The costs of NCLEX-RN failure

Abstract

Nursing programs across the country are challenged with producing qualified competent graduates who can successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RN) on the first attempt. The challenge has been prompted by the largest aging population striking the nation who will need nursing care and organizations who are demanding increasing numbers of competent nurses. However, graduates from nursing programs are failing the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt. The impact of NCLEX-RN failure is felt not only by the graduate student and their nursing program, but by healthcare organizations as well. Even though the impact is multi-faceted, a common theme of cost emerges.