Bruin Brief 2021-11-05: NCLEX pass rates, Part II

Owned by Paul Macey
Nov 23, 2021
3 min read

NCLEX pass rates part II

This week the Bruin Brief is written by a guest editor, Brenda Yeung, Policy Analyst in Academic Affairs

 

This week we continue the NCLEX Pass Rate discussion with Bruin Brief Part II.  In Part I we looked at the big picture of NCLEX annual pass rates as calculated and reported by the BRN. This week, we take a more granular approach.

Let’s look at 2021 NCLEX pass rate data by the quarter. 

Our recent class of 2021 BS cohort had a NCLEX pass rate of 88% for first time test takers with 40 students taking the exam.  The recent class of 2021 MECN cohort had a NCLEX pass rate of 95% for first time test takers with 57 students taking the exam.  Overall, we are still exceeding our SON expected pass rate of 85% and BRN expected 75% pass rate for first time test takers!  BRAVO everyone!

Why does the data table report by calendar year?

Because we are flexible! The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) requires us to report NCLEX pass rates Jan 1-Dec 31 each year. In contrast, the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires NCLEX data reports from July 1-June 30. The cut-points for slicing longitudinal data matter, so you will see slightly different results in CCNE and BRN reports.    

Discussion points from the November 1st, 2021 Pre-licensure meeting.

At the prelicensure meeting we talked about strengthening students’ NCLEX performance through a variety of pathways, including:

  • Taking NCLEX soon after graduating. Data indicate that students who delay sitting for the NCLEX exam have a lower pass rate. 

  • Audrey Shou from Kaplan will attend the December PL meeting to discuss the NCLEX Next Gen and strategies for preparation.

  • An NCLEX Work Group was created and several faculty members will meet to analyze, discuss, and brainstorm the next steps needed to improve our NCLEX pass rates. 

Who receives NCLEX data and what is done with it?

The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (Dr. Lauren Clark) receives the quarterly reports from the BRN and works with the Director of Evaluation (Dr. Paul Macey), pre-licensure program directors (Dr. Anita Bralock and Dr. Emma Cuenca) as well as all faculty to come up with an action plan to address any concerns we have about the scores. 

Are students who fail their first NCLEX attempt and then go on to repeat the exam included in the annual pass rate that is publicly reported by the BRN?

No.  The BRN only publicly reports NCLEX pass rates for first time test takers. 

Why does all this matter?

We hope that this level of transparency and communication will excite and engage all faculty and staff in our ongoing pursuit of academic excellence.  We all want our students to succeed on NCLEX and entry to professional nursing practice.

Comments, questions, and concerns are always welcome.  Sharing is caring.  In customary Bruin fashion I shall end with…GOOOOOOOOO BRUINS, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!!!!

 

Brenda Yeung MSN, OCN, CMSRN, CBCN

Project Policy Analyst 

Office of Academic Affairs

UCLA School of Nursing