Problem statement
As students join a nursing program, they expect the program to provide them with sufficient skills as well as knowledge so as to pass National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) and thus becoming practicing nurses. So as to facilitate achievement of students’ expectations, the nursing program has put in place various strategies. An example of these strategies is the internship. Internship plays a significant role in the achievement of students’ expectation as it affects their preparedness and thus success rate in NCLEX. Study indicate that internship has the positive influence on the nursing program. In regards to this, an internship provides students with the opportunity to put into practice that they have been taught in class (Myrick et al., 2011). The internship is considered as the field study. With the internship, students can familiarize themselves with the field and thus to enhance some level of preparedness (Stevens, 1996).
Even though it is clear that Internship is very crucial in the nursing curriculum, however, its importance has not been given adequate consideration. Limited research has been carried in this field and thus making it difficult to identify impact and thus the importance of internship in NCLEX pass rates. MacIntyre et al., 2008, states that there is no available published evidence highlighting some clinical hours and outcome especially, NCLEX pass rates. Unavailability of these information results in need for more research. In regards to this, more research on the impact of RN internship on NCLEX pass rates is needed. The research would make it possible to identify how the internship affects preparedness of students undertaking the nursing program.
Practice-focused question(s)
The internship is necessary for students undertaking the nursing program. So as to fill the gap of lack of adequate information on the impact of RH internship on NCLEX pass rates, various questions have to be asked. Effective answering of these questions would result in an identification of the impact internship has on NCLEX pass rates. In regards to the impact of RN internship and NCLEX pass rates, first, the legitimate question to ask is, how important is the internship to the nursing program? Second legitimate question to ask is, how long an internship should be so as to guarantee to pass the NCLEX? The third question should be on the mode of delivery. That is, how should internship delivered for the process to be effective? Final legitimate question to ask is, what is the effect or impact of RN internship in a nursing program? At this point, it is necessary to note that, effectiveness is regarding students passing NCLEX and thus graduating as practicing nurses.
Context of doctoral project
Possible sources of evidence
Longabach, T. (2012). Number of Clinical Hours in the Nursing Programs and National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) Passing Rate. Doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas
This article would serve as a good source of information. In regards to this, information contained in this article agrees with problem stated. Additionally, the article provides information that answers most of practice-focused questions stated in this premise. In regards to this, Longabach’s article provides a detailed information explaining how internship affects performance of students during NCLEX.
- Myrick, F., Yonge, O., Billay, D., & Luhanga, F. (2011). Preceptorship: shaping the art of nursing through practical wisdom. Journal of Nursing Education, 50(3), 134-136.
- MacIntyre, R.C., Murray, T.A., Teel, C.S., and Karshmer, J.F. (2009). Five recommendations for pre-licensure clinical nursing education. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(8), 447-453.
- Stevens, B. (1996). A study of the relationship between faculty qualifications and program attributes and student outcomes in schools of nursing in West Virginia from 1985 to 1994.Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University.
