Published on September 25, 2024 by Megan Winkler  
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Samford University’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing proudly announces that its fourth consecutive cohort has achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

The NCLEX is a licensing exam that ensures nurses possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe patient care to become registered nurses. This exam emphasizes measuring candidates' clinical judgment and decision-making abilities through innovative item types.

"The pass rate reflects our faculty's hard work and dedication," said Lora Shelton, senior associate dean of the Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing. "We have talented instructors who are experts in their subject areas and excel at teaching students in both classroom and clinical settings."

According to the 2024 NCLEX Pass Rates Summary, the national average first-time pass rate is 92.72% as of June 2024. The program achieved identical success in December 2022, April 2023 and December 2023.

Nursing faculty dedicate their time to providing relevant and realistic information about nursing and trends within NCLEX-RN standards. Shelton remarked that faculty have been proactive in preparing for changes to the NCLEX, focusing on clinical judgment and decision-making in their exam designs. As a result, students' experiences closely mirrored the testing conditions they would experience during the NCLEX-RN exam.

"Faculty spent time learning about new trends and designing quality exams and more preparing nursing students with practical skills for the industry," Shelton shared.

To further support student success, the nursing program includes initiatives such as a peer tutoring program, access to a nursing academic coach, and strong faculty and administrative support.

Additionally, the Class of 2024 Doctor of Nursing Practice nurse anesthesia graduates achieved a 96.8% first-time pass rate on the National Certification Exam, exceeding the national average of 83.2%.

"For several years, our students have completed a guided review utilizing APEX Anesthesia during their final two semesters and gather feedback to make necessary adjustments," Terri Cahoon, professor and chair of the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, shared regarding their strategies.

The Department of Nurse Anesthesia cultivates a culture of sharing by inviting graduates to share their personalized preparation, which helps future students. "Through their testimonials, we learn how to better prepare future students for success," Cahoon said.

This emphasis on feedback and support extends beyond the classroom. Each cohort is paired with mentors from the class above them to navigate the rigorous program. These mentoring relationships provide valuable support throughout the program and into professional practice.

Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is dedicated to preparing graduates who are caring, competent, and compassionate. Through a blend of rigorous academic instruction and extensive clinical experience, the school ensures that its students are thoroughly equipped to meet the challenges of the healthcare industry. These first-time pass rate achievements reflect the commitment of both faculty and students to excellence.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.