Downey nurses among best-trained in nation

DOWNEY -- Downey Adult School's vocational nursing program saw 23 of their 24 students pass the state exam this quarter, exceeding the school's average success rate of 95.83 percent, far above state and national standards.The nursing program began in 2006 and was accredited by the Bureau of Vocational Nursing in 2007. Two classes completed the extensive program and qualified to take the NCLEX-PN exam, the licensure test administered by the state. The national average pass rate is 83 percent. The state's pass rate is even lower at 73 percent. "Downey Adult School's vocational nursing strives for excellence," a school representative said in a statement. "The school is attempting to provide our community with competent nurses. Many of the graduates are now working in clinical facilities. Graduates have had great success stories including some that are now supervisors in the facilities due to high-quality training." To be eligible for testing, students must have completed 1,536 hours of academic and clinical curriculum. Students are expected to pass each nursing course with a minimum average of 75 percent. ********** Published: March 13, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 47