Online nursing students see 100 percent exam pass rate

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

BATESVILLE — One-hundred percent of University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville online nursing students have passed the NCLEXRN exam.

Having passed the exam on the first attempt, the eight students have received their registered nurse licenses. This group is the first UACCB class to complete their nursing theory courses online, while fulfilling their clinical requirements for direct patient care in area hospitals and community settings, as is traditional.

Online Program Coordinator Michelle Brewer said that in 2007, the inaugural year for this online track, the faculty and students learned from each other about how to effectively present and interact with the course content and classmates in an online environment.

"Our students demonstrated real dedication and perseverance in continuing their education," Brewer said. "Although they worked from their homes, we communicated and connected well with each other."

Brewer also said UACCB's nursing students have consistently scored above the national average on the exam.

Members of the first online class are: Mary Bishop of Batesville, Jeannine Henderson of Batesville, LaTrina Maez of Prim, Paula Meyer of Batesville, Lesli Osterman of Springdale, Sara Parker of Batesville, Karen Sample of Prairie Grove and Coni Strader of Batesville.

The development of the online track was a team effort, and UACCB nursing faculty contributed expertise in their respective specialties. Working with Brewer (medical-surgical) are: Janice Inloes (obstetrics), Marietta Candler (pediatric), Becky King (mental health) and Dianne Plemmons, chairwoman of the division of nursing and allied health.

Three Rivers, Pages 121 on 05/11/2008