JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 29, 2023 — The latest graduates from Union University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Jackson have achieved a perfect pass rate on the national registered nurse licensure examination.
Of the 66 May graduates across the Jackson, Germantown and Hendersonville campuses, 64 passed their National Council Licensure Examination on the first try (for a total pass rate of 97 percent across all campuses). All 31 nursing graduates from the Jackson campus passed the exam on their first try. The national pass rate in 2023 is 87.62 percent.
Kelly Harden, dean for Union’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said the program is not new to high pass rates, but this is the first time since 2015 that one of Union’s campuses has earned a perfect first-time pass rating.
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses is created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. A passing score on the exam is required for each graduate to be licensed as a registered nurse. The NCLEX-RN tests graduates on topics that cover the entire human lifespan – from newborn to geriatrics.
Harden attributed the high pass rates to the dedication of nursing students and the hard work of the faculty members.
“Nursing is a challenging program, and our faculty are committed to helping students succeed,” she said. “Faculty members are highly trained, involved in professional organizations and have a rich experience in the many facets of nursing.”
Union nursing students have access to simulation and gross anatomy labs while gaining invaluable clinical experiences through institutions such as West Tennessee Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The biblical integration within the nursing field is also important to Union’s nursing program.
“We believe we are called to the ministry of nursing, meeting the needs of a vulnerable population,” Harden said. “Our graduates are unique because they leave here practicing nursing as the hands and feet of Christ.”
Harden also reflected on the implications the stellar pass rate has on the College of Nursing and employment opportunities for the graduates.
“Our excellent pass rates encourage faculty and students alike to work hard to maintain and/or improve our outcomes,” she said. “Employers look favorably upon our graduates, and knowing the quality of our program is encouraging to anyone hiring a Union University College of Nursing graduate.”
More information about Union’s nursing programs is available at www.uu.edu/nursing.