Dishman School of Nursing to celebrate outstanding pass rates

The Dishman School of Nursing will host a celebration reception on September 18 at 3:30 p.m. in the John Gray Library. The event will honor the remarkable achievements in the National Qualifying Registered Nurse Examination pass rates. The festivities coincide with the college's 50th-anniversary celebrations and spotlight the outstanding accomplishments of its graduates over the years.

In 2023, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) implemented a more difficult test. While the NCSBN adjusts the exam every three years,  the new updates include an above average increase in difficulty. 

“For the past three years, nursing faculty worked very hard to prepare our students for changes to the national licensing exam, NCLEX-RN, which has an increased focus on clinical reasoning and judgement,” Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies Dr. Gina Hale said.

The Dishman School of Nursing graduates achieved a pass rate of 97.83% for first-time test takers. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the national first-time pass rate of 79% and the Texas pass rate of 84% for the same year.

“This accomplishment is truly a collective commitment to excellence by our faculty, students and staff. I am extremely proud of our students and honored to work with colleagues who motivate, challenge, and inspire our students to succeed,” Hale said.

Distinguished speakers include Lamar University President Dr. Jaime Taylor, Chair of the School of Nursing Dr. Cynthia Stinson, and Dr. Hale. Representatives from local Southeast Texas hospitals will also be in attendance to honor the accomplishments of the school's graduates.

For more information on the Dishman School of Nursing, visit https://www.lamar.edu/arts-sciences/nursing/