Prediction of nursing examination success and attribution in a New Zealand nursing program

This study aimed at prediction of success in a New Zealand nurse training program, employing as the two criteria for success (1) a 50% pass in nursing examinations and (2) attrition. The predictor variables included a socio-economic index, age, education, and four attributes of personality evaluated through independent ward report and self report, on a sample of 119 general and community nurses. It was found that such prediction of examination success as was afforded was on the basis of age, number of years of education, and ward report. Attrition could not be predicted. The study indicates that a search should be made to identify behavioral variables through examining task demands of the nursing situation and selecting psychometrically robust predictors in. a future analysis.