OMAHA, Neb. – Practical nursing graduates at College of Saint Mary (CSM) achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam for the fifth year.
“This milestone reflects the culture we’ve intentionally built within the PNC program. We hold our students to high standards because our patients deserve safe, competent nurses,” said Shamra Lundeen, director of the practical nursing program. “At the same time, we are committed to providing the encouragement, support and accountability students need to meet those expectations. Excellence isn’t achieved by lowering the bar—it’s achieved by helping students rise to it.”
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized test administered by the State Board of Nursing. The exam uses real-world cases to measure a nurse’s ability to think critically and make the right decisions. The NCLEX-PN is for those who have completed a practical nursing program.
This is the fifth consecutive year that practical nursing graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on their first attempt taking the exam.
“A five-year streak of a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate is an incredible accomplishment because it represents so much more than an exam score. Every student passing the NCLEX means another graduate has achieved the goal they worked so hard to accomplish—becoming a licensed practical nurse,” Lundeen said. “Behind every passing score is months of perseverance, resilience and dedication.”
CSM’s year-long hybrid Practical Nursing Certificate program prepares students for entry-level nursing practice with lab simulations and clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics and care facilities. Students get hands-on experience on campus in CSM’s state-of-the-art health professions skills and simulation center.
“One of the things that makes the PNC program so special is the culture of women supporting women,” Lundeen said.
This year, the PNC Student of the Year and PNC Spirit of Nursing awards were introduced. Nearly every student nominated one or more of their classmates.
“Reading those nominations reminded us that our students don’t see each other as competition—they celebrate one another’s strengths, encourage one another through challenges and genuinely want to see each other succeed,” said Lundeen. “That kind of environment doesn’t happen by chance, it’s something we intentionally foster because we know students thrive when they feel supported.”
Graduates of the practical nursing certificate program can work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or begin the LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.