Why Pass Rates Increased for the Next Gen NCLEX, According to Nurse Educators

Nurse educators weren’t sure what the results of the Next Gen NCLEX Exam would be. Instead of being disappointed, there’s reason to celebrate. The pass rate for Q2 2023 (since the release of the NGN) is 94.32%! This is so much higher than in past years. 

We’ve gathered feedback from Nurse Educators on why they think this is the case and what else there is to be done. 

Why are pass rates higher with the Next Gen NCLEX Exam?

Christine Vogel, MSN, RN, CHSE, CHSOS, Lead Nurse Educator at UbiSim, a virtual reality platform just for nursing, shared her thoughts on why the scores are higher: 

“The NGN is now the first licensure examination that uses polytomous scoring, allowing for partial credit of knowledge and skills. Previous to this quarter, answers were either ‘all correct’ or ’all incorrect’ and did not take into consideration candidates' partially correct answers. 

In addition, NGN case studies with nurses' notes, provider orders, and lab results with reference ranges provide learners with more information and context to make decisions.”

Further, according to Keith RN, a resource for nurse educators:

“Educators who responded to the Facebook post [about the Nex Gen NCLEX Exam results] had the following explanations:

• Students like the NGN questions because it makes it feel like a real situation.
• NGN aligns better with clinical since the Next Gen questions are more like real life and students say they actually make sense because it is similar to looking at a chart and patient.”

Although there is a lot to celebrate, Lead Nurse Educator Christine shares, “Our job as educators and innovators is not done, though, as the passing standard is the ‘minimum level of ability required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice,’ and nurse learners need many more learning opportunities and mentorship as they transition from newly licensed nurses into the complex care setting.”

A study found that 100% NCLEX pass rates = 9% graduate nurses that are practice ready. So, how do we prepare nurse learners and nurses for clinical practice?

UbiSim can help with the Nex Gen NCLEX Exam & in clinical care

One way to help these nurses and nurse learners prepare for the clinical setting is with a nursing-only immersive virtual reality platform, UbiSim. Through immersive VR, nurses can practice their clinical judgment skills and process NCLEX concepts with a heightened sense of realism. 

“UbiSim’s really realistic. We have a baby in one of our scenarios, and the baby will cry. People will feel that emotional connection because they want to help the baby.” Alyse Webb, UX Designer, UbiSim.

Here’s what Jill Van Der Like, DNP, MSN, RNC, Director, Nursing Skills & Simulation Laboratory and Clinical Assistant Professor, University of West Florida School of Nursing, had to say: "We're growing at warp speed. Our second-quarter pass rates were 100%. As for UbiSim, I've really been enjoying the post-simulation quizzes. Students have a rich discussion, and it's a powerful way to process the concepts for NCLEX."

Jill also said, “I feel like the new AACN Essentials motivated educators to innovate programs with the natural strengths of nurses. Competencies have always been the goal, and I feel like we've come full circle. UbiSim requires the students to "show what they know'' in all learning domains. Thank you for supporting our academic quality improvement!”

Thanks from Lead Nursing Educator, Christine Vogel

“Kudos to the NCSBN for developing the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM), and educators who utilized the CJMM and who have worked tirelessly to provide experiential learning opportunities for students to practice clinical judgment in the simulation lab, clinical rotations, and classroom.”