NURS 457: Transition to Licensure

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level I, II, & III nursing courses

Credit Hours: (2)

This level IV course focuses on the student’s theoretical and clinical practice knowledge in preparation for the initial professional nursing role and successful passage of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) test for registered nursing (RN) licensure.

The objectives and content of this Level IV Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework, as well as the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN, 2008), and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives. These represent areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advances in theory and clinical practice also determine content.

Detailed Description of Course Content

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) content
• Critical thinking Model (Decision Tree)
• Introduction of NCLEX categories and specific content review.
• Study skills and habits
• Barriers to success
• Test analysis and remediation 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This web-enhanced course may include lectures, discussions, practice tests, one-on-one analysis and consultation with students on preparedness and test-taking skills, remediation, and web-based videos. No formal written papers are utilized. 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Identify the 8 categories of the NCLEX test plan.
• Identify the number one construct that NCLEX tests.
• Identify  individual areas of content strength and weakness
• Identify barriers for effective testing
• Identify strategies that address test anxiety
• Identify patterns in testing that impact accuracy
• Demonstrate use of the Decision tree, a clinical reasoning model for making safe patient care decisions.
• Demonstrate effective testing preparation strategies for NCLEX success.
• Identify goals and objectives of the NCSBN (develop a scavenger hunt worksheet through the NCSBN web site.
• Assume professional responsibility and accountability for implementation of   standards of nursing practice and the regulations of the Code of Virginia
• Discuss professional transition models in current practice. (Orientation Models)
• Identify theoretical foundation for successful transition to clinical practice  

Assessment Measures

Assessment measures will include, online quizzes and standardized testing, assignment completion and participation in class (actual and virtual classroom). Due dates for tests and assignments are specified in the course schedule.  

Other Course Information

Required Text: NCLEX review book

Recommended text: Previous nursing course textbooks   


Review and Approval

April, 2018