Recently, Olivet Nazarene University announced a 94% first time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for graduates of the BSN and ABSN programs that the University offers through the School of Nursing. Passing the NCLEX ensures that new nursing professionals are properly equipped to safely practice in the workplace. Additionally, Olivet’s online RN-BSN program received recognition this spring from registerednursing.org as the #3 program in the state of Illinois for 2021.
While Olivet’s first time pass rates often exceed state and national averages, the 2020 score indicates that students are receiving exceptional levels of industry training in the program, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Dr. Tiffany Greer, professor and associate dean of the School of Nursing, said of the success of the BSN and ABSN programs, “Our faculty have worked really hard to make sure our curriculum is aligned to the NCLEX exam as well as bachelor’s level practice standards. Our teaching and learning practices are innovative and engaging, and our students are prepared to give competent and compassionate care.”
In order to prepare nursing students for the NCLEX, Olivet’s program incorporates HESI exams, which are standardized tests that indicate a student’s mastery of content, into the curriculum. Passing of the HESI exam is required to be admitted into the nursing program, and students take variations of the exam throughout the program to monitor their progress and prepare them for the NCLEX.
Recent BSN graduate Karlie Morfitt ’20 said of the experience, “I realized that if you utilize Olivet’s exams, you will undoubtedly be well-prepared. [The NCLEX] is just another exam; just another thing to check off on your way to becoming a nurse. I giggled when I got to the exam because this huge, scary thing that I lost sleep over wasn’t so bad after all. It was great to know that I was prepared for the exam.”
In addition to preparing students with technical training, Olivet’s nursing department puts a heavy emphasis on ethics, spirituality and holistic care.
“Our hope is to eventually get to a 100% NCLEX pass rate,” said Dr. Greer, “But more importantly, to continue to hear from hospitals and health systems that they love our graduates and that they want more of them to apply! That is the best compliment in the world!”
She explained, “Our students are impacting patient lives, not just through knowing the best ways to treat them, but also how to treat them as individuals made in the image of God.”
For more information about enrolling in Olivet’s nursing program, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published 3/18/21
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