What's up with all the 'failed NCLEX' posts?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in ICU.

I look through the "what's new" feed and keep seeing posts of nursing students who failed their NCLEX. Is the test getting harder? I remember that my graduating class had only one student that failed NCLEX. Are schools graduating people who are not ready for the test?

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I only have a guess at what's going on and that guess comes from hanging around here. So scientific :no:

First of all, remember that usually the only ones who run to the internet for advice are those who are struggling. So, you automatically have more "failed" posts than "passed" posts. And some of those who are failing are failing 2,3,4,5+ times. (But I digress - that's a whole other issue.)

Secondly, I do believe that there has been a boom in for-profit nursing programs that spring up quickly and may or may not be as effective or rigorous in their methods of educating their students. When folks who cannot attain admission to a community college or state university due to a poor GPA are able to purchase a nursing education and walk right in, something might be wrong with that education.

And to reference again those who fail NCLEX multiple times, I believe that that category of nursing student graduates just may be flowing from the for-profit schools. Just my thoughts.

Specializes in NICU.

Too many for profit schools with low NCLEX pass rates that fail to teach students what they need to pass the test

Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

I remember when I taught, when we had students fail the NCLEX it often was that these students had poor test taking skills, struggled with critical thinking, just for starters. Even for profit programs have to meet NLN and other accreditation guidelines in order to stay in business.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

In my state, schools are supposed to maintain a certain NCLEX pass rate or face discipline (and possible closure) from the State Board. But we have some schools that have been "on probation" or "on disciplinary action" for years and years. They never seem to actually shut those school down. It makes me mad.

I think it's partly the "solve my problem for me" generation. A lot of people who fail seem to have a long list of reasons why it's unfair or not their fault. They also want strangers to tell them what do do instead of figuring things out for themselves

...or maybe I'm just bitter and old :cyclops:

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I remember when I taught, when we had students fail the NCLEX it often was that these students had poor test taking skills, struggled with critical thinking, just for starters. Even for profit programs have to meet NLN and other accreditation guidelines in order to stay in business.

The schools that people are referring to "for-profit" are actually referring to the "commercial" scheming schools that have no entrance barriers and are advertised during daytime talk shows like Maury usually DON'T have the NLN accreditation; ALL schools have to fulfill the state BON requirements and their state's department of education only; and those boards are not created equal.

Look up a failing "commercial" school and see if they are ACEN accredited...you will find very few and far in between.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Even for profit programs have to meet NLN and other accreditation guidelines in order to stay in business.
None of the investor-owned schools in the area where I live have accreditation from the NLNAC (known today as ACEN) or CCNE.

Contrary to popular beliefs, nursing school accreditation is purely voluntary. It is not mandatory, nor is it needed to operate or stay in business.

Specializes in retired LTC.

Commuter - interesting info to know. Does make a difference. TY

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Misery loves company?

Canada might be contributing to the fail chatter.

Since we converted fully in 2015 & didn't teach to the test, our first time pass rate is

Huge crisis in the programs & the national students' association is raising a stink over the only 3 attempts rules.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Nursing schools are opening like crazy and recruiting students like crazy. The reputable schools have waiting lists, competitive entry and are accredited. The others are stupid expensive, have no waiting list, have no accreditation, struggle with NCLEX pass rates and their students struggle to find work. These schools ride the mythical "nursing shortage" coattails to lure in unsuspecting hopefuls who are then left high and dry with poor likelihood of passing the licensing exam, credits that will not transfer and a huge load of student debt.

Ticks me off.

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