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By Sam Watson
Press Staff Writer
MILLIGAN COLLEGE – Passing the national nursing licensing exam is so
important at Milligan College, the school has established a course solely
devoted to preparing students for the test.
“We want them to get them so that they are passing on the first try,” said
Mary Fabick, an associate professor in nursing. “I don’t think you’ll find
many other programs that are doing what we do.
“They may have a review for the test, but it will not be this extensive,”
he said.
Milligan started its nursing program in 1992, receiving conditional status
from the Tennessee Board of Nursing. For full approval, the board requires
a nursing program to achieve an 85 percent first-attempt passing rate
among its graduates who take the National Council Licensure Examination.
Milligan had struggled to reach that rate, prompting the college to
require students to pass a series of practice exams prior to receiving a
diploma. In 1999, the requirement inspired some controversy among
students, since it was not included in their original catalog.
The college soon achieved a 100 percent NCLEX passing rate, however, and
the TBN awarded the program full approval in December 1999.
Since the struggle to gain full approval, Fabick said, Milligan has
instituted several changes in the nursing program intended to maintain
quality, including higher admissions standards and course revisions.
Students also must apply for full admission to upper-level nursing classes
after completing the college’s core curriculum.
“So, we increased the rigor of getting in and increased the rigor of what
they were doing once they got in,” she said.
The college also has established a more stable faculty along the way.
Fabick arrived at Milligan in 1996 and is still newest full-time
instructor on staff.
That NCLEX passing rate has stayed at 100 percent for three consecutive
years. Fabick credits that record in part to the NCLEX course, which
students take prior to graduation.
“There’s been no controversy,” she said. “They know that we’re standing by
it. They know we’ve had results with it. We’re hoping and praying and
shooting for that fourth year.”
The students meet with Fabick for six hours per week to prepare students
for the exam, taking three practice tests toward the end.
“It’s been really good because it’s been a review of all we’ve learned in
all of our classes,” said Emily Luetscher, a senior nursing student
preparing for the NCLEX. “There’s no way you can know all you had in all
four years, especially the classes when you first started.”
Luetscher said this year’s class wants to keep the 100 percent streak
going, although it adds pressure to a test that already causes plenty of
anxiety. The course, however, is making a difference.
“I think it’s stressful, and I think it’s helpful,” she said. “I think
having the class is good because it is such a good way to refresh.”
Along with refreshing those skills, Fabick said the NCLEX course frees up
the school’s faculty to teach their courses without letting the exam drive
the curriculum. Instructors can add their personal and practical
experiences to their classes, she said, not just teach the test.
“We teach our students nursing,” Fabick said. “In this class, I teach
NCLEX.”
Milligan has just three candidates for nursing degrees this year, but
Fabick said the program is recovering from its earlier struggles. The
junior class has 11 students, she said, the college has identified more
than 25 incoming freshmen for next fall.
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