Nursing Pinning Ceremony May 2024

Lakeland Community College’s Nursing-RN program is celebrating its third consecutive pass rate of 100% for graduates taking theNational Council Licensure Examination(NCLEX). Recently graduated nursing students are required topass the NCLEX-RNto earn licensure and legally practice nursing in the United States.

“A pass rate of 100% is rare for a nursing program,” says Connie Bowler, program director of Lakeland’s Nursing-RN program, “so to have achieved it three times in a row is a true testament to both our health care faculty and the highly qualified, compassionate nurses who serve our community and call Lakeland their alma mater.”

The computer-based exam tests critical thinking skills and the ability to make sound nursing judgments to provide safe patient care. To be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, candidates must have earned their Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Lakeland’s program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

“Our instructors are knowledgeable in their fields with real-life experience, and they have an eagerness to share their knowledge with students,” said Jamie Galiardi, Lakeland nursing graduate in the class of 2024. “Classes in the Lakeland nursing program are structured to build on one another so that by the end of the program, students feel well-rounded and prepared for the NCLEX and beyond.”

The NCLEX uses a method called computer adaptive testing (CAT) which selects questions based on previous responses to determine the candidate's ability level. The exam tests for competency and knowledge based on certain tenets of the nursing process including: patient needs assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation across areas like medication administration, infection control, health promotion, psychosocial and physiological integrity. The exam lasts up to six hours, includes between 75 and 265 questions and concludes once the CAT can confidently determine that the candidate exceeds the passing standard of 95%.

“Our classes and instructors prepared us to think outside the box and really put our critical thinking skills to the test,” said Raichelle Shelton, another of Lakeland’s 2024 nursing program graduates. “You aren't just learning the materials, you are actually using your knowledge to solve the problems and being confident you know what to do next. We are provided with case study scenarios, simulation days and live NCLEX review to help us to navigate the real world.”

Passing the NCLEX allows new graduates to apply for nursing licensure and to practice legally. It assesses entry-level competency to make safe clinical decisions drawing from nursing knowledge, skills and abilities learned in school.

Visit lakelandcc.edu/nursing to learn more about Lakeland’s program and how students can continue on to earn bachelor’s and graduate degrees in the field.

ABOUT LAKELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSING-RN PROGRAM
The art of caring is the essence of nursing practice and the foundation of the Lakeland Nursing Program. This caring philosophy of nursing is based on the Greek concept of Caritas implying a commitment to ideals outside of oneself. True caring is manifested by attainment of the qualities of competence, professionalism, altruism and growth. Most four-year colleges also accept credits from Lakeland's nursing program for those who decide to pursue more education after attending Lakeland.

By: Adam Continenza, Mrktg and Commun Specialist