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May 30, 2012
ULM Nursing class earns 100 percent pass rate
As nurses throughout the United States recently celebrated Nurses Week, the University of Louisiana at Monroe School of Nursing celebrated the achievement of its graduates.
The December 2011 graduating class achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs.
The ULM School of Nursing graduates once again surpassed the state and national averages of the NCLEX-RN. The current national average on the NCLEX-RN is 91.23 and the state average is 93.82.
"I am extremely proud of these graduates and their accomplishments," said Emily Doughty, director of nursing.
"The ULM School of Nursing faculty, staff, and students work hard to continue the excellence in the nursing program and the news of a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX Exam is a welcome reward for all of that hard work."
The ULM School of Nursing graduates approximately 75-80 students per year.
The scores are based on the performance of first-time nursing school candidates who took the NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, and the test is considered among the final hurdles in a nursing student's career and is a requirement for professional licensure.
“Through the hard work and dedication of our Nursing faculty, students are positioned to pass the NCLEX-RN exam on their first attempt,” said Denny Ryman, dean of the College of Health Sciences.
“I offer my congratulations to Director of Nursing, Dr. Doughty, and her faculty in their exceptional efforts in educating our students. “
History of ULM's Nursing Program:
In 1960, in a response to a great need for additional health care providers in Northeast Louisiana, the Northeast Louisiana State College established the School of Nursing.
The School of Nursing was housed in a small army barracks and included one single classroom and a small laboratory with very basic equipment. The laboratory equipment included two hospital beds and one mannequin.
In 1965, the new nursing program received full approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nurse Examiners. In 1966, the School of Nursing was nationally accredited by the National League of Nursing. The School of Nursing has maintained full national accreditation since 1966.
In 2000, the School of Nursing sought and gained a full ten-year accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The CCNE accredits only baccalaureate and advanced degree nursing programs.
Once again, in 2010, the School of Nursing was granted a full CCNE accreditation; this time, the accreditation was renewed with no recommendations for improvement.
In 1981, the School of Nursing moved into its current home - the Nursing building. The new building had many amenities for the nursing students and faculty, including two state-of-the-art nursing laboratories.
In 2008, after extensive damage to the Nursing Building caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the School of Nursing was relocated in various places on campus.
In 2010, the School of Nursing Building renovation was completed and the School of Nursing celebrated its 50th Anniversary in the newly renovated Nursing Building.
The expanded laboratory space and high-tech equipment has certainly enhanced the teaching of the nursing students. The Nursing Building has 3 regular labs and two high-tech simulation labs.
The highly qualified faculty, excellent physical facilities and equipment, and excellent students have led to an excellent reputation for the School of Nursing.
Currently, the School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Curriculum options include the traditional BSN program, LPN to BSN program, and the RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN option is a totally online program of study.
The nursing curriculum is composed of two segments; pre-nursing and professional nursing.
The School of Nursing shares the University’s commitment to instruction, research, and service. The primary mission of the School of Nursing is to offer a specialized program of study of nursing science, which will prepare its graduates for effective service as beginning professional nurses who will practice in a variety of health care delivery settings.
The School of Nursing provides an environment in which its graduates can develop a desire for life-long learning and a passion for the practice of nursing as a discipline of science, caring, and compassion.
About the Nursing Profession
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nursing is the largest of the health care professions (2012).
Currently, there are about 3.1 million registered nurses in the United States (AACN); however, there are only about 2.6 million of these nurses employed in nursing.
While many occupations have experienced a decrease in job positions over the past several years, nursing has continued as an area of job growth.
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