Predicting Nursing Program Success for Veterans: Examining the Importance of TEAS and Pre-Admit Science GPA.

BACKGROUND: Support for veterans in nursing education programs is a priority in universities across the U.S. While studies have examined the relationship between admission criteria and successful nursing program outcomes, minimal data are available regarding predictors of veteran student success. METHODS: Success for veterans in one university BSN nursing program was examined, as measured by three outcomes: Nursing program graduation GPA, graduation rate, and NCLEX-RN pass rate, as predicted by two admission criteria: GPA and TEAS. RESULTS: Among veteran students, pre-admit science GPAs at or above the median score (3.41) predicted higher nursing program graduation GPA, but did not predict graduation rates or NCLEX-RN pass rates. TEAS scores were not predictive of nursing program graduation GPA, graduation rates or NCLEX-RN pass rates. In comparison, veteran and non-veteran nursing students' graduation rates and NCLEX-RN pass rates were similar; with average nursing program graduation GPAs slightly lower for veterans. Veterans contributed gender, age, and cultural diversity to the nursing student body. When NCLEX-RN exam retakes are included, 100% of all veteran participants were successful, a possible indicator of resilience and work ethic. CONCLUSION: Further discussion is indicated regarding nursing program admission criteria, and factors for success of veterans in nursing programs.

Examining the Importance of Admissions Criteria in Predicting Nursing Program Success.

Baccalaureate nursing programs select students likely to graduate, become licensed, and contribute to a diverse workforce, and admissions criteria need to support those goals. This study assessed five criteria: pre-admit science GPA; TEAS score; healthcare experience; previous baccalaureate degree; and pre-admission university enrollment vs. college transfer as predictors of three desired outcomes: graduation; nursing program GPA; and passing NCLEX-RN. Results found TEAS and pre-admit science GPA predicted nursing program outcomes. Students with TEAS≥82 had 8 % greater probability of graduating, 13 % greater probability of a GPA≥3.25, and 9 % greater probability of passing NCLEX-RN, compared to students with TEAS < 82. Students with pre-admit science GPAs≥3.8 had 11 % greater probability of passing NCLEX-RN and 14 % greater probability of a GPA≥3.25 compared to students with pre-admit science GPAs < 3.8. Further discussions regarding factors important for training a diverse nursing workforce and effective ways to implement non-academic admission criteria are warranted.