Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2016
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph. D.
Department
Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development
Degree Program
Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, PhD
Committee Chair
Gross, Jacob
Committee Member
Chlebowy, Diane
Committee Member
Choi, Namok
Committee Member
Sun, Jeffrey
Author's Keywords
NCLEX-RN; student success; BSN program
Abstract
Nursing programs are experiencing a decline in National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates among graduates. While researchers have attempted to identify predictors of performance on the NCLEX-RN, identification of predictors remains elusive. Although the literature is replete with studies exploring NCLEX-RN predictors, prediction under the new 2013 NCLEX test plan and passing standards is not well established. Considering the ever-evolving diversity in students, combined with recent changes in the NCLEX-RN, further exploration of predictors of performance is warranted. Using a correlational design, the study sought to identify the predictors of NCLEX-RN performance for Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates. The focal research question for this study was, “Do baccalaureate nursing students’ academic outcomes predict NCLEX-RN performance?” To answer this primary question, the researcher conducted a retrospective review of student records at a single pre-licensure BSN program. A binary logistic regression was performed to model the relationship between academic outcomes and NCLEX-RN outcomes. The analysis revealed a combination of nursing program academic outcomes predicted NCLEX-RN performance. Most particularly, the use of the Adult Health course exam average, score on the Adult Health ATI exam, ATI Comprehensive Predictor performance, and graduation GPA can predict NCLEX-RN outcomes, when controlling for student profile characteristics and academic factors. This study suggests nursing exam scores and standardized test scores can aid in predicting NCLEX-RN performance for BSN graduates. Findings from this study can provide nursing educators a foundation for understanding the factors associated with NCLEX-RN performance and offer a framework for identifying students who are at-risk for NCLEX-RN failure. Moreover, study findings can provide insight into the additional needs of students in preparing for NCLEX-RN and guide educators in developing early intervention programs for high-risk students. Given the national decline in NCLEX-RN pass rates, early identification of at-risk students and implementation of interventions targeting high-risk students can offer a solution for reducing the number of graduates unprepared for the NCLEX-RN and alleviate the burden associated with failure.
Recommended Citation
Mitchell, Heather Davis, "Predicting NCLEX-RN performance : an exploration of student demographics, pre-program factors, and nursing program factors." (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2413.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/2413
