Confused about what school NCLEX questions

Jolie, BSN · Apr 11, 2005

I am planning on going to Brandywine Hosp School of Nursing in 2006. But I just read the NCLEX rates they are only 75 for them. But 95 for Lancaster General. How important are these numbers? Lancaster General is about 45 min. away vs 5 min away for Brandywine. I am taking some classes now at Immacutlata and Lancaster said some classes are transferable. THey have a Jan class but I would have to register by May 15 to make that class. I am so confused please advise.

NCLEX pass rates are important, but are only one indicator of the quality of a nursing education program. Rates can vary for a number of reasons, and I would suggest that you do a careful study of the pass rates of the schools you are considering, as well as other factors which can contribute to success in school.

First of all, if a school consistently has low passing rates, that signals a problem. Are they admitting unqualified students? Are they allowing poorly-performing students to continue in the program? If so, why? Money is usually the answer. Private schools without waiting lists may be tempted to keep unqualified students rather than lose the revenue they provide. What are the qualifications of the instructors and program director?

What is the track record of the school? Don't just look at the most recent testing session. Check back 2-5 years to see what the school's passing rate has been. It is possible to see a one-time drop in pass rates that is just an oddity, but if you consistently see low pass rates, I would be concerned.

How many students tested each time? If a school graduates 100 students, and only 75 pass NCLEX, that is a problem. But, if a school graduates just 4 students, and 1 fails, the pass rate will still be 75%. Statistics can be misleading, especially with a small test group.

Call the program director of each school and request an interview. Voice your concerns about NCLEX pass rates, and ask what the school does to help ensure its graduates not only pass NCLEX, but are prepared to take on the professional nurse role. Inquire about class size, qualifications of teachers, availability of tutoring and study groups, hours of clinical time, clinical sites, externship programs, job placement, etc.

Finally, I think it is reasonable to consider travel time in making a decision on what school to attend. Your life will be extremely busy with family, home, school, clinical, and study obligations. Spending another 90 minutes per day in the car might prove to be too much.

Good luck!

Jolie, BSN · Apr 11, 2005

It may also be helpful to ask each program director to give you a list of references, recent grads who would be willing to talk to you about their school experience and how it prepared them for the real world. Given the area in which you live, I don't think you would have any trouble finding a number of grads from each program.

Altra, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2005

What is the track record of the school? Don't just look at the most recent testing session. Check back 2-5 years to see what the school's passing rate has been. It is possible to see a one-time drop in pass rates that is just an oddity, but if you consistently see low pass rates, I would be concerned.
..........
How many students tested each time? If a school graduates 100 students, and only 75 pass NCLEX, that is a problem. But, if a school graduates just 4 students, and 1 fails, the pass rate will still be 75%. Statistics can be misleading, especially with a small test group.

These are important points. The NCLEX stats on one particular graduating class can be an aberration - you need to look at more than the most recent year. Also, if the school seems to be a good fit for you otherwise, but simply has had lower pass rates than another school ... there's is plenty that you can and SHOULD do on your own anyway, to do your best on the NCLEX. Passing the NCLEX is something you ultimately work for on your own.

Good luck to you! :)

RaggedyRN · Apr 16, 2005

Have you applied to Delaware County Community College's chester county nursing program? They are an associate's degree program and the clinicals and nursing classes are at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester. They have an 85% pass rate. I'm about to graduate from the program and highly reccomend it :wink2:

Chickey

RaggedyRN · Apr 16, 2005

UGGH...I really should check the spelling and typos before posting :rotfl:

Chickey

SerenityR.N., BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2005

I am in the Nursing Program at Harcum and i think its great. There is one lady in my class who was at Branywine and said it wasnt a good experience for her. But things are different for everyone. Try going to different schools for interviews.

I am planning on going to Brandywine Hosp School of Nursing in 2006. But I just read the NCLEX rates they are only 75 for them. But 95 for Lancaster General. How important are these numbers? Lancaster General is about 45 min. away vs 5 min away for Brandywine. I am taking some classes now at Immacutlata and Lancaster said some classes are transferable. THey have a Jan class but I would have to register by May 15 to make that class. I am so confused please advise.