Do GPAs, Entrance Exams, or Course Grades Predict Outcomes in First Semester Nursing Students?

Background: Previous studies employed varying methods, predictors, and endpoints to determine how to best predict student success.

Purpose: This study examined current admission criteria in predicting nursing students' success during two first semester courses.

Methods: Grade point averages and Health Education Systems Incorporated entrance exam scores were extracted from student files while pre-nursing pathophysiology grades from electronic gradebooks were used as independent variables.

Deliberate practice and self-recorded demonstration of skill proficiency: One baccalaureate nursing school's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether using self-video recording of the skill competency assessment would promote deliberate practice of nursing skills, clinical skill proficiency, limit virtual high stakes testing anxiety and facilitate progression of first semester baccalaureate nursing students during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the Spring 2020 semester using self-reported student data from an end of course survey.

Methods: A 16 item instructor-designed survey of student's perceptions of critical thinking, preparation, availability of materials, practice, video recording skill demonstrations, self-reported levels of anxiety related to the virtual testing environment and type of skill assessment exam was provided to all first semester baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in the basic nursing skills course.