interpretation of vital knowledge required for the NCLEX-RN exam. “Since the NCLEX is critical to our students’ ability to begin their careers, we formed an NCLEX team and started ‘Snack and Learns,’ where we ask faculty to prepare questions and engage in discussions with the students in order to enhance their critical thinking skills,” Lawrence said. “We hold them every other week until the end of the semester and also review content for the exam. Additionally, we ask experts in the community to come in and help assure our students are ready for the exam.” The department examined the performance of students over the past three years in classes and on exit exams and reviewed their science scores to determine what worked and did not work when it comes to instruction and exam prep. NCCU’s Department of Nursing is on track to earn a 94 percent or greater passage rate for 2016.
POLICIES FOR SUCCESS AND REDESIGNING CURRICULUM Upon arrival at NCCU, Lawrence reviewed all policies and practices of the department as part of her initial assessment. Lawrence created a team to sharpen the focus on students and their success. The team looked at department policies for clinical attendance, performance and evaluation, tools used for clinicals, the admissions policy, lower-division course requirements and test taking. When the review was complete, the test administration policy and test review policy, among others, were updated. “Consistency is important. Collectively as a department, we believe all these changes will make for a strong program and strong, well-prepared students,” Lawrence said. A curriculum taskforce was established under the leadership of Lillie Hill, a lecturer, who has taught in the department for four years.
According to the American Nursing Association (ANA), the average age of employed RNs has increased by nearly two years over the past decade, from 42.7 years in 2000 to 44.6 years in 2010. ANA also reports that: “America is seeing vast increases in the number of people over 65. This age group has many medical and health needs, and will put a strain on our health system.” Additionally, the association noted that recent reforms in healthcare will give millions of people access to the healthcare system. More nurses and health professionals are needed to responed to these changes. The department has been recalibrated to address these and other new developments, including technological transformations.
A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT Veronica Jones Walker, R.N., B.S.N., maintains a strong relationship with the Department of Nursing some 38 years after she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing here. Since 2009, she has spent three days each week providing assistance to students at Eagle General Hospital, the clinical training center for the program. Walker’s professional career, nearly 37 years, has been with Duke University v School of Nursing Chair Wanda Lawrence, Ph.D., returned to her alma mater with 13 years of experience in higher education.
Since the NCLEX is critical to our students’ ability to begin their careers, we formed an NCLEX team and started ‘Snack and Learns,’ where we ask faculty to prepare questions and engage in discussions with the students in order to enhance their critical thinking skills.” DR. WANDA LAWRENCE, Chair, NCCU Department of Nursing SUMME R 2016 NCCU NOW
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