Sometimes the Answer Isn't Letter "C"
Well, now's probably a good time to tell you that as a new graduate from nursing school, you will have to take the NCLEX to practice as a registered nurse. Wait, you knew that?
What may come as a surprise is this: the NCLEX is a pass or fail test; the exam does not give a percentage score. Also, unlike exams you took in nursing school the, NCLEX is designed to test minimum competency to safely practice nursing.
Let's review the basics. NCLEX is an acronym for the National Council Licensure Examination and is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The NCSBN is not a government agency, and the NCLEX is not a free test. In fact, you will be expected to spend about $200 to take the exam.
NCLEX is a "passable" exam on the first try. Most of the test questions are based on scenarios that you may encounter as a new nurse. The computerized adaptive test (CAT) format is used, meaning the computer selects the next question based on your performance on the last question. So, if you answered the previous question correctly, the next question will be more difficult. If you answered the previous question incorrectly, the next question will be less difficult.
Expect a range of test question items; the range is 75 to 265 test questions. When the computer has determined with 95 percent certainty the answered questions are above or below the passing standard, the test ends. In other words, if the computer can tell with certainty you had passed or failed, the next test question will not come up on the monitor. Instead, you'll see a blank screen.
The passing standard is at the application or analysis level. This means questions at this level use knowledge you have gained from your academic training and apply it to a specific clinical-based situation.
Preparing
So, how did I prepare? I used multiple sources to prepare.
- First, I started by researching information from the NCSBN Web site and asking questions of my clinical instructors.
- Next, I went to my local bookstore and library to browse NCLEX test prep books.
- I looked into test preparation courses from reputable companies.
- I paid close attention to the type of assistance the company offered for the cost. Some companies offer an online test bank with a book, while some companies offer face-to-face classroom time with a test instructor along with access to questions from their Web site and a book.
- I checked with academic advisors in my school to find out if any discounts are available for test preparation courses with specific companies.
- Last, I asked colleagues that took the test how he or she prepared for the exam.
About 6 months before I graduated, I started to answer NCLEX questions from test preparation books. I continued to look for information about the exam on the NCSBN Web site as I balanced my studies in school. I took an NCLEX practice exam, learned where my weak spots were, and focused them. I scheduled to take the exam 8 weeks after I graduated. I knew the longer I waited to take the NCLEX, the lower the chances to pass the test on the first try.
Shortly after I graduated, I gave myself a week off. No studying. No books. No practicing test questions. I spent time with family and friends. Earning my BSN degree was no small accomplishment, and I needed to reward myself.
After my mini-vacation, I started studying again by enrolling in a test prep course sponsored by my school. The test preparation course was a week-long, face-to-face class that was helpful at getting me back into the studying groove.
Practice, Practice, Practice
When I wasn't at class, I was at home practicing test questions. I learned quickly that the test could be as short as 1 hour or as long as 6 hours. So I set weekly goals to increase the amount of practice questions I could process in one sitting. About 2 days before the real test, I was able to do about 260 questions with little fatigue.
Another strategy I used was eliminating distractions. Before I sat down to practice questions, I ate a meal, turned down the volume on my answering machine and turned off my cell phone. If anyone knocked at the door, I didn't answer. During my established break times, I drank water and juice and used the bathroom (it took some serious willpower to not eat and study at the same time). I'm a late-in-the-day studier, so I worked on the tests between 4 p.m. and 12 a.m.
As I practiced test questions, I mixed easy with tough questions. An easy question would ask something like, "Where would the nurse assess pain for the classic sign of appendicitis?" I deliberately mixed simple with challenging questions because wanted to answer those easy questions correctly to keep me motivated as I pressed onward with more difficult questions. Also, I read the rationale for each question I answered. If I answered any question incorrectly, I practiced questions similar to it the next day.
Fighting Fatigue
As I continued my marathon of practice questions, my hand, wrist and eyes started to bother me. I felt fatigued, even though I took 15-minute breaks.
I began practicing test questions using traditional pencil and paper on alternating days. To give my eyes a break from the computer, I practiced drug calculations, and reviewed note cards on normal fluid and electrolyte levels and milestones in stages of development. Also, I invested in audio test prep books. When I felt worn out from answering questions or reading, I listened to audio notes on specific study concepts, such as nursing care for the elderly client with visual impairments.
Throughout my study preparation, I made sure to think positively and nurture my spiritual side. For me personally, reading particular Bible passages was helpful. I reminded myself more than 86 percent of new baccalaureate-prepared nurses passed the test on the first time. I told myself I would be one of those who pass the test on the first try.
Two days before the test, I stopped studying. I felt that if I didn't know the information by now, I was never going to know it. During those 2 days, I watched a whole bunch of movies and spent time with friends.
Test Day!
Test day arrived. Since I opted to take the test in the afternoon, I had a small cup of coffee and a light breakfast in the morning. In addition to bringing my ID cards and test authorization papers, I packed a bag of trail mix, a piece of fruit, a bottle of water and juice. The test center site was in downtown Chicago, so I used public transportation to get there, allowing an extra half-hour of travel time. No matter what, I didn't want to miss my opportunity to take this test.
As soon as the test administrator checked me in and gave me pen and paper, I sat down, closed my eyes and told myself that, yes, I can make it through this test. When I opened my eyes and looked at the first test question, I got nervous. I wasn't familiar with the subject matter and didn't know the answer.
But I calmed myself down and used process of elimination. It was one of the best strategies I learned as I practiced taking test questions, and I used it all the way through the NCLEX exam. I avoided the knee-jerk reaction to pick answer C.
Suddenly, the computer went blank. I wasn't sure which question number I was on. I looked at my watch. I spent a little more than an hour taking the test. Unbelievably, it was over.
When the computer screen went back on, I was asked about my demographics and given information about obtaining quick test results. I had to agree not to share specific test questions with other people. I got up from my testing station, returned the pencil and paper to the proctor and gathered my things.
I opted to wait for my pass or fail results in the mail. About 2-3 weeks after I took the exam, I learned I had passed it.
Taking the licensure exam was a big task that required a great deal of preparation time. The entire ordeal made me think of preparing to run a 5K race. It took months to prepare for something that took minutes to complete.
For more information about NCLEX, visit the NCSBN Web site: http://www.ncsbn.org/