The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) exam is a significant milestone for nursing graduates, and understanding its challenges can help them prepare effectively. Here’s what nursing graduates need to know about its difficulty:
Statistics:
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: So far in 2024, 92% of first- time NCLEX-RN test takers passed NCLEX. It’s important to note, 51% of repeat test test takers (educated in the US) passed NCLEX-RN so far this year.
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: So far in 2024, about 90% of first-time NCLEX-PN (educated within the US) test takers passed. It is important to note, 44% of repeat test takers (educated in the US) passed NCLEX-PN so far this year.
Tips for Success:
- The NCLEX is Designed to Test Competence: The NCLEX isn’t about memorization; it’s designed to assess a nursing graduate’s ability to apply knowledge, make clinical judgments, and prioritize care in real-world nursing scenarios.
- Variety of Question Types: The exam includes multiple-choice, multiple-response (select all that apply), fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and hotspot (interactive) questions. These question formats can be challenging because they require more than basic knowledge.
- Pass/Fail is Based on Competence, Not a Percentage: The NCLEX doesn’t have a fixed pass percentage. Instead, it determines if a graduate meets the minimum standard of competence. The test ends when it’s 95% confident the test taker is above or below the passing standard or when they reach the maximum time (5 hours) or question limit (150 questions).
- Preparation is Non-Negotiable: Success depends on disciplined preparation. Common strategies include:
- Using NCLEX prep resources (Books or Online).
- Taking practice exams to get familiar with the question format. While completing practice questions, focus on weaker areas and understanding rationales.
- Enrolling in an NCLEX review course, which provide structure and guided study plans.
- Psychological Readiness Matters: Staying calm and confident on test day is critical. Anxiety can hinder performance, so stress management strategies can help.
Conclusion
While the NCLEX (RN and PN) is challenging, with proper preparation and a solid understanding of its format, nursing graduates can feel confident in their ability to pass and achieve their nursing license.
