Introduction: This study explores the character traits contributing to the 100% passing rate of nursing graduates in the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) in the Philippines over the past decade. Understanding these traits provides insights into the factors driving academic and professional success in nursing.
Methods: Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods design, this study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected through electronic surveys from 222 nursing alumni and 39 faculty members, focusing on character traits and behaviors linked to NLE success. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 29; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) for descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Additionally, in-depth interviews with 21 alumni and 15 faculty members provided qualitative insights. Data saturation was reached with 11 faculty and 13 alumni, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the participants' experiences.
Results: Quantitative results from factor analysis showed that spirituality, love of learning, honesty, and kindness are among the qualities that are necessary for success in NLE. These character traits have a significant impact on both career readiness and academic performance. Qualitative results revealed the importance of resilience, faculty support, and peer relationships in fostering these attributes. It became evident that building a healthy learning environment required the support of peers and professors and that resilience was necessary to manage the stress of tests. Both datasets emphasized the need for a strong character and academic achievement in conjunction with long-term success.
Discussion: The study highlights that obtaining a high NLE passing rate is mostly dependent on academic knowledge in addition to character attributes. Character education techniques such as role-playing, reflective writing, and service-learning can be incorporated into nursing curricula to improve attributes such as empathy and resilience. Continuous faculty development and structured mentorship are also crucial.
Conclusion: Character development must be incorporated into academic learning in nursing education. Focusing on qualities such as empathy, resilience, and ethical judgment, along with implementing character education tactics such as service-learning and reflective writing, are crucial to prepare graduates to succeed in professional practice and board exams. A comprehensive approach that blends character development with academic achievement produces skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Keywords: academic achievement; character strengths; faculty influence; nurse licensure examination; nursing education and practice.
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