title: The predictive ability of critical thinking, nursing GPA, and SAT scores on first-time NCLEX-RN performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to investigate the predictability of several variables in achieving first-time success on the NCLEX-RN.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Several researchers have attempted to investigate the differences between students who passed the NCLEX-RN the first time and those who failed. No studies used a large enough failure group to have statistical significance.
  
  
  METHODS
  The three specific variables in this study were nursing GPA, SAT combined math and verbal scores, and critical thinking measured on a standardized assessment examination. An ex post facto study design was used to examine data from the records of associate degree nursing graduates during a three-year period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most significant predictors of NCLEX-RN success were the students' nursing GPA and the overall standardized assessment examination score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study could potentially influence the identification of students at risk for NCLEX-RN failure.
authors.affiliation: Gwynedd-Mercy College Frances M Maguire School of Nursing, Gwynedd Valley, PA, USA. romeo.e@gmc.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Romeo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003099:College Admission Test; D003479:Curriculum; D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008008:Licensure, Nursing; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013850:Thinking; D014481:United States