Differences in Kaplan Integrated Exam Scores Based on Institutional Factors

Registered Nurses constitute the largest health care occupation in the United States. Current entry-level education for the profession of nursing is either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (Altman, 2011). After successful completion of a nursing program, all nursing graduates must apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The pass rate for first time United States educated NCLEX-RN exam test takers in 2017 was 87.11% leaving 12.89% unsuccessful (NCSBN, 2018). A nursing programs quality and recruitment are often influenced by a students’ ability to pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt. Nursing educators are unable to accurately predict who will successfully pass the NCLEX-RN and look to outside companies to provide content mastery exams. Current literature provides numerous studies to predict indicators for success on the NCLEX-RN examination, however there is limited research on the Kaplan Integrated exams. Limited research has been conducted comparing ADN to BSN programs. This study aims to determine if a difference exists on the Kaplan Integrated Exam Scores (Pharmacology, Management of Care, and Medical Surgical) between or among private and public institutions and 2-year (Associate Degree) versus 4-year (Baccalaureate Degree) Institutions. The results indicated public institutions scored higher on all three exams than the private institutions and ADN institutions scored higher on Medical Surgical and Pharmacology than BSN institutions. There was no difference between scores for ADN and BSN on Management of Care. All results should be interpreted with caution since the sample sizes were not equal. Acknowledgements To the members of my dissertation committee, Dr. Kit Kacirek (chairperson), Dr. Jack De Vore, and Dr. Mike Miller: thank you for generously providing your expertise and time in assisting me in completing this work. I would not have been successful without your continued support and kind words throughout this process. Dr. Kacirek, I can only hope I am a quarter of the professor you are someday! You are whom I aspire to be when I grow up. You are patient, kind and always trying to understand your students and their life experiences. I promise it never goes unrecognized. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with me throughout my time in the program. Dr. Miller, when you are told your stats guy is one of the smartest humans a person knows and also the Dean of the College; you have a pre-conceived notion of intimidation. My first time meeting you, I walked away from the meeting thinking “I want to be as smart as Dr. Miller one day”. I wanted to spend the day picking your brain! I cannot thank you enough for having patience with me during all my emails asking stats questions. You are truly an inspiration to all the students who are lucky enough to have you as a committee member. Dr. De Vore, where do I even start? I told you I was graduating in May. Your tough love only pushed me harder to get there. Thank you for being such a special part of my family! Thanks for all the first of the month Friday night dinners and peps talks. You kept me motivated and on target which was just what this OCD girl needed. I am so glad you will be standing next to me on the final day of this journey! Dedications This dissertation is dedicated to the five most significant people in my life. Without their unconditional support and love I would not be the person I am today. They have continued to support me when there were times I am sure they wanted to pull their hair out for decisions I am not sure why I even made. 1. To my mom and dad: I am so beyond blessed to be able to call you my parents. Thank you for standing beside me when I am sure there are a million times you wanted to throw in the towel. I can’t imagine life without you both. I am truly the luckiest girl alive to have you as my mom and dad. You have taught me hard work, ethics, morals, humor, and even when you want to: never quit. Thank you for all your support in earning this doctorate! 2. Sissy and Becky: I wasn’t blessed with two aunts; I was blessed with a Sissy and a Becky! Thank you for all your help and support during the last three years. You will never truly know how much you mean to my life or how significant you are to me! 3. Jay: Thank you for being my husband and my best friend. Thank you for being so patience and understanding as I took on this journey! I love you so much honey! 4. Sable Buddy, and Ginger: These words would not of even made it to print if it weren’t for the three of you sitting beside me every weekend snuggled next to me to remind me I can do anything I put my mind to! I cannot imagine writing a huge project like this at a desk. I was supposed to write on the couch so the three of you had a place to snuggle next to! Table of