Exploring Predictors of NCLEX-RN Success: One School's Search for Excellence

Background: The NCLEX-RN pass rate serves as a key indicator of the achievement of a nursing program's academic goals and may be a vital component of state board approval and the accreditation process. To improve on the program's pass rates, a comprehensive mentorship program was instituted. The The Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University used gaming strategies, content reviews, computerized integrative testing, and learning packages to assist students preparing for the licensure examination. Method: A retrospective regression analysis was performed to examine predictors of NCLEX-RN success. Results: Pass rates improved each year from a baseline of 79.17% in 2014 to 83.82% in 2015 and 90.14% in 2016. Logistic regression analysis revealed that overall college grade point average (p =.001) and a comprehensive examination in the NCLEX-RN format (p =.001) were significant predictors of NCLEX-RN success. Conclusion: The comprehensive mentoring program has been successful in raising the overall NCLEX-RN pass rate.