Effect of a Commercial NCLEX-RN Preparation Product on First Time Pass Rates

Abstract

Introduction: Passing the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) is the entry into the profession for nurses, and rates of passing the exam on the first attempt are used as an important outcome measure for schools, students, and accrediting agencies. Objective: This study was conducted in order to investigate if a commercial NCLEX-RN test preparation product impacted first time pass rates. Methods: Data were collected from 688 students from six institutions who were taking the NCLEX-RN for the first time. The intervention group (n = 396) received a 6-month subscription to a commercial product with which to prepare for the NCLEX-RN, and was compared to the control group (n = 292) to test for differences in demographics and test pass rates. Results: The intervention group was more likely to be younger than 25 years of age (n = 160, 55.8% vs. n = 76, 34.6%; p