No abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the extent to which HESI tests scores improve the prediction of timely first-time nursing licensure beyond prediction based only on academic performance in the nursing curriculum. Licensure in less than 140 days post-graduation was the dependent variable used as the operational definition for first-time NCLEX-RN success. Logistic regression was used to estimate the value-added of the HESI as a predictor after controlling for measures of academic performance in the nursing curriculum (GPA in nursing courses and the presence of D or F grades in nursing-relevant courses). HESI exit exam scores substantially improved the prediction of timely licensure. Nurse educators who seek cost-effective interventions for remediation benefit from using both HESI exit scores and data on academic performance in the nursing curriculum to better identify students who are a risk of failure to achieve timely first-time licensure.

As students from minority backgrounds increased to approximately 54% of one university nursing program, faculty were concerned as retention of these students has dramatically declined. In response, the school initiated a project called the Learning Achievement Program, funded by Health Resources and Services Administration, which is a transitional and developmental program for minority and/or disadvantaged students. The authors discuss the program, the challenges faced by students and faculty, and how the Learning Achievement Program influenced the diverse population in the nursing school.