FSCC honored for outstanding nursing scores

Tribune Staff Report

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Students in the nursing program at Fort Scott Community College have been awarded a letter and certificate for their outstanding test scores on the National Council Licensure Examination, FSCC officials said.

The NCLEX-RN is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which recognizes those schools whose students have achieved pass rates that are above the national average.

"The associate degree program at Fort Scott Community College had a pass rate above the national average from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007," Kansas State Board of Nursing Executive Administrator Mary Blubaugh said in a letter.

Graduates of an accredited nursing program apply to the State Board of Nursing for approval to test. When the candidate passes the examination, he or she is then issued a license to practice as a registered nurse.

The nursing department at FSCC has striven to increase its first-time pass rates by increasing the admission requirements and the passing grade percentage in all nursing courses, and by implementing a recent curriculum change, FSCC officials said in the statement.

"Nursing schools are evaluated on their first-time pass rates, and we are pleased to be recognized by the Kansas State Board of Nursing for the efforts of our students and faculty in 2007," FSCC Director of Nursing Bill Rhoads said.

Starting this fall, FSCC will have its graduates participate in a virtual NCLEX-RN review online prior to taking the test in order to help them prepare for this important test. Since the test is a computerized exam, the nursing department at FSCC has started to do some course testing by computer and currently allows students in the program to complete course and program competency testing online.

The program's goal is to maintain consistently high first-time pass rates among its students, FSCC officials said.