Coaching to NCLEX-RN Success: A Postgraduation Intervention to Improve First-Time Pass Rates

Abstract

BACKGROUND: First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are often used to evaluate the effectiveness of prelicensure nursing programs. Faced with pass rates that had declined from 85.71% to 64.86% over a period of 4 years, this baccalaureate-nursing program developed a postgraduation coaching intervention to assist graduates in developing an individualized plan as they prepared for their examination. METHOD: The intervention was designed to close the loop for graduates on NCLEX-RN preparedness. The intervention, led by the program's Tutor and Retention Coordinator, consisted of cognitive behavioral techniques, content reviews, and test-taking strategies. RESULTS: The intervention has been successfully implemented for a period of 2 years and first-time pass rates rose to 87.66% in 2016 and 94.29% in 2017. CONCLUSION: Addressing first time NCLEX-RN pass rates requires a comprehensive approach. Students need to begin preparation for their NCLEX-RN examination early in their nursing program; however, this preparation needs to also continue after program completion. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(9):561-565.].