Nursing Education - Passing the NCLEX

The time is going to come for every graduate nursethe NCLEX the first time, and all "C" student's fail the
to sit for their state boards. To become a Registeredfirst time, is a false assumption, and one which can
Nurse, the graduate nurse must pass the NCLEX. Thisbe detrimental to a "C" student's psyche. The only
is a comprehensive examination of the skillsfact, is that the student must be the final judge of
necessary to practice nursing safely. It is importantthemselves, as far as knowing what they are capable
for the graduate nurse to use all of the toolsof accomplishing, and not what rumor or statistics
available to ensure success at passing. Many schoolsreflect.
prepare the student nurses early in their curriculumStudent's should be aware that the use of outside
with test questions that mimic the format of thepractice resources is an acceptable and proven
NCLEX.method to increase their chances of passing the
This is done to familiarize the students with the typeNCLEX Nursing student's are encouraged to study
of questions that they will face when they take thenot just one NCLEX study guide, but many. Using
NCLEX. Many schools, in addition to in class tests, aretwo or three NCLEX study guides as a reference is a
also incorporating outside resource testing. Thesesolid strategic plan. Knowledge gained from the
companies offer a wide selection of computerizednursing program is of course valuable. However, a
nursing test bank questions that measure thestudent cannot possibly remember every little detail.
student's comprehension and application of practiceThey would have thousands of flash cards to study,
and theory for each nursing course. The student'sif that were the case. So, as the saying goes, "study
are required to pass these tests with an acceptablesmarter, not harder" applies.
score that is decided by the school that they areThe NCLEX is scientifically designed and percentages
attending.are assigned in respect to different content areas.
Most of the time, the score that the student tries toThe student is urged to study how the test is put
achieve is at or above the national average. If thetogether and use review material that best supports
student's score falls below the national average, thata similar format. This article will not recommend any
student is then required to take the test until theirstudy material, but it will impress upon student's to
score is acceptable. This can be most bothersomeuse up to date, current and respected sources.
for many nursing students. Although these tests doNursing instructor's are a good resource for
not add or detract from the student's grade pointsuggesting resources. It is a good beginning strategy.
average, they are mandatory for many schools. MostNursing instructor's have a lot of experience and are
nursing schools will with hold the student's diploma ifconsistently revising their test bank material to keep
the student has not completed all of the necessarycurrent with the latest NCLEX question format.
required tests. These questions not only help toStudent's are encouraged to practice online computer
measure the student's knowledge level in regards totests as well. Not only does familiarity with computer
the material covered, but it also acts as a trackingtesting ease the student's anxiety, but it also gives
tool. In acting as a tracking tool, student's scoresthe student the computer skill necessary to
from all participating nursing schools can be comparedmaneuver through the test without difficulty. Here is
and contrasted.an example, imagine having to drive two thousand
These same students are followed up until the endmiles, and getting into a car. You know the direction
of the program, and then determinations regardingto where you are going, but you never drove a car
one schools performance over another can bebefore in your life. How do you think you are going
interpolated. Once the student graduates fromto feel getting behind that wheel, with such a long
nursing school, they are further tracked by theirroad ahead, and not being able to anticipate or know
mandatory and or voluntary participation in a fourwhat to do when confronting unfamiliar situations.
day NCLEX review seminar. These seminars areIt is the same thing with navigating the NCLEX.
usually offered by the same testing corporationKnowing how to work the controls is very important,
originally used by the school throughout the programand it will save you time and energy that can be
and are offered at no extra expense to thebetter put to use answering questions.
student's. The performance of the student'sIt is important not to go into the test thinking that
throughout the program can then be interpolatedluck is on your side, without having studied. Luck,
with some degree of confidence on how well theymay or may not be, but the fact is, most teachers
perform on the NCLEX.will tell you, that if you didn't study, then you won't
Of course all of the tracking and testing statistics cando well. The same thing can be said about the
only predict outcomes. Only the student knows howNCLEX. Study, is the key. Know what you are facing.
much effort that they need to expend to pass theirThere is so much information out there that gives
nursing courses and the state boards. Ask anythe graduate nurse all the tools that they need to be
nursing student, and most will concur that there is asuccessful in passing the NCLEX. Remember, it's up
lot of work that goes into getting through nursingto you. So best wishes, on your test, and study,
school. It is important for the nursing student to lookstudy, study.
objectively at the numbers and percentages of thoseLearn more about nursing education at The NET
who pass the NCLEX. The rumor, that is supposedlyStudy Guide.
based on fact, in, that all "A" and "B" students pass