HATTIESBURG— The University of Southern Mississippi’s nursing program has surpassed the national average on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Statistics released last week show Southern Miss’ 2004-2005 Bachelor of Science in Nursing pass rates totaled 84 percent, surpassing the national average that stands at 81 percent.

The 115 students reported in this score were 2004 December graduates and 2005 May graduates. This time last year, the university’s pass rate was 75 percent.          

“It is very rewarding to see such an increase,” said Dr. Katherine Nugent, director of Southern Miss’ School of Nursing. “Our faculty has worked extremely hard to address this issue, and it is encouraging to all who have put so much energy into teaching and into strengthening the necessary components of our curriculum.”

Working with faculty, a consultant devised a plan that included both short- and long-term strategies to improve student success.

The school’s mode of attack involved a revision of the curriculum, an increase in the minimum grade for passing a course and the implementation of Meds Publishing, which is a national computer-based curriculum support program. Finally, it called for a proactive plan of advisement based upon student scores on a national Health Education Systems Incorporated exam.

Nugent said although various agencies rave about the quality of Southern Miss’ nursing program and its graduates, the School of Nursing always strives to improve.

The faculty’s competitive spirit is proving contagious as it has trickled down to the 405 students currently enrolled in Southern Miss’ School of Nursing, housed on the university’s Hattiesburg, Gulfport and Meridian sites.

Alabama native Shandi Shiver believes she is well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam when she graduates in May, thanks to the diligence of her professors and the nurturing environment they provide.

Shiver said the latest statistics are just confirming what she already knew. “I am in one of the nation’s best nursing programs,” she said. “Nugent will bend over backwards to help her students; she’s just incredible. I have never seen any other dean that is so personable with students.”

“They encourage us to be the very best, to stand above the rest,” Shiver said. “My experience here makes me want to show every one that Southern Miss has an excellent academic nursing program and that it is everything that it says it is.”