Predicting success on the NCLEX-RN is of paramount importance to nursing programs as they are held accountable for this outcome by accrediting agencies and by boards of nursing. This action research study examined the relationship between the NET admission test, anatomy and physiology grades, grade point average (GPA) on admission to the program and NCLEX success. A change in the admission criteria was then implemented. In addition, students were surveyed regarding their perceptions of how important department support services were to their success and how often they used these support services. Finally this study explored the relationship between my espoused theories of leadership and my theories in use.

Data were collected for students graduating in two successive classes in a selected associate degree nursing program. Correlational analysis and logistic regression were used to determine the relationships among and between the variables. The results of this study indicated that there was a positive relationship between the GPA on admission to the program and NCLEX-RN results, and the Anatomy and Physiology II grade and NCLEX-RN results.

Throughout this study I assessed my leadership. Using journaling and a leadership survey, I reflected on my leadership throughout the three cycles of the study and identified whether the leadership theories I espoused were, in fact the leadership theories I use in my practice.