The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is an exam offered to determine if graduated nursing students are safe and competent to practice.
Graduates from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) program are required to pass the NCLEX-RN to earn licensure and legally practice nursing in the United States.
Graduates from a licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN) program are required to take the NCLEX-PN (practical nurse) exam.
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test critical thinking skills using information students learned in their registered nursing or vocational nursing school. The goal of the NCLEX is to ensure that graduates can make quality nursing judgments and provide safe patient care.
If you're preparing to take the NCLEX exam, or will need to at some point, keep reading for everything you need to know about this important exam including what's on it, how to pass, what happens if you don't pass, and more.
Every nurse who graduates from an ADN or BSN program must pass the NCLEX to earn licensure and legally practice nursing in the United States. Also, every practical or vocational nurse who graduates from an LPN or LVN program must pass the NCLEX-PN to earn licensure and practice legally in the U.S.
Eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN depends on your state’s requirements. Check with your state’s nursing board to ensure you have met all the criteria.
You'll also want to make sure you're preparing for the latest NCLEX requirements. There is a new version of the NCLEX called the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). Our NCLEX NextGen Exam TestBank includes Next Generation NCLEX questions.
Studying for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) can be a challenging endeavor, but with proper preparation and dedication, you can overcome these obstacles. Here are some common challenges you may face while preparing for the NCLEX:
1. Vast Content Coverage: The NCLEX covers a wide range of nursing knowledge, including various medical conditions, pharmacology, nursing procedures, and ethical considerations. The volume of information can be overwhelming, and you'll need to develop effective study strategies to manage and retain the content.
2. Time Management: Balancing your study time with other responsibilities, such as work or family commitments, can be challenging. It's important to create a study schedule and prioritize your time effectively to ensure you cover all the necessary content.
3. Test Anxiety: The NCLEX is a high-stakes exam, and test anxiety is common among many candidates. The pressure to perform well can affect your confidence and ability to recall information during the exam. Developing effective test-taking strategies and practicing relaxation techniques can help you manage test anxiety.
4. Critical Thinking Skills: The NCLEX is designed to assess your ability to apply critical thinking skills to real-world nursing scenarios. It requires you to analyze situations, make decisions, and prioritize care. Developing strong critical thinking skills through practice questions and case studies is essential for success.
5. Adaptability to Computerized Testing: The NCLEX is administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT), which tailors the difficulty of the questions based on your performance. Some candidates find it challenging to adapt to the computerized format and adjust to the changing question patterns. Familiarize yourself with computerized testing and practice using online resources and simulated exams.
6. Test Preparation Resources: Selecting the right study materials and resources can be overwhelming. It's important to choose reputable NCLEX review books, online courses, and practice questions that align with the latest NCLEX test plan. Research and read reviews to determine which resources best suit your personal learning style.
Overcoming these challenges requires a systematic and disciplined approach to studying. Make use of various study techniques, such as creating a study schedule, using flashcards, practicing with sample questions, and seeking support from fellow nursing students or mentors. Remember to take breaks, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay motivated throughout the process.
Good luck with your NCLEX exam preparation!
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