903 - Supporting Student Success and Improving NCLEX-RN® Pass Rates through Implementation of a Concept Based Curriculum

Revising a nursing curriculum is a complex and lengthy process. When a nursing program has a first time NCLEX pass rate below the national standard, time is a luxury programs do not have. This presentation will provide strategies for supporting student success and improving NCLEX-RN® pass rates through implementation of a concept-based curriculum.

Kansas City Kansas Community College experienced multiple years of pass rates of less than 80%, resulting in a Focused Visit from the ACEN. New administration for the program were enlisted and asked to immediately target this issue. The first strategy employed was to secure an expert nursing education consultant who could provide insight and guidance on critical needs and recommendations for targeted interventions. It was determined that a major contributing factor was that the concept-based curriculum in place was not properly developed, was not actually concept-based, had significant gaps in needed material and was not leveled. Faculty felt that developing a new concept-based curriculum properly would take about 2 years to complete and fully implement.

During this time, the KCKCC administration and faculty felt strongly about supporting students in the poorly performing curriculum while completing the build of the concept-based curriculum. Interventions for student support included: providing mentors, identifying, and targeting gaps through NCLEX mapping, and providing Success Sessions for students.

The build of the new concept-based curriculum began with selection of concepts and exemplars. It was determined where the concepts would be introduced and revisited. All syllabi were revised and mapped to the NCLEX Test Plan. Clinical evaluation tools were revised and aligned with course material. Focused clinical activities were developed to align with class materials. Simulation scenarios were selected to focus on key concepts and exemplars. Teaching materials were standardized, including concept introductions, test blueprints, and lesson plan formats. All learning activities and evaluative methods were aligned to the course and end of program SLOs. An extensive testing policy was implemented. The NCSBN Clinical Judgment Model was integrated into all courses, clinical experiences, and simulations. Faculty were provided development on teaching in a concept-based manner. As a result of these efforts, NCLEX pass rates were increased over 8.2% in three years for students in this curriculum.

The first cohort for the new curriculum graduated May 2021. These students report a positive experience in the new curriculum. They state that they can see the cohesion between class/clinical/simulation. They have come to expect and appreciate test blueprints and lesson plans, tools that were not available to them in the old curriculum.