NCLEX PN And NCLEX RN
Things you should know about the national council licensure examination.
The NCLEX exam is for those interested in becoming professional nurses. This exam can be done
after the acquisition of the first degree in nursing programs. It is well known nationally. To become a
registered nurse, you will have to pass NCLEX-RN. To become a licensed practical nurse (lpn), you will have to be successful in the NCLEX-PN. Both of these exams are
managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). State boards of nursing
consider the results of NCLEX when issuing a Nursing License. This exam has been used in the US and Canada since 1982 and 2015 respectively.
The NCLEX test is used to determine if it is safe for you to begin practice as an entry level nurse and is
significantly distinct from any test that you took in nursing school. You will be tested on how you can
use critical thinking skills to make nursing judgments.
NCLEX has four major categories and eight subcategories. The questions are primarily multiple
choice but there are also alternate question types. These alternate question types include multiple
response, fill-in-the-blank, hot spots, chart/exhibit and drag-and-drop. All questions involve
integrated nursing content.
The NCLEX uses the CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) format of questioning. This helps to make sure the
test is not ‘too easy’ or ‘too hard’.
The first question is generally below the level of minimum competency. If you answer the question
correctly, the next question will be slightly harder and if you answer the question wrongly, the next
question will be slightly more difficult and so on. By doing this throughout the test, the computer will
determine your level of competence.
The NCLEX-RN is composed of questions in the following subjects;
- Physiological Adaptation
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Pharmacological and Parental Therapies
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Psycho-social Integrity
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
