In an impressive turnaround, N.C. Central University’s School of Nursing recently received the news that 91 percent of its graduates passed the state’s required nursing exam on the first try, topping both Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.

This is after a poor showing on the national licensing exam in previous years. In 2005, NCCU students scored only 65 percent. The following year, the North Carolina Board of Nursing stipulated changes to NCCU’s teaching program.

The state board exam evaluates every nurse on a basic level of competency in order to obtain licensure. However, the nursing program provides students with knowledge that goes far beyond minimum standards.

Lorna Harris, who came to the University in fall 2005 as chairperson, said she is ecstatic about the board scores.

“It’s nice to not have the low passing issue, and it helps the morale of students and faculty,” said Harris.

“Students here worked hard. Faculty here worked hard. It takes a lot of effort by everyone.

“Students are advised by the faculty, which we hope is supportive in their growth. We encourage them to take the exam soon after graduation. Most take the exam between July and October.”

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Harris has worked with Dean Cecelia Steppe-Jones, of the School of Education, to initiate programs for new teachers. These programs focus on preparing the faculty to meet the board of nursing’s continuing education requirements.

“Nursing is a practiced discipline,” said Harris.

“Many start as practitioners and then become teachers. There is a lack of nurses with experience in teaching and a responsibility to prepare them to teach.”

Harris said improving the scores took a multi-faceted approach from the School of Nursing.

Harris met with the biology and chemistry departments to detail a plan that would improve nursing students’ performance.

One goal was to strengthen faculty teaching.

Another was to assess student needs to help them excel in science.

Harris said they also collaborated with the School of Education to educate local guidance counselors about preparing high school seniors interested in nursing.

According to Harris, many students come into the program after being advised to do so, although many lack the necessary science and mathematical skills.

Harris explained that many students do not realize the lifestyle changes that come with a nursing career. Often, they face such challenges as balancing a busy family and work life with school.

Unlike students in other disciplines, nursing students start their day as early as 7 a.m. and may not be done until 11 p.m. — even on Saturday.

One important step was to raise nursing admission standards to a 900 on the SAT and a 2.8 GPA, compared to the University’s required score of 720 for in-state and 820 for out-of-state students.

But freshmen with lower GPAs are admitted into the program after demonstrating strong academic ability.

Area hospitals like Watts, UNC and Duke assist students by allowing them access to their patients and the facility.

Hospitals in NC communities such as Person County and Rocky Mount also contribute to student training.

Introducing technology has also helped students succeed. An on-campus simulation lab houses three mannequins that simulate human behaviors.

“They talk, breathe and mimic behaviors of humans,” said Harris.

“More and more schools are using these labs to allow opportunities that the student will experience in the world.”

The mannequins are hooked up to a computer and can be programmed to simulate patient responses that a nurse may encounter.

The simulation helps students think critically and practice their skills.

“Our goal is to produce professional nurses here,” said Harris.

“We work with our students so that they are socialized. I’m really excited that we are offering our students ways to grow.”

She said that program alumni return to tell students and faculty that their education at NCCU was valuable.

Charles Matthews, nursing senior, said the Bachelor of Science program emphasizes evidenced-based research and that he was confident he would be ready for the exam.

“I am confident that my knowledge is comparable with any nursing school within N.C. and globally,” said Matthews.

“The nursing program is preparing us not only for bedside care, but as administrators in the nursing profession,” he said.

“As the state board exam approaches, I feel more prepared that I will pass on the first try.”

Matthews has advice for potential nursing students:

“Take all your classes seriously, especially science classes. Make the best grades you can to separate yourself. What has helped me stay focused is that I want a career and not a job.”

Bridgett Wheeler, nursing junior, said she will be ready not only for the exam, but also for real-life situations.

Passing the national licensing exam is not NCCU’s only focus. Planning has begun for a new, state-funded building.

“That is an endorsement that they want the nursing to be alive and working at N.C. Central. They want us to thrive and not just survive,” said Harris.

The School of Nursing will host its 12th Annual Helen Miller Lectureship on Thursday, March 6.

Guest speaker is Dr. Beverly L. Malone, CEO of the National League for Nursing.