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BACKGROUND: This study aims to use the artificial neural network as a novel approach to explore factors that determine and predict successful performance of nursing interns in Saudi Arabia on the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional, analytic approach. A total of 62 nursing interns were recruited by convenience sampling from the University of Hail to participate. Data collection was conducted from September to December 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the nursing interns and their responses regarding examination determinants. Neural network analysis was used to identify factors that are highly predictive of the success of the nursing interns on the SNLE. RESULTS: Overall, the nursing interns were undecided (3.94 ± 0.14) about the influential factors determining their success. Their study hours (100%) and grade point average (GPA) (96.9%) were identified as strong determinants reflective of the tenacity and vigor of the nursing interns, based on the predictive power of the model. Meanwhile, age (45.7%), marital status (21.3%), gender (15.2%), and the type of academic program (5.9%) were considered the least important of the sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSION: Exam preparation activities such as preparation programs, review classes, and exam simulations must be promoted and enhanced to increase the passing tendencies of the nursing interns in the SNLE. The GPA and increased study hours make the most significant contributions to success on the SNLE as compared to other variables such as age, gender, marital status, and the academic program. This study serves as a springboard for nursing educators and administrators in laying tailored strategies to strengthen the nurse interns’ GPA and time management.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine learners' perceptions of the characteristics of an effective clinical instructor and the determining factors for that perception. Materials and Methods: This study used a quantitative-cross sectional design. The participants of this study were 100 nursing students obtained from convenience sampling. These students were enrolled in the College of Nursing of the University of Hail in the first semester of 2019-2020. Data was collected from January to April 2020. Results: The majority of students identified "skillful" as the most important characteristic (x=4.26; SD= 3.86), followed by "good communicator" (x=4.15; SD=3.77), and "approachable" and "skillful," both with means of 4.05(SD= 4.30). A significant difference was found in gender (t value-2.497; p<.0.014) but not year level (t value= 1.010; p> 0.315). Conversely, ANOVA results found no significant differences in age (f-value= 2.095; p>.05), marital status (f-value=0.393; p> 0.676), and the amount of exposure per week (f-value= 2.894; p>0.060). Conclusion: Skillful emerged as the most important characteristic of an effective clinical instructor. Moreover, the female learners seemed to have a different requirement of an effective teacher (e.g. positive behavior). This information is imperative for school authorities to find ways to meet learners' expectations. Meeting the needs and expectations of the learners can serve as a valuable indicator for the facilitator's effectiveness.