1005 - Flipping the Script for NCLEX Success!

The Registered Nursing program at Bryant & Stratton College converted to the flipped classroom approach in September 2021 following a period of extended online education requirements due to COVID restrictions. It was noted upon returning to the in-person classroom that exam scores and first-time NCLEX pass rates were steadily declining. Falling first time NCLEX pass rates prompted an institutional change to be discussed with faculty members and implemented within the Registered Nursing Program. As faculty we credit transformational leadership, innovative teaching techniques, and ongoing teamwork to maintain our current first time NCLEX pass rate of 97.5%.

Transitioning to the flipped classroom technique includes more than simply making lecture and class materials available to students before each class. It involves in-depth faculty planning and proper execution to deepen student’s understanding of essential nursing competencies through active learning. Maternal Child Health and Pediatrics are two courses that students either fall in love with or completely loathe. We have created activities to engage students across all levels of interests, making the classroom a safe and fun learning environment. I have utilized various methods to strengthen student engagement and understanding. Methods include using play-doh to model gastrointestinal defects in Pediatrics, simulating cervical change with a balloon and ping-pong ball in Maternal Child Nursing, playing Jenga™ for content review in the classroom, and utilizing blindfolds to foster understanding of Nursing Leadership styles with senior students. These unique methods have increased conversations in the classroom, sparked analytical questions from our students, and increased test scores over the past 18 months.