By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University’s nursing students have achieved a 100% pass rate on the national licensing exam.
This is the first cohort of students to graduate under the revised nursing curriculum. The National Council Licensure Examination, the national licensing exam every nursing graduate must pass to legally work as a registered nurse in the United States, has served as the standard for nursing licensure since 1982 and is recognized across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
NCLEX pass rates are among the most significant measures of a nursing program’s effectiveness in preparing graduates for professional practice. Although nursing programs are assessed using a variety of academic and clinical performance indicators, NCLEX outcomes are particularly important because they reflect graduates’ ability to meet the national standard for safe and competent practice in healthcare.
“The statewide shortage of licensed nurses underscores the need for academically prepared nursing professionals who can think critically, make sound clinical decisions, and respond effectively in patient care settings,” said Shaina Goudeau, dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health. “LCU’s strong NCLEX pass rates provide clear evidence that its graduates are well-prepared to meet and exceed entry-level standards while delivering safe, competent, and compassionate care.”
The revised Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum was approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing in April 2023 and launched in the fall of 2024. Students enroll in pre-nursing theory, dosage calculation, pathophysiology, and basic pharmacology to build a solid foundation before matriculating into the nursing program.
The program also offers a minor in emotional intelligence, maintaining the focus on holistic healthcare.
“Healthcare administrators seek high-EQ employees and see it as a valuable added set of skills. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a set of emotional and social skills that influence how we perceive and express ourselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges, and use emotional information effectively and meaningfully,” Goudeau said.
Emotional intelligence in nursing is vital to providing the care patients need, as nurses interact with patients and families facing challenging situations and conditions.
LCU has a longstanding tradition of academic excellence and leadership that is reflected in its nursing program. Key strengths include low student-to-faculty ratios and a strong commitment to mentorship, which enable faculty to foster a supportive learning environment and contribute to student success.
LCU nursing faculty are equipped to lead this charge through their exceptional clinical expertise and dedication to service; these attributes allow faculty to effectively prepare and guide the next generation of licensed nurses.
Visit the LCU nursing program online for more information about the program, or contact shaina.goudeau@lcuniversity.edu.
