Graduates of Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University achieved a 97 percent pass rate on the national nursing licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) on the first try in 2010, exceeding the national and state averages by 10 and 9 percentage points respectively.
Last year the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) raised the passing standard on the NCLEX-RN exam. In 2010, the national average pass rate dropped to 87 percent (from 88 percent), and the state of Illinois average dropped to 88 percent (from 91 percent). Illinois State University had the highest pass rate for all B.S.N. and associate degree programs in Illinois with over 100 students taking the exam – MCN had 119 graduates last May with a pass rate of 97 percent.
The high percentage of MCN graduates who pass the licensure exam the first time is due in large part to the College’s Success Plan. Under the leadership of faculty member Cathi Kaesberg, the Success Plan focuses on critical thinking, integration of theory with clinical practice and mastery in each course before progressing to the next. Mastery exams cover the specific subject matter included on the NCLEX-RN exam.
“The NCLEX-RN pass rates are outstanding. What is even more incredible is the professional nurses who graduate from this program who are strong leaders and advocates, as well as being clinically proficient. The Institute of Medicine has identified that the future of health care in large part, depends on the future of nursing. Specifically the Institute of Medicine calls for strengthening leadership competencies in graduating and practicing nurses. This has always been a hallmark of Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State,” said MCN Dean Janet Krejci. “It also speaks to the willingness of faculty and staff to consistently strive for excellence as well as their unrelenting focus on student success.”
