Background
In the bustling corridors of Cincinnati Children's Hospital, an innovative program has taken nursing education by storm—the Cincinnati Children’s Nurse Residency Program, led by Dr. Julie Moody, DNP, MSN, M.Ed., and two other Directors of Education, embodies a commitment to transitioning newly graduated nursing interns into confident, practice-ready professionals. Moody's role is pivotal, overseeing the onboarding RN Residency Program and all aspects of student services, fostering an environment where nurses preparing for their boards are seamlessly integrated into the demanding world of pediatric healthcare. “I always say I don't have a job because I love coming to work,” said Moody. To her, a role at Cincinnati Children’s is a calling, not just a paycheck.
NCLEX Prep in 90 Days: The Search for an Innovative Approach
To bolster NCLEX readiness, Ms. Moody and her nursing education team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital identified a critical need for innovative support strategies. This insight led to the inception of a much-needed nursing internship program specifically tailored for recent graduates awaiting their board exams. The initiative, designed to last up to 90 days, offered a unique blend of practical experience and mentorship, allowing interns to hone essential skills under the vigilant guidance of experienced nurses. Cincinnati Children’s aimed to create an environment where aspiring nurses could thrive, focusing on experiential learning rather than financial incentives alone.
This approach not only continues to distinguish Cincinnati Children's Hospital from its counterparts, which often rely on ever-increasing monetary bonuses to attract new hires but also ensures that interns receive comprehensive support during this crucial transition phase. Moreover, with Next Gen NCLEX questions, the program has evolved to include targeted preparation strategies, further emphasizing Cincinnati Children's commitment to its interns' success.
Throughout the early stages of this innovative program, UWorld’s NCLEX Review Course was positioned as an indispensable tool, providing Cincinnati Children’s interns with the resources needed to navigate the complexities of the NCLEX with confidence and precision.
Robust NCLEX Preparation with UWorld
Ms. Moody’s pursuit of excellence in NCLEX preparation led to the strategic integration of UWorld, distinguished for its comprehensive answer explanations. A survey she conducted among local nursing schools underscored UWorld's unparalleled value, with its detailed feedback emerging as a critical differentiator. "The decision was clear,” reflected Moody, “and we didn’t need to look further than UWorld."
"…We did some individual coaching and met with her twice a week, and she diligently worked in the [UWorld] platform. She did her 50 questions a day, and then… she was very successful. She realized that you don't know everything [to pass the NCLEX] from nursing school."
Initially introduced as a flexible resource, UWorld's usage evolved into a more structured regimen upon observing its impact on student outcomes. The program stipulated that interns should complete 50 questions daily, leveraging UWorld's robust analytics to personalize support and address specific areas of difficulty. This tailored approach not only clarified misunderstandings about NCLEX preparation, such as the misconception regarding partial credit scoring, but also fostered a culture of rigorous study and accountability.
A common misconception among nursing students preparing for the NCLEX is the belief that nursing school alone sufficiently prepares them for this critical examination. Moody recalled a particular case of a nurse who failed the NCLEX on her first attempt despite coming from a reputable school. This nursing intern had not utilized the UWorld platform, believing her education in nursing school had covered all necessary ground. Recognizing this gap, Moody's team intervened. "...We did some individual coaching and met with her twice a week, and she diligently worked in the [UWorld] platform. She did her 50 questions a day, and then... she was very successful. She realized that you don't know everything [to pass the NCLEX] from nursing school."
The Impact of UWorld on NCLEX Results
The implementation of UWorld at Cincinnati Children's Hospital has catalyzed an unprecedented uplift in NCLEX passing rates, illustrating the correlation between targeted preparation and academic achievement. Within a year, the leap from a 48% pass rate in Spring 2022 to an unblemished 100% in Spring 2023 has encapsulated the transformative power of UWorld's NCLEX QBank. This dramatic improvement traces back to the enhanced comprehension and confidence levels among interns, attributed to UWorld's intricate answer explanations and the recent introduction of high-yield lecture videos—a feature that has particularly resonated with the students.
Ms. Moody has observed the ripple effect of their success, with inquiries from other nursing programs looking to replicate Cincinnati’s strategy. "People from other nursing programs have heard about what we're doing with our intern program and are also now using the UWorld platform, so they are reaching out to us and asking about how we use it because word of mouth travels… People are inquiring more about what we have to offer," she notes.
The uptick in passing percentages underscores a consistent upward trajectory, largely credited to UWorld's comprehensive resources. Beyond statistics, the qualitative feedback from students underscores a newfound enthusiasm for tackling the rigors of the NCLEX, buoyed by UWorld’s comprehensive preparation tools. This collective endorsement has not only solidified the program's reputation but has also sparked interest among competitors, indicating a broader shift towards embracing UWorld’s innovative NCLEX resources. "Imitation is the best form of flattery," Moody remarks, as Cincinnati Children's Hospital continues to lead by example, shaping the future of NCLEX preparation in clinical settings.
Cincinnati Children’s Continued Commitment to Excellence
Cincinnati Children's Hospital remains steadfast in its partnership with UWorld, continually refining its approach to NCLEX preparation. Moody's dedication, coupled with the collective commitment of her team, ensures the program’s ongoing success and innovation. "I think my team is probably my favorite part of my role because I work with such an amazing group of people who are all so invested in this organization and the success of anybody that walks through the door," she reflects, pointing toward a future where Cincinnati Children’s continues to set benchmarks in nursing education excellence.
“I think my team is probably my favorite part of my role because I work with such an amazing group of people who are all so invested in this organization and the success of anybody that walks through the door.” ~Dr. Julie Moody, DNP
As Cincinnati Children's Hospital forges ahead, the impact of its collaboration with UWorld is anticipated to reach new heights, further enriching the learning experiences of its nursing interns. This partnership, underpinned by Moody's leadership and her team's unwavering support, promises not just to uphold but to elevate the standards of nursing education and NCLEX success rates at CCH. In doing so, they prepare CCH nurses for their initial licensure and lay a strong foundation for lifelong professional growth and excellence in patient care.
