Students graduating from the Kishwaukee College Registered Nursing program in December 2018 and March 2019 achieved a first-time pass rate of 100 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). A total of 25 students, who completed the 2-year registered nursing program at the College, passed the required examination on their first attempt, placing Kish among the few institutions to accomplish this goal. The achievement is an important one for the nursing program, which earned accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in 2018. The nursing students exceeded the 2018 state and national average first-time pass rate of 88 percent.
“This is an important milestone for the program. The 100% pass rate reflects the dedication and commitment of our nursing faculty and graduates,” states Mindy Finch, Dean of Instruction and Director of Nursing. “Training qualified nurses in our accredited program who can contribute safely and effectively to healthcare brings a sense of pride to the program. The program will continue to deliver a level of excellence that helps meet and exceed standards.”
The NCLEX-RN exam has been the national testing standard for nursing since 1982. The purpose of the exam is to ensure nursing candidates have the knowledge and skillset to begin practicing as an entry-level nurse. It measures a candidate’s application and analysis abilities, critical thinking and judgment. Candidates from associate and bachelor programs sit for the rigorous exam to become registered. Six of the 25 Kish students passed the newer version of NCLEX-RN, which went into effect April 1 and included a clinical judgment module.
“The future is very bright for these new nurses and I wish them all the best in their careers,” Finch adds.
Kish’s registered nursing program offers a 2-year degree in registered nursing and a Registered Nursing to Bachelor of Science dual enrollment program with Northern Illinois University for students interested in earning a 4-year degree.
For more information, visit www.kish.edu/academics/programs/registered-nursing/ or contact Mindy Finch, Dean of Instruction and Director of Nursing, at mfinch1@kish.edu or 815-825-9439.
Photo: December 2018 and March 2019 graduates from the Kishwaukee College Registered Nursing program achieved a first-time pass rate of 100 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Pictured: Nursing graduates of the December 2018 class.