NCLEX Study Tips
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has developed the NCLEX tests to qualify registered nurses (RNs) and practical nurses (PNs) to practice in the United States. The NCLEX is a licensing exam that RNs and PNs have to pass before they become eligible to practice as nurses. Typically, prospective nurses apply to take the NCLEX tests when they graduate from nursing school. In addition to passing the NCLEX, nurses have to be licensed by the state where they wish to practice.
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NCLEX Questions
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The NCLEX tests ask questions about your knowledge of nursing care and management of care. One type of question asks about maintaining a safe environment for the patient, such as how to control infections. Another sort of input is about how to maintain and promote the health of patients. Other questions touch on how to promote and maintain a patient's psychosocial integrity. For instance, these questions could ask about basic care and tests of vital functions.
CAT Format
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One tip for taking the NYLEX tests is to familiarize yourself with the CAT format in advance. CAT refers to Computer Adaptive Testing. This is a test that is administered on a computer in which the questions become more difficult as you proceed. If you answer 50 percent of the questions correctly, you are gauged to be competent to practice as a nurse and awarded a passing grade. You must answer at least 75 questions for the NCLEX-RN and 85 questions for the NCLEX-PN.
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Preparing for the Test
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Study material such as NCLEX review flashcards and review books helps you get a feel for the tests. In answering the review questions, you should become familiar with the rationale behind the answers. This will help you answer similar NCLEX questions, rather than just being familiar with the concepts. Many hospitals and colleges also offer NCLEX review courses. And it is helpful to find an NCLEX study partner.
Taking the NCLEX
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Test questions are likely to require you to prioritize which patient you will see first. Be clear about how you will manage these situations. It is good to know your normal lab and test values. The NCLEX is about assessing if you know what to do as a nurse, so don't answer questions by saying your first response will be to call a doctor. In answering questions, demonstrate an orientation to patient safety.
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References
- Photo Credit nursing duties image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
