In the mission to bridge the gap in NCLEX success at Marion Technical College in Oscala, FL, lead instructor and Program Director Lynn Weber faced a crucial challenge: reaching students on the verge of failing their NCLEX-PN exam. Despite impressive passing rates ranging from 94-96%, some students were still struggling to succeed.
The game-changer came from an unexpected source - a student who had previously been labeled a "flatliner" due to his poor performance in practice exams. His triumphant return from taking the NCLEX, shouting "I passed!" with infectious enthusiasm, marked a turning point. His secret? "UWorld, baby, UWorld!" This enthusiastic endorsement piqued Weber's interest and prompted her to explore UWorld's resources. She discovered a treasure trove of educational tools that promised to close the gap and transform exam preparation into a pathway to NCLEX success. This encounter wasn't just one of many success stories; it began a new era for Weber and her students, fueled by the effective embrace of UWorld's comprehensive preparation tools.
Educator Spotlight
Lynn Weber is a true force to be reckoned with at Marion Technical College. As the Program Director of the LPN program, she has made it her mission to educate aspiring nurses and truly transform their lives. With a wealth of teaching experience spanning 15-20 years, Ms. Weber has become a beacon of dedication and inspiration.
In a world where educators come in many forms, Lynn Weber stands out as a shining example of the profound influence one person can have on the lives of many.
“UWorld, Baby, UWorld!”
To achieve universal success on the NCLEX, Weber cleverly incorporated UWorld's detailed questions and captivating visuals into daily lessons and assignments, resulting in a more engaging and highly effective learning experience. Students were challenged to achieve mastery on weekly assignments, requiring a minimum score of 90% on assigned practice questions and quizzes.
Additionally, UWorld was an invaluable resource for new instructors at Marion Tech, helping them create relevant and captivating lectures. By focusing on the essentials and leveraging UWorld's comprehensive resources, Weber ensured that students and instructors could concentrate on what truly mattered for nursing success. This careful integration of UWorld into the curriculum exemplified a holistic approach to nursing education, prioritizing practical understanding over rote memorization.
“They love explanations. That's the main thing they say: that the explanations are spot-on and better than those of any other company. That's what they tell me. So I've got them sold.” ~Lynn Weber
The Not-So-Secret Sauce for Nursing Success
The use of UWorld at Marion Technical College has significantly impacted NCLEX pass rates and has revitalized the LPN program. Under Lynn Weber's guidance, students have gone from feeling uncertain to confident, displaying a disciplined effort similar to that of athletes in training. "I compare our program to playing volleyball," explains Weber, clearly comparing academic preparation and athletic perseverance. "You've got to be in the gym daily, hitting that volleyball over the net... Practicing UWorld questions for the NCLEX is the same."
~Lynn Weber
Furthermore, Weber's approach offers a model for resilience and determination, empowering students to overcome exam anxieties by mastering and becoming familiar with the types of questions they encounter. This systematic approach, akin to the regular and disciplined practice in sports, has improved outcomes and fundamentally changed students' attitudes toward the NCLEX. It has transformed the exam from a daunting challenge into a manageable and even familiar hurdle.
Continuing to Support Joyful Change
Lynn Weber has big plans for Marion Technical College's LPN program, and UWorld is the “secret sauce” in their recipe for NCLEX preparation. Thanks to this tool and the dedication of Marion Tech’s faculty, the Practical Nursing program has become the second-best in Florida. Weber proudly attributes many of her students' achievements to UWorld and is enthusiastic about sharing this transformative journey.
“I don't make much as an instructor, but I feel like the payoff is seeing the joy in these people's lives [and thinking], ‘Wow, I did something to change that.’”
Looking ahead, Weber aims to enhance the curriculum even further by incorporating UWorld's latest video resources. Her goal is to create a more immersive learning experience for students, resulting in more NCLEX success stories. This commitment to top-notch test preparation reflects Weber's philosophy of fostering an inspiring environment where students can fully embrace their studies. As she puts it, "I don’t make much as an instructor, but I feel like the payoff is seeing the joy in these people's lives [and thinking], ‘Wow, I did something to change that.’" Weber's dedication goes beyond training skilled nurses; she aims to empower individuals ready to make a lasting impact.
