PLU’s School of Nursing evaluation processes require the use of independent, external measures of student performance. This enables student performance to be compared to that of students in other nursing programs across the country.
Nursing education is academically rigorous, culminating in a comprehensive national licensure exam. While it is our goal that every student admitted to the PLU School of Nursing will be successful in achieving RN licensure, it is necessary and prudent to implement measures shown to foster first-time NCLEX-RN success. To assist students and faculty in assuring success, the School of Nursing employs both internal and external assessments of students’ progress.
The external testing package currently in use for all students in the PRElicensure nursing programs ( including the PRElicensure portion of the entry-level Master) is a nationally standardized exam from ATI. The ATI testing package includes multiple resources for students and faculty, including secure, proctored exams in major areas of study, online review modules, and un-proctored practice tests. The cost of ATI testing and resources is included in the School of Nursing Program fee.
The testing resources available from ATI are used as external assessments, providing students an opportunity to practice with NCLEX-style questions and identify areas in which additional academic work is needed. Faculty use the results of the ATI tests to evaluate student progression and curriculum effectiveness. In some courses, the test is required as part of the class grade.
Test scores are available to students via the ATI website. Faculty advisors are available to review ATI results with all students. If a student performs below expectations on external testing, the student is responsible for seeking remediation (with faculty guidance), which may take the form of self-study, re-testing, use of PLU resources, a class, or other opportunities.
ATI practice exams and learning resources required in each course are outlined in the course syllabus. Practice exams are not proctored but allow students to test their knowledge of nursing content. Rationales for correct and incorrect answers are provided for exams to guide students through a remediation of content specific to the topics covered in the exam its to enhance student comprehension of the content. The purpose of the Practice Tests is for students to practice NCLEX-style questions and to increase student knowledge.
It is highly recommended students complete remediation for both the Practice Tests and the required Proctored Tests in the courses throughout the nursing program to be prepared for the Readiness Test during their Senior 2 semester. It is recommended students meet with their faculty advisor to review scores, and trends, and to discuss suggestions in preparation for the NCLEX-RN®.
Remediation – Students should review the rationales for all test items on every exam — the items answered correctly as well as the items answered incorrectly — to gain thorough understanding of the content and the test item.
Secured Proctored Exams
Students must complete all practice exams and/or learning activities required prior to the Proctored ATI Exams as specified in the course syllabus. Successful completion is demonstrated through taking the exam and completing all appropriate remediation. Faculty can verify successful completion, the number of exam attempts, time spent in examinations, remediated content, and time spent in remediation.
Points for practice exams, learning activities, and proctored exams are outlined in the course syllabi.
| Percentile Ranking | Course Grade (Out of 5% or 5 points) |
|---|---|
| 90th or higher | 5 |
| 80th -89th | 4.5 |
| 70th – 79th | 4.3 |
| 60th – 69th | 4.2 |
| 50th – 59th | 4.0 |
| 40th – 49th | 3.8 |
| 30th – 39th | 3.6 |
| 20th – 29th | 3.4 |
| 10th -19th | 3.2 |
| Below 10th | 3.0 |
Analysis and Remediation of Practice & Proctored Examinations
Students will receive a detailed test summary report after completing the each ATI exam. This report includes important information for analysis of your performance. Students should plan time to review all exam items — items answered correctly and incorrectly — to increase their understanding of the concepts.
Student Responsibilities
- Develop a specific study plan for test preparation and adhere to it
- Commit to completing Practice Assessments in preparation for Proctored Tests
- Meet with course instructors, advisors, and NCLEX-RN Success Coaches as needed to discuss performance on examinations throughout the program
- Commit to completing a test remediation plan that best suits individual learning and understanding
- Utilize ATI resources to reinforce learning
- Seek assistance through the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) for study and test-taking support if needed
- Students must request Alternative Testing Accommodations through OAA at the beginning of each semester.
- Students should meet with professors at the beginning of the semester to discuss accommodations and the test schedule for each course.
- Maintain a positive attitude and a vision of the goal (program completion and first-time success on the NCLEX-RN)
- Maintain personal wellness through healthy eating, adequate sleep, physical activity, healthy and responsible social activities
- Engage in anxiety control and stress reduction/management strategies as necessary before and during tests (centering, guided imagery, breathing, meditation, visualization, exercise, faith-based or cultural approaches, and other relaxation techniques)
- Self-identify to your academic advisor or course faculty if concerned about NCLEX-RN success
- Accept personal responsibility for program success