Adapting NCLEX-RN remediation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: Remediation is used by nursing programs to promote success on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Evidence related to distance learning as a strategy for NCLEX-RN remediation is non-existent. The aim of this paper is to report the results of a remediation course converted to a virtual format from a traditional format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Using an on-line meeting platform, at-risk students enrolled in a pre-licensure nursing program in the Midwest, United States, actively participated in a remediation course. Students met as a group and answered NCLEX-RN questions. The on-line platform allowed discussion among the instructor and students that promoted critical thinking related to nursing content and test-taking strategies. Students were also encouraged to complete NCLEX-RN questions outside of meeting times. RESULTS: Students voiced satisfaction with the method of course delivery and felt the course increased their knowledge and confidence in answering questions. The NCLEX-RN pass rate for remediating students was 77.8%. CONCLUSION: A remediation course offered through distance learning proved to be effective in promoting NCLEX-RN success among at-risk students.

Social integration of the advanced placement LPN: a peer mentoring program.

The shortage of registered nurses (RN) had made licensed practical nurse (LPN) to RN educational programs common. These programs give credit for previous learning and advance place the LPN in the nursing curriculum. Faculty have developed courses to ensure that the LPN is academically prepared to enter the nursing program. However, is the LPN socially prepared to enter into a cohesive group of traditional students? The authors discuss a peer mentoring program designed to ease the social integration of the LPNs, resulting in their perception that they are an equal and valued member of the class.

Nursing EDGE: evaluating delegation guidelines in education.

Delegation, an important concept for nursing students to learn and practice, is central to registered nurse (RN) performance, and important on the NCLEX-RN examination. Nursing faculty members from an ADN program designed a descriptive study to evaluate planned versus actual delegation in the curriculum, and a second study to evaluate an intervention on delegation. Study One assessed the presence of delegation in each nursing course. Statistical analysis compared the planned implementation with the results for student definitions of delegation, and identification of the five rights of delegation based on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) definition and five rights. Study one results are shared. Study Two utilized a comparison of pre-to-post intervention measures. Students were asked to complete eight steps of a delegation exercise and determine what could be delegated to an unlicensed assistant, and what should be completed by the RN. Answers were coded and entered into SPSS. Statistical analysis compared each student's ability to correctly identify the five rights of delegation prior to the exercise, against the ability to correctly answer five questions two weeks post exercise. Significant improvement (p< 0.05) occurred on each measure. Recommendations are discussed.