Tailoring NCLEX-RN Indicator Assessments for Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Literature Review

A review of the literature was undertaken as the foundation for developing an assessment tool for Blacks/African Americans, other racial/ethnic minorities, and low-income students attending historically Black colleges and universities. Findings revealed a variety of academic and nonacademic indicators were used to evaluate likelihood of success. Course specific grades, grade point average (GPA), standardized comprehensive exams and standardized course specific exams were the most commonly used predictor variables that showed significant outcomes. Indicators more accurately predicted which students would pass NCLEX-RN rather than those who would fail. The type of pre-licensure program may influence best outcome indicators. Increased attention to and reporting of demographic information would increase the usefulness of findings in relation to developing a tailored assessment strategy for students enrolled in nursing programs at historically Black colleges and universities.