New Graduation Requirements, Can They Do This?

msAnneRN11 · Nov 2, 2011

I think this is actually a good thing provided it is included in your tuition

Jen D · Nov 2, 2011

Thank you msAnnRN11 for responding. I do agree that this is a good thing that we are able to take the Kaplan course. But the exam we are required to take is BEFORE we take the Kaplan class. If we do not meet the benchmark on the "pre" exam then we don't graduate. We will have to wait until we do pass this "pre" exam to register to take the NCLEX. Our class feels this isn't fair since we have passed all classes. We are all frustrated with this decision and are looking for information on whether or not other schools require this or if this is something exclusive to our school. Thank you!

elkpark · Nov 2, 2011

Did your school get in trouble with the BON for having a low NCLEX initial passing rate? In my experience, this is the kind of step schools often put in place to remedy a low passing rate (the last BSN program in which I taught had done this the year before I started teaching there, for that reason).

Jen D · Nov 2, 2011

Thanks Elkpark, Yes I believe that they were. That was why they incorporated NCLEX into our program which again, I think is great, but I just disagree with our not getting our diploma and getting to register for the boards until after passing a Kaplan exam (before we even begin the Kaplan course). Just doesn't seem fair. So your understanding is that they do this at other schools as well? Thank you for your input. :)

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Nov 2, 2011

That does seem unfair. I'm so sorry you all are so worried. Do the best you can...

KimN · Nov 2, 2011

Seems unfair to throw it on you last minute but usually you have more than one opportunity to take it .. many schools allow two - do you know if your school will allow this? I'm sorry I am really not trying to sound insensitive but I think it's actually a really good thing. It is scary but think of the confidence it will give you about the NCLEX when you pass. My school requires us to take HESIs 6 times a year!!! Seriously it's crazy and we have to take a final cummulative one at the end of the year to pass. They basically sprung it on the class doing it a few years ago when it started. I gripe about it but I think it's good -- we should be able to pass these tests if we are going to be nurses afterwards .. I would want my nurse to have been able to pass at the end of school! But really all the luck in the world to you and you've been preparing for it all along!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Nov 2, 2011

Check with your nursing counselor. You should be covered under the requirements of the program when you first entered it. That is why you always get the school's catalog for the semester you start. If the school changed the rules mid way, then the new rules may or may not apply to you. You need to check.

However, don't feel bad. Many colleges/universities have been requiring this type of test (Kaplan or ATI) for years. My program requries us to pass an ATI test for the subject we are enrolled in each semester, as well as pass all the other exams, quizzes and other requirements for the course.

At the beginning of the senior year we will take another ATI evaluation which will give us an indication of our areas of weaknesses. This allows us to concentrate on the areas we are weak before we take the final ATI test in the very last class. I believe the university requires a passing rate of 90% before we can graduate from the program. Essentially, the school is preparing the student for the NCLEX exam throughout the program.

It is irritating, but by the time you graduate you will be ready for the NCLEX with very little studying.

Despareux · Nov 3, 2011

Our program does the same and uses Kaplan, as well. As long as we are at or above the national average, then we pass. I don't know of anyone who has not passed their Kaplan.

Our school has had 100% pass rate for the last 5 years, so I don't think those Kaplan tests are just for schools who have lower pass rates. I think it's to assess the instructors, but we get to pay for it.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2011

Schools can add courses whenever they choose. Sounds like yours is doing it because they aren't doing well with grads passing the NCLEX first time round. It's not a big deal and you'll gain some confidence for the big day!

Jen D · Nov 3, 2011

Thank you everyone for your responses and empathy. I hope I'll pass. I've been doing well so far in class but I am very concerned about other class members who will make wonderful nurses, but struggle with the exams. Hopefully one month from now we'll all have what we need to pass. Thank you!

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 3, 2011

I personally oppose this approach as there is no statistics showing that if you pass the review test there is 100% chance you will pass NCLEX. If the school offers remediation for low performers, then it would benefit you. Otherwise it seems the school is trying to weed out low performers so that their after-graduation pass rate will be higher. Legally, not sure if they can FORCE you, but it might be more trouble than it is worth to contest. For instance, the catalog that was current when you registered is a type of contract. If this requirement was not stated then you may have legal options. But do you really want to pursue that? Wouldn't it be easier on you to just study for the review test and attempt to pass? I would not worry about it now. Any tool offered to help you pass NCLEX is a blessing. Reframe your thinking and stay out of conversations with negative people. Negativity wastes energy.