Strategies to promote success on the NCLEX-RN: an evidence-based approach using the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation.

This article describes an evidence-based project undertaken to develop and implement educational strategies to improve NCLEX-RN scores in a baccalaureate nursing program. The ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation, a tool used to assist in understanding the process of knowledge discovery and transformation in evidence-based practice, guided this project. A review of the literature revealed a downward trend in successful completion of the NCLEX-RN along with anecdotal reports of educational strategies intended to improve success on the exam. The literature review failed to uncover evaluations of the effectiveness of reported strategies. Resultant recommendations included an integrated strategy consisting of assessment testing, independent study, and simulated NCLEX examinations. Evaluation of the strategies revealed improved success on the NCLEX-RN. Pass rates from rose from 87.76 percent in fall 2001 to 94.81 percent in fall 2004.