A comprehensive educational approach to improving NCLEX‐RN pass rates

Background Nurse educators strive to find the best educational methods to prepare students in their attempt to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX‐RN). The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of an online coaching program with Appreciative Advising and Emotional Intelligence education as combined educational strategies to improve student learning outcomes. Methods The study was conducted at a university in the Midwestern United States. The sample consisted of students in four graduating classes (2013, n = 15; 2014, n = 19; 2015, n = 18; and 2016, n = 17), who had followed supplemented program preparation in a prelicensure program. Electronic surveys were disseminated to determine satisfaction with student program supports through analysis of the mean overall average scoring of seven‐point Likert scale rates. NCLEX‐RN actual pass rates were reviewed to examine the quality of online coaching toward student preparation via a t test to compare the mean NCLEX‐RN pass rates before and after implementation. Results The students reported satisfaction with the additions of Appreciative Advising and Emotional Intelligence. NCLEX‐RN pass rates showed significant improvements with the combined program support additions. Conclusion The findings suggest that nursing schools that include student program support with an online coaching program can result in positive trends related to NCLEX‐RN pass rates