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By Liesel Riggs
Director of Communications, Siena Heights University

August 8, 2022, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University is excited to announce that the May 2022 nursing graduates received a 100 percent first-time pass rate of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Students achieving this honor include Claire Beaudoin, Livonia, Michigan; Mackinzie Brown, Blissfield, Michigan; Courtney Dolkowski, Dearborn Heights, Michigan; Morgan Gardner, Adrian, Michigan; Lauren Girson, Manchester, Michigan; Madison Knapp, Adrian, Michigan; Kaylee Scudder, Maumee, Ohio; and Lauren Southworth, Jacksonville, Florida.

The NCLEX is the standardized exam used by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to assess readiness to practice nursing after graduation from a nursing program. Passing the NCLEX signifies that the graduate has met the standard required to practice nursing safely and effectively at the entry level.  

The NCLEX tests candidates on how well they use critical-thinking skills to apply their knowledge to nursing situations and analyze what to do next. Essentially, the test measures how well a candidate thinks like a nurse. 

“I am so proud of our 2022 pre-licensure nursing graduates for their achievement of a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate,” said Dr. Erin Horkey, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, Associate Professor of Nursing and Pre-Licensure Program Coordinator at Siena Heights University. “I know this success was bred from their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout their nursing education program.”

Erin noted that the 2022 graduates endured the COVID challenges as well as significant curriculum and standards changes in nursing education. “These graduates met every challenge and bested every increasing standard with the help and guidance of a skillful and talented group of faculty,” she said. “The supportive and caring Siena nursing faculty worked equally hard to deliver a quality educational experience to our Siena nurses. I know the continued hard work and dedication on the part of faculty will drive current and future Siena nurses to similar levels of success.”

“The first-time pass rate on the NCLEX is important to nursing programs as this is a key metric used by our accrediting agency to evaluate and a measure of effectiveness of our nursing program,” said Joanne Yastik, PhD, RN, CNE, Siena Heights University Director of Nursing. 

The current pass rate nationally to date for baccalaureate prepared students is 85.59 percent from 26,167 testers (2022 NCLEX Pass Rates | NCSBN). “A first-time pass rate of 100 percent is a huge accomplishment for Siena Heights University’s nursing graduates, the faculty, staff, and for the university, Joanne said. “We hope these students will think of us when they are ready to further their education at the master’s level.” 

For more information about the Nursing programs at Siena Heights University, visit www.sienaheights.edu.