Nursing exam failure rates rise

The NCLEX pass rates have declined from about 73% for all candidates and 88% for first-time, U.S. educated candidates to 69% and 82% respectively in 2021, according to a Medscape article. The drop began after the pandemic disrupted in-person learning and nursing students had fewer in-person clinical opportunities. Despite the drop in test passing rates and the burgeoning nursing shortage, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing decided last month not to lower testing standards. Dawn Kappel, an NCSBS spokesperson, acknowledged the nursing shortage but stressed the organization’s desire to “ensure safe practice.” (Medscape article, 12/29/22)