Abstract
Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), ACT test scores, and the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) through a mediated logistic regression model. ACT is often considered one of the strongest predictors of success on the NCLEX-RN. Data from nursing students (N = 1,176) at a large, Midwestern university were analyzed. The goal was to determine if the predictive power of ACT on the NCLEX-RN stems from the influence of SES on ACT. A significant indirect effect through the causal chain of Pell Grant eligibility (i.e., SES)->ACT->NCLEX-RN was found.