Recent graduates of Samford University’s Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing have claimed an honor that would make Mrs. Moffett, the late nurse educator for whom the school is named, proud.

All 28 members of the December 2010 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduating class passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX RN), which measures competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed nurse.

A 100 percent pass rate on the examination developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is uncommon, according to Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing dean Dr. Nena Sanders. The 2010 national average pass rate was 87 percent, and the state of Alabama pass rate was 85 percent.

And Samford’s good news gets even more impressive.

“This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy since the first cohort of accelerated second degree students was included in this group of graduates,” said Dr. Sanders.

The 15-month accelerated second degree program is an intense course of study that is the equivalent of completing four semesters (two years) of the nursing curriculum in 15 months. The 11 members of Samford’s first cohort entered the program in August of 2009 already armed with baccalaureate degrees in a field other than nursing.

 “Recognition for this achievement belongs not only to the students, but to the outstanding undergraduate faculty who taught, mentored and nurtured these students through the nursing program. The 100 percent pass rate is evidence of the teaching effectiveness of the nursing faculty,” said Sanders.

“In addition to being excellent classroom teachers, the nursing faculty members are expert clinicians who serve as excellent role models for students in clinical practice.”