Instituting Evidence-Based Changes to Improve First-Time NCLEX-RN® Pass Rates

First-time National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (i.e., NCLEX-RN®) pass rates are important criterion in evaluating the effectiveness of prelicensure nursing programs. This article describes one baccalaureate nursing program's approach in developing and implementing comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to effectively halt a 3-year decline in the program's annual first-time pass rates. Strategies included revisions in student policies related to admission, progression, and graduation; a comprehensive curriculum revision; and faculty development. These data-driven strategies improved first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates from 64.86% to 94.29% over 3 years-a dramatic 45% increase.