African American Nursing Students' Perceptions of the NCLEX-RN Examination Experience

This qualitative research study explored the perceptions of African American baccalaureate nursing students as they prepared for and completed their NCLEX-RN examination experiences. Thirteen study participants were included in this inquiry. Four informants participated in the one-time focus group session and the remaining nine informants participated in the individual interviews. Two dominant themes were identified through the informants' perspectives: 1) Professional entry into practice, and 2) Achievement of personal goals. Five supporting themes were also identified and included: 1) The preparation process for the NCLEX-RN examination; 2) Mentoring and the importance of minority faculty presence; 3) Family support throughout nursing education and the NCLEX-RN experience; 4) Spirituality; and 5) Race and persistence. The informants identified the NCLEX-RN examination experience as a requirement necessary to gain entry to professional practice and viewed it as a means to an end. Their responses suggested that the NCLEX-RN examination required both individualized and customized approaches to address the needs of the test candidates