NCLEX- Results 2007/ 2008- Why Are Less Students Passing?
With proper planning you can pass the NCLEX exam the first time. Most students pass the exam on their first try, but there is still a large percentage that don't. When you take the time to determine how you are going to approach your studies, you can too! Only 87.1% of United States trained pupils and 47.4% of internationally educated students passed the NCLEX in the first quarter of 2008. This is down 2% and 10% for United States and internationally educated students compared to the first quarter of 2007 according to the NCSBN. At first glance this statistic could be a bit disheartening, but when analyzing the numbers as a whole they are compelling. Here are some interesting statistics .
United States Educated Students- First Time NCLEX TestTakers 2007:
First Quarter- 26,923 Candidates 89.1% % Pass Rate
Second Quarter- 31,379 Candidates 87.6% Pass Rate
Third Quarter- 51,428 Candidates 83.5% Pass Rate
Forth Quarter- 9.849 Candidates 78.6% Pass Rate
The pass percentages vary tremendously form one quarter to the others. Does the test administered vary that much from one quarter to the next? It is not likely that the NCSBN is making changes that will cause such a significant flux. The number of pupils taking the exam does not appear to be a factor either, as the highest and lowest pass rates are during periods where there are the most and least number of candidates.
The conclusion we may be able to draw from this is that it is possible that the students sitting for the test during the first and second quarters were full time students and they sat for their tests as the class was completed. An amazingfact which is not mentioned above is that in 2007, on average pupils with a high school diploma passed at 87.9% ; baccalaureate degreed students 86.4%; and associate degreed students at 84.8%. Amazingly, students with only a diploma had a higher passing rate.
The most likely reason for this is that they have fewer distractions, and they have more time to study. Students with less responsibility are better able to concentrate on what they have been taught, opposed to their counter parts, who must focus on the needs of their jobs and children.
It is difficult to make the time to study for the NCLEX Exam with such responsibilities It is imperative to plan your time. If you haven't started nursing classes yet, start taking the time to determine when you will be able to study. set realistic expectations. Consider what other activities you will have to give up. If you realize in advance what sacrifices you have to make and you bring this to the attention to those who depend on you, they will be more likely to support you.
Decide where you will study. This must be a place where you feel you can concentrate on your studies. The effort that you spend focused only on your studies will be productive and take less time. Surprisingly, the car is a great place to study and reinforce what you have learned. Get NCLEX RN audios and start listening to them. Since you have used your time more effectively, you will be able to reward yourself with some downtime. Take full advantage of all the audio study materials. The more you listen to and learn, the less time you will be sitting at the desk.
Only careful planning and execution of all aspects of your studying and test preparation will help you pass the NCLEX exam. As mentioned above, it is not a matter of your level of education that will dictate if you Pass the NCLEX, it is how you execute your plan for education.
NCLEX Exam Study Guide- Audios
Published July 26th, 2008
Filed in Education