage of nursing faculty. Admission committees have responsibility to the applicants so that those selected are more likely to yield positive results from their educational and financial commitment. Using predictive criteria better serves society by graduating nurses who are deemed to be more likely to enter nursing sooner in order to fill the void.
Passing the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) is a standard benchmark for success of nursing graduates. This psychometrically solid national examination measures the minimum standard for nursing licensure and entry competence to practice. The exam has undergone changes since 1988. The test plan at that time was revised based on task analysis technique. The purpose was to make the testing more congruent with current nursing practice. Increased emphasis was placed on medical/surgical nursing content and less emphasis was placed on content related to mental health, obstetrical, and pediatric nursing. 1 The scoring was changed to pass/fail. In 1994, the paper and pen format with delineated scores in different areas of practice was replaced with a computerized testing format and a pass/fail outcome measure. Therefore, predictors of NCLEX-RN success that have been reported in the literature that were predicated on data prior to 1994 may not be applicable at present.