It’s the most important test for those who want to be licensed to practice as a registered nurse — the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The standardized test evaluates knowledge and skills to determine if the graduate is ready to practice nursing.
Reason for success
Dr. Laframboise attributes the success to the students, faculty and a variety of changes the college made several years ago, including raising the standard for admissions within the program and increased use of simulation.
She said what exactly is on the test is not known but a test plan gives students an idea of topical areas they can be tested on.
“We teach them what they need to know to enter the current practice arena, which should be consistent with what’s on the NCLEX exam because the exam is very focused on current practice,” Dr. Laframboise said. “The University of Nebraska has always had a top quality program and will continue to uphold that standard.
“Our expectations for clinical performance grow as the clinical setting becomes more complex. We’ve incorporated more simulation so students can learn in a safe environment when no one’s at risk. They can pause and ask questions which is sometimes difficult to do in the clinical setting. It’s another way we can keep growing program quality,” she said.
This year, 312 students who graduated in May from the UNMC College of Nursing accelerated and traditional bachelor’s degree in nursing programs achieved a 96 percent pass rate. The national pass rate is 88 percent.
The importance of pass rates goes beyond just showing how much students know. It also reflects nursing program quality.
“National accreditors, state board accreditors, all of the accrediting agencies look at your pass rate to decide whether or not they think you’re a quality program, and that is the most objective measure of program quality,” said Louise Laframboise, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the UNMC College of Nursing baccalaureate program. “The whole intent is to protect public safety.
“There are a lot of rules and policies that govern the practice of nursing,” she said. “We want to make certain students have the knowledge and skills they need to care for patients. Our faculty participate in clinical practice and we also get feedback from our clinical partners on what is needed.”
Juliann Sebastian, Ph.D., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said she and the faculty are pleased with the NCLEX score. “The faculty and students have been doing some fantastic work to yield these outstanding results,” she said.