Next Generation NCLEX ® Results are in... ARE YOUR STUDENTS BETTER PREPARED? The NGN Project On April 1, 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX® (NGN) launched after years of research, planning, and piloting. The goal was to enhance the measurement of a nursing candidate’s ability to apply clinical judgment when making direct patient care decisions. The need to refine the exam stemmed from information gathered during the 2013-2014 NCSBN Strategic Practice Analysis, which showed newly licensed nurses are increasingly expected to make complex decisions while caring for patients. Research showed: 65% 50% 20% of nursing errors result from poor clinical decision-making of novice nurses are involved in those errors of nursing care of employers are satisfied with the clinical decision-making skills of novice nurses
Results §
The earliest NGN results occurred in quarter 2 of 2023, showing an increase in NCLEX-RN® pass rates from quarter 1 to quarter 2 of 14% for U.S.-educated first-time test takers. § Quarter 3 comparison between 2022 and 2023 shows a 12% increase. § Although not as high, first-time NCLEX-PN® test takers had an 11% increase between the 1st and 3rd quarters. § A comparison of 2022 and 2023 3rd quarter NCLEX-RN pass rates of repeat test takers shows an increase of almost 9%. § A comparison of 2022 and 2023 3rd quarter NCLEX-RN pass rates of first- time internationally educated test takers shows an increase of over 15%. § Washington, Washington DC, and Montana were the only locations whose NCLEX-RN scores increased between quarters 2 and 3.
About the Author Karin Sherrill, MSN, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAADN has been a nurse educator for over 30 years. She works as a nursing education consultant, supporting faculty in creating better nurses.
Possible Explanations The significant increase in passing rates during 2023 has left many nursing faculty scratching their heads. From the sample items provided by NCSBN, the exam items appeared to be much more complex and a dip in pass rates was anticipated by many people. Anecdotal data from students who took both the previous NCLEX, and the new NGN exam felt it was easier because of the clinical application of items. One thing that appears to be evident is that test takers were prepared for the NGN format. Schools of nursing and faculty across the nation educated themselves and their students for the anticipated changes. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing began introducing NGN research in 2017, allowing adequate time for dissemination of information. Another factor that supports the increase in scores is the adjustment to polytomous scoring. NCSBN NCLEX allowed for three different scoring methods, depending on the item. With the launch of NGN, NCSBN also initiated plus/minus (+/-) or “partial credit” scoring for all multiple-response items (select all that apply) and not just the NGN items. This allows test takers to benefit from obtaining partial credit for answers for which previously they would not have received credit.
Logit Changes A logit is a statistical model that predicts the probability of an event taking place. The NCLEX has used a base logit score of 0.00 since April 2013 to determine whether a candidate passes the exam or not. When a score above 0.00 is achieved, a candidate passes the exam, but if the score is negative, the candidate doesn’t answer enough questions correctly and fails. Every three years, NCSBN reexamines the logit score, often initiating adjustments that make the exam more difficult to pass. In reviewing trends over the last several years, it can be anticipated when a logit change may occur. The circled scores indicate a logit change, whereas the arrows indicate a change in the Test Plan.
When analyzing these trends, it appears that if previous behavior supports future behavior, a logit change may occur with the next Test Plan update in 2026 if outcomes remain high.
Preparing practice-ready nurses with Davis Advantage
What’s Next? Many schools experienced an increase in pass rates during 2023, supporting the idea that “all is good.” Despite this, faculty cannot become complacent, but must expand the application of clinical judgment teaching. Not only will this continue to increase NCLEX pass rates, but more importantly, it will improve patient outcomes by creating a nurse who can provide safe and competent care.
How Davis Advantage can ensure success Davis Advantage can help your students strengthen their clinical judgment skills, prepare for the NGN, and create practice-ready nurses. See how our approach and Davis Advantage: § Integrate clinical judgment into the learning continuum § Support concepts of metacognition, allowing for deeper learning § Feature NGN cases studies and questions, reflective of the NCLEX exam § Provide data feedback on student performance, supporting remediation needs
Davis Advantage Response Over 360,000 students have used Davis Advantage and experienced success throughout the RN and LPN/LVN curricula
RN Instructors
LPN Instructors
RN Students
LPN Students
91% 97% 93% 93%
Easy to use and to integrate into course
Would recommend to another colleague/fellow student
94% 95% 91% 95%
Reinforced concepts that students/you didn’t understand at first
95% 95% 90% 92%
91% 97% 92% 94%
Helped students/you retain information
Helped students/you feel more prepared for exams and NCLEX
90% 97% 88% 93%
What students are saying...
H H H H H “Davis Advantage has helped improve my confidence in my nursing skills and knowledge. Utilizing the interactive nursing lessons has also helped me feel more comfortable in the clinical setting. I highly recommend for any nursing/NCLEX study preparation!” – Ankita P., Finger Lakes Community College H H H H H “I have been enjoying using Davis Advantage for my own sake. I especially like the case studies and prioritization questions. I’ve noticed that since using I have been doing very well on my clinical judgment questions.” – Karen B., Trinity Washington University H H H H H “I really appreciated the Davis Advantage review questions and how well they lined up with the textbook chapter information. It helped me better understand the concepts of each chapter and prepare for the NGN.” – Madalyn R., Pensacola Christian College
References Davis Advantage User Survey (Spring 2023) NCSBN NCLEX Pass Rates - https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/exam-statistics-and-publications/nclex-pass-rates.page NCSBN Next Generation NCLEX - https://www.nclex.com/next-generation-nclex.page
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