Identifying Indicators of National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) Success in Nursing Graduates in Newfoundland & Labrador.

In Canada in 2015, the pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) were considerably lower than pass rates on the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) causing nurse educators to express concern regarding the NCLEX-RN. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between candidate variables (e. g. academic performance, demographics) on their NCLEX-RN outcome (pass/fail). A cross-sectional data linkage design was employed using multiple sources of data on nursing graduates who wrote the NCLEX-RN in 2015, 2016 and 2017 (n = 259). Results showed that fewer questions answered on the NCLEX-RN and higher grades in various nursing courses (e. g. Introduction to Nursing, Statistics) predicted higher odds of passing the NCLEX-RN. To improve pass rates, nurse educators must integrate diverse methods of testing into existing curricula that mimic the NCLEX-RN exam, specifically computer adaptive exams. Further research is needed to determine other possible challenges for countries considering adopting the NCLEX-RN.

Changing the model of care delivery: nurses' perceptions of job satisfaction and care effectiveness.

AIM: To examine nurses' perceptions of job satisfaction, empowerment, and care effectiveness following a change from team to a modified total patient care (TPC) delivery model. BACKGROUND: Empirical data related to TPC is limited and inconclusive. Similarly, evidence demonstrating nurses' experience with change and restructuring is limited. METHOD: A mixed method, longitudinal, descriptive design was used. Registered nurses and licenced practical nurses in two acute-care nursing units completed quantitative and qualitative surveys. Lewin's change theory provided the framework for the study. RESULTS: No significant change in job satisfaction was observed; however, it was less than optimal at all three time-periods. Nurses were committed to their jobs but relatively dissatisfied with their input into the goals and processes of the organization. Client care was perceived to be more effective under TPC. CONCLUSION: Job satisfaction remained consistent following the transition to TPC. However, nurses perceived that client care within the modified TPC model was more effective than in the previous model. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing administration must work collaboratively with nurses to improve processes in nursing practice that could enhance nurses' job satisfaction and improve client care delivery.