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The purpose of this study was to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the nursing process in preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination. A descriptive correlational research design was used. Fifty-one students in both associate degree and bachelors degree programs in an urban public university, participated in the pilot study. A survey tool was developed which asked students to define and give examples of the steps in the nursing process. Short answer responses were required. Students did not consistently give correct definitions and examples. A second study was developed to determine if students performed differently on a short answer examination and a multiple choice examination. Ninety-five students in both associate degree and bachelors degree programs participated in the second study. Students did more poorly on the multiple choice examination than on the short answer survey. Students in the pilot study performed better in some areas compared to students in the follow-up study.