Factors Associated With First-Time NCLEX-RN Success: A Descriptive Research Study

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with scores achieved on the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) exit examination and successful first-time NCLEX-RN ® pass rates. Method: A retrospective descriptive study examined the administrative data of 211 baccalaureate nursing students. Results: Students who completed the program in sequence and scored higher in certain HESI course examinations were more likely to have a better performance on the HESI exit examination. The higher the scores students achieved on the HESI exit examination, the more likely they were to pass the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. Conclusion: These findings add to the growing body of literature seeking to identify variables associated with success in first-time NCLEX-RN success. Further research is needed to identify strategies that can be implemented to ensure timely progression, program completion, and licensure examination success. [ J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(9):542–545.]