What Is NCLEX-RN? What You Should Know About This Important Nursing Exam

A test or exam is an academic test intended to measure the knowledge of the person taking the test, ability, competence, physical strength, or isolation from many other subjects (e.g., beliefs). The test can be done orally, on paper, on a computer, or in a pre-determined area that requires the test taker to demonstrate or perform a set of skills. Formal tests often lead to grades or test scores. The test score can easily be interpreted according to the scale or procedure, or sometimes both. There is a test for nurses in the USA known as NCLEX (The National Council Licensure Examination). After a nurse completes her education, this is one more step that must be taken before the work can begin. All nurses must pass the NCLEX exam to obtain a nursing license. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) has one purpose: to determine whether it is safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse. It is quite different from any exam you took in nursing school. While the Nursing School exam is knowledge-based, the NCLEX (The National Council Licensure Examination) tests application and analysis using the nursing knowledge you learn in school. You will be tested on how you can use critical thinking skills to make nursing decisions.

Find out what you need to know about NCLEX testing, NCLEX rating system, NCLEX test availability, and NCLEX test format.

Types of NCLEX

There are 2 types of NCLEX (The National Council Licensure Examination). One is NCLEX-PN (The National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse) and the second is NCLEX-RN (The National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse). NCLEX-PN is for practical and active nurses and NCLEX-RN is for registered nurses.

• NCLEX-PN
• NCLEX-RN

Changes in NCLEX Exam

The governing body responsible for making changes to the NCLEX is the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, NCSBN. They made changes by analyzing the current practice of nurses. They do this by examining approximately 12,000 newly licensed nurses in various nursing professions from NCLEX.

NCLEX Test Composition

In this portion, you will read about the composition of the NCLEX Exam. Which Contains the framework and types of the question of the NCLEX Exam.

• Framework: The NCLEX take a look at is processed at the Pearson skilled Center. Pearson skilled centers are certification and licensing centers around the world. The NCLEX exam is conducted according to the framework of “Meeting Customers’ Needs”. There are four main sections and eight sub-categories. Many nursing programs are based on the medical model where students take separate medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatry, and obstetrics classes. However, in the NCLEX exam, all material is integrated.
• Types of questions: Most NCLEX test questions are written questions with multiple choice answers. The questions in the NCLEX exam are of three types or levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Questions are the most basic questions and make up less than 10% of the total questions.

NCLEX Exam Content

Most test items are written at an understanding level of the app or higher, but tests can include items at all levels of comprehension. Examples of the level of understanding by memorization or memory, information, analysis, and use.

• Safe Effective Care setting
• Coordination of Care
• Infection and Safety management
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and luxury
• pharmacologic and epithelial duct Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Adaptation

TAKING THE NCLEX CAT

CAT is an acronym for “Computer Adaptive Testing”, a test format based on answering questions interactively. Depending on your skill level, CAT makes sure that the questions are not “too difficult” or “too easy”.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE NCLEX

About six weeks before graduation, you will receive 2 applications from your nursing school: an application for a license and an application for the NCLEX-RN exam.

THE NCLEX TEST APPLICATION

Your first step is to apply to the National Council of Government Nursing Boards (NCSBN). You have to follow the procedures set up by the individual State Boards of Nursing.

NCLEX EXAM AND LICENSURE FEES

The cost of taking the NCLEX test is $200. Additional licensing fees are determined by the individual state nursing board. Submit your completed application for funding to the National Council of Government Nursing Boards.

Must Read: How to Work As A Nurse In USA

Types of NCLEX (The National Council Licensure Examination) Exam

There are two types of NCLEX (The National Council Licensure Examination), NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN.

1. NCLEX-RN (The National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse)
2. NCLEX-PN (The National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse)

The nurse takes the NCLEX exam to obtain a nursing license, after graduating from nursing school. A nursing license gives a person permission to practice nursing, which is provided by the state where they meet the requirements. To ensure public safety, each board of nurses requires a licensee to pass the appropriate NCLEX examination: NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and NCLEX-PN for active or practical nurses. The NCLEX test is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and competencies that are essential for effective and efficient nursing at the entry-level.

On a computer, an adaptive test format (CAT) is offered for The NCLEX exams, and are currently controlled by Pearson VUE in their Pearson Professional Centers (PPC) network. With computer tests like these, the computer selects which question to ask based on how you answered the previous question. The NCLEX covers a wide range of assets. The person will be rated for their ability to think critically about decisions involving nursing care.

1: NCLEX-RN

NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse Registration Nurse of the National Council). All nursing boards in states and territories in the United States require baptismal candidates to pass this test in order to obtain a license as a registered nurse (RN). Since 2015, 10 RN provincial/regional regulators in Canada have selected NCLEX-RN and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) as the provider of the Canadian RN entry exam.

NCLEX-RN uses a five-step nursing procedure. Each question will fall into one of five steps:

• Assessment
• Diagnosis
• Planning
• Implementation
• Evaluation

2: NCLEX-PN

NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensing Nurse Practical Nurse). All American and regional nursing boards require passing results in a license test such as a licensed practicing nurse (LPN) or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN).

Changes in NCLEX Exam

The governing body responsible for making changes to the NCLEX is the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, NCSBN. They made changes by analyzing the current practice of nurses. They do this by examining approximately 12,000 newly licensed nurses in various nursing professions from NCLEX. The NCSBN analyzes these nursing duties according to the frequency of the work, how it may affect the safety of the patient, and the environment in which these activities are performed. INCSBN does this review every three years, and then makes any changes needed to the test. Changes were made in 2013 and are expected every three years after that date. In 2015, NCLEX was adopted in Canada, making changes to address rating, drug names, and other terminology differences between the United States and Canada. In addition, NCLEX is available in Canadian French to French-speaking Canadians.

NCLEX Test Composition

Framework:

The NCLEX take a look at is processed at the Pearson skilled Center. Pearson skilled centers are certification and licensing centers around the world. There are several testing centers in every U.S.A. state and centers may be found in one hundred seventy-five (175) countries. a number of these totally different format queries elicit details on a chart, graph, or audio clip. queries may also use the footage as answers to settle on from words. every question can seem one at a time on a pc screen. queries won’t be repeated; however, questions supported by constant scenarios can be asked. Each person will choose a different test method as each question depends on how the previous question was answered, a person can be asked between 75 and 145 questions, of the first 75 in the test only 60 questions are counted. They are “test” questions and will be used in future tests. The “test” questions aren’t that popular, so it’s best to answer all of the questions. If a person continues to receive questions from the same category, it may mean that the NCSBN is investigating those types of questions or that the person is still receiving these types of questions incorrectly. this section until the individual has completed the testing program requirements. Each person has an average of five hours to complete the test, but there is no minimum time. There is an obligatory 10-minute break of approximately 2½ hours after the start of the test and another optional break after approximately 4 hours of testing time. It is acceptable to take a break at any time during the test, however, test takers lose additional license time from the entire test period. A certain number of well-answered questions do not have to pass an exam. A person’s grades are not compared to other grades to determine if they pass. NCLEX is obtained by comparing the responses to a pre-established standard. those who pass the test pass, those who fail.

The NCLEX exam is conducted according to the framework of “Meeting Customers’ Needs”. There are four main sections and eight sub-categories. Many nursing programs are based on the medical model where students take separate medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatry, and obstetrics classes. However, in the NCLEX exam, all material is integrated.

Types of Questions:

Most NCLEX test questions are written questions with multiple choice answers. In recent years, however, NCSBN has added new format questions that do not include the simple selection of multiple options. Examples of new formats include identifying and selecting a specific area of ​​the drawn organ, selecting multiple appropriate answers through checkboxes, free mathematical answer questions that often include drug counts and ordering steps for a medical or nursing procedure.

The questions in the NCLEX exam are of three types or levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Questions are the most basic questions and make up less than 10% of the total questions.

Level 1: questions test individual knowledge and understanding. These questions require that one remember certain facts and knowledge. The second level of questions requires an additional level of thinking in order to answer the question. For these types of questions, a person will need to know certain details and use them to interpret or analyze the question.

Level 2: quiz analysis and application-type questions.

Level 3: questions are the most complex type of question in NCLEX. These questions require that one judge, evaluate, and compile information. The person will have to apply the rules, facts, and procedures they know and make decisions about what is best for patient care depending on the situation.

What makes Level 3 questions difficult is that there may be more than one answer that forces a person to decide which is the best answer. Level 2 and Level 3 accounted for approximately 95 percent of the questions in the NCLEX test. However, the test may not have a level of question 1. Many of the platforms have taken over in the business of trying to equip students with test-taking tools, including Kaplan, UWorld, and Kahn in a variety of ways from sample questions that show the real-world test to aid in effective and customized learning.

Let’s look at the following question:

A 23-year-old woman with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is returned to the recovery room one hour after the uneventful delivery of a 9 lb, 8 oz, baby boy. The nurse will expect the woman’s blood sugar

1. Growth
2. Fall
3. Stay still
4. Ups and downs

Is this an obstetric question or a medical/surgical question? To choose the correct answer, (2), you must consider the pathophysiology of diabetes as well as the principles of labor and delivery.

NCLEX Exam Content

Most test items are written at an understanding level of the app or higher, but tests can include items at all levels of comprehension. Examples of the level of understanding by memorization or memory, information, analysis, and use.

NCLEX-PN

The content of the NCLEX-PN (The National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse) test is based on customer needs. NCLEX exam contains questions of Safe Effective Care Setting in which questions about the safety of the patient, giving proper medicine to a patient, and protect the patient from further injuries are asked. The physiological Integrity portion contains questions about how a nurse will the patient having the cardiac disorder, respiratory disorder, and other big disorders. It also contains questions about how nurse deals with the patient on daily basis. The psychosocial integrity portion contains questions about how a nurse will deal with the patient having psychological disorders. Questions under Health Promotion and Maintenance deal with pregnancy, labor pain, delivery, and birth control measures.

• Safe Effective Care setting
• Coordination of Care
• Infection and Safety management
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and luxury
• pharmacologic and epithelial duct Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Adaptation

NCLEX-RN

The content of the NCLEX-RN (The National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) test is based on customer needs. NCLEX exam contains questions of Safe Effective Care Setting in which questions about the safety of the patient, giving proper medicine to a patient, and protect the patient from further injuries are asked. The physiological Integrity portion contains questions about how a nurse will the patient having a cardiac disorder, respiratory disorder, and other big disorders. It also contains questions about how nurse deals with a patient on daily basis. The psychosocial integrity portion contains questions about how a nurse will deal with the patient having psychological disorders. Questions under Health Promotion and Maintenance deal with pregnancy, labor pain, delivery, and birth control measures.

• Safe Effective Care setting
• Coordination of Care (17-23%)
• Infection and Safety management (9-15%)
• Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and luxury (6-12%)
• pharmacologic and epithelial duct Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%)
• Physiological Adaptation (11-17%)

Safe Effective Care setting

This section represents approximately 21-33% of the NCLEX questions. The questions in this section discuss safety issues in patient care, particularly patient administration, safety measures to prevent further injury and infection, isolation measures, child safety, and measures. special safety measures for patients with psychiatric disorders.

 This part of the study may also include questions relating to laboratory tests, test results, and various nursing procedures that may be related to test results; ethical and legal issues for nurses; nursing management; and issues related to providing the best possible patient care. NCLEX questions on these topics are randomly distributed throughout the study.

Health Promotion and Maintenance

The Health Promotion and tending Division performs around 12% of the NCLEX trial. The queries beneath this section relate to ways of birth control, physiological state, accouchement, and childbirth; infant care, growth and development, and communicable diseases like sexually transmitted diseases. If a patient is pregnant, it’s important for the nurse to be able to work as a patient’s teacher or counselor. This makes it necessary to know all aspects of a patient’s pregnancy. info on correct nutrition, craniate growth, pregnancy symptoms, and signs and bound pregnancy-related procedures can facilitate during this part of testing.

Psychosocial Integrity

The Body (Physiological) Integrity category contains most questions in the test, approximately 43-67 percent. This part of NCLEX is concerned with medical and surgical care for the elderly, a study of adults, the effects of aging, pediatricians, and gerontology. It can be related to conditions that are regularly treated by nurses, such as diabetes, heart disease, mood disorders, kidney disease, and respiratory disease. In addition, questions can be asked about trauma, physical illnesses, skin diseases, and infectious diseases. NCLEX issues related to the child client. These topics can include growth and development, birth defects, child abuse, common infectious diseases in children, and common child abuse such as burns and fractures.

Physiological Integrity

As a Health Promotion and Preservation component, the Psychosocial Integrity category constitutes approximately 12 percent of NCLEX queries. The questions in this section apply to patients with a mental illness and their unique problems. In addition, this item can cover a wide range of situations. Some of the conditions covered in this section are related to psychological problems and mental disorders. Questions can include details on the following problems: depression, schizophrenia, living mental disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. Also included in this section may be questions about interventions, substance abuse, and interventional therapy.

TAKING THE NCLEX CAT

CAT is an acronym for “Computer Adaptive Testing”, a test format based on answering questions interactively. Depending on your skill level, CAT makes sure that the questions are not “too difficult” or “too easy”.

Your first question will be relatively easy-below minimum ability level. If you answer it correctly, the computer chooses a slightly more difficult question. If a wrong answer is given, the computer chooses a slightly easier question.

By continuing to do this throughout the test, the computer CAN determine your ability level.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE NCLEX

About six weeks before graduation, you will receive 2 applications from your nursing school: an application for a license and an application for the NCLEX exam.

On the predetermined date, you need to submit the filled form and license fee to your nursing school. Upon receipt of the ATT (Authorization for Testing), you will be able to set your test date and time. The trial is available year-round, 15 hours a day, 6 days a week, in 6-hour time slots.

THE NCLEX TEST APPLICATION

Your first step is to apply to the National Council of Government Nursing Boards (NCSBN). You have to follow the procedures set up by the individual State Boards of Nursing. Few states have combined registration for the NCLEX exam with a license application. In all other states, you must apply for a license with the state nursing board in the state in which you wish to obtain a license. Once you apply, you will receive a candidate bulletin to register for the NCLEX-RN exam.

NCLEX EXAM AND LICENSURE FEES

The cost of taking the NCLEX test is $200. Additional licensing fees are determined by the individual state nursing board. Submit your completed application for funding to the National Council of Government Nursing Boards. You can register by phone: 1-866-496-2539 in the USA (1-952-681-3815 outside the USA) between 8 am and 8 pm. (Eastern), Monday through Friday. Phone registrars are required to pay by Visa or MasterCard. There is a $ 9.50 fee for a phone registration service. If you wish, you may submit your check, financial manager’s check, or money order to the National Board of Nurses.

You will receive a postcard acknowledging the registration. You will not be able to schedule an appointment to take the test until your State Board of Nursing has declared you eligible and you have received the Authorization to Test (ATT) in the mail.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS