NURS 457: Transition to Licensure

Prerequisites: NURS 352, NURS 443, NURS 448

Corequisites: NURS 451, NURS 453, NURS 454

Credit Hours: (2)

This level 4 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. 

 

Detailed Description of Course Content

The objectives and content of this Level 4 course facilitate achievement of the College’s program outcomes as well as the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN). Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent content covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN test plan. Current research, advanced nursing theory, and evidence based clinical practice guide content development and course design. 
 
Topical Outline: 

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

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies will be employed but not limited to: lectures, discussions, practice tests, one-on-one analysis and consultation with students on preparedness and test-taking skills, remediation, and web-based videos.  

Goals and Objectives of the Course

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

1. Identify the 8 categories of the NCLEX test plan. 
2. Identify the number one construct that NCLEX tests. 
3. Identify  individual areas of content strength and weakness. 
4. Identify barriers for effective testing. 
5. Identify strategies that address test anxiety. 
6. Identify patterns in testing that impact accuracy.
7. Demonstrate use of the Decision tree, a clinical reasoning model for making safe patient care decisions. 
8. Demonstrate effective testing preparation strategies for NCLEX success. 
9. Identify goals and objectives of the NCSBN. 
10. Assume professional responsibility and accountability for implementation of  standards of nursing practice and the regulations of the Code of Virginia. 
11. Discuss professional transition models in current practice. 
12. Identify theoretical foundation for successful transition to clinical practice.

 

Assessment Measures

May include, but are not limited to: 

• online quizzes and standardized testing 
• assignment completion 
• participation in class (in person and virtual classroom).  
• Written assignments

 

Other Course Information
N/A   

Review and Approval

April, 2018

March 26, 2026