North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Registered Nursing students recently achieved national recognition at the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) Convention. Held last month, the convention gathered nursing students, faculty, and professionals from across the nation to advance excellence in nursing education. 

Graci Devier, Faith Fredrickson, and Morgan Olson, members of the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society at NDSCS, took home first place in the convention’s competitive poster presentation for their work titled, “Self-Care for Nursing Students and Faculty.” Their project highlighted essential strategies to promote well-being and resilience within nursing programs, an issue increasingly relevant to both students and educators alike. 

"We are incredibly proud of Graci, Faith, and Morgan for their outstanding achievements," said Deb Smith, Associate Dean of Allied Health at NDSCS. "Their dedication to self-care in nursing exemplifies the values of our program and sets a strong example for others." 

These remarkable students demonstrated both leadership and dedication to the field of nursing. Their success brings pride to the NDSCS Nursing Program and reinforces the commitment to student excellence and well-being.

Photo: Students (L to R) Faith Fredrickson, Graci Devier, Morgan Olson stand by their winning poster

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is celebrating the impressive success of its Spring 2024 nursing graduates. The latest National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) results are in, and the College’s nursing programs have once again set a high standard. 

The College's two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Registered Nursing program achieved a perfect 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. Similarly, the Practical Nursing program graduates also recorded a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) cohort followed suit with an impressive 92.3% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. 

North Dakota evaluates NCLEX pass rates quarterly, and NDSCS has consistently exceeded the national average. For the 2023-2024 year, the first-time pass rate for NDSCS Registered Nursing students was 95.45%, while the Practical Nursing students achieved a pass rate of 96%. 

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and dedication,” commented Deb Smith, Associate Dean of Allied Health/Nursing. “Their commitment to excellence in nursing education has been evident in these results.” 

The state of North Dakota continues to lead the nation in NCLEX success, with NCLEX-PN pass rates at 99.24%, far surpassing the national average of 89.65%. North Dakota's NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97.55% also significantly exceeds the national average of 92.7%. 

This year’s exams introduced the Next Generation NCLEX format, featuring case-based questions that require nursing candidates to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios. The new format requires a deeper understanding of clinical concepts and the application of knowledge in patient care scenarios, challenging students to make informed decisions based on comprehensive information. NDSCS students have adapted well to these changes, further showcasing the strength of the College’s programs.

For those interested in pursuing a career in nursing, NDSCS offers several academic pathways:

• Practical Nursing (Diploma): A one-year program for those looking to start their nursing career or advance to higher nursing degrees.
• Registered Nursing (A.A.S.): A two-year program for students aiming to become Registered Nurses.
• LPN to RN Program: A specialized pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to become Registered Nurses. 

NDSCS’s nursing programs continue to grow due to their strong reputation for high NCLEX pass rates and excellent preparation for the nursing profession. For more information, visit NDSCS.edu/Nursing.