Is It Hard to Pass the NCLEX?
During your nursing program and after, there are looming questions of 'Is the NCLEX hard?' or 'Is it hard to pass the NCLEX?' Short answer: Yes, but there is help.
Licensure tests can be stressful, anxiety-inducing, scary exams. They are tests that determine if the schooling you just completed was worth it. Yet, 'How hard is the NCLEX' is a tricky question.
Individuals have different testing styles. It is hard, but it is in the medical field, and licensure boards want to ensure people are knowledgeable.
With some tricks and preparation, the test does not have to be as complex,
What is the NCLEX
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to determine if an applicant is qualified to become a licensed nurse.
The NCLEX has two versions: the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. The NCLEX-RN is designed for students who have completed a registered nursing program and are looking to become registered nurses (RN).
While the NCLEX-PN is for vocational or practical nursing program graduates, these are those wanting to be Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses (LPN or LVN).
The NCLEX has recently been updated by the NCSBN to be known as NCLEX (NGN). The format has been updated to categorize the Client Needs into eight sections. These sections are the same for the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN except in a few segments.
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Why is the NCLEX So Hard
The NCLEX exam can be difficult. It is logic- and critical-thinking-based versus memorization-based, causing the takers to take a more comprehensive approach to answering questions: testing and assessing their decisions in high-pressure situations.
Nurses are in high-stress and pressure situations on a regular basis and need to stay calm. This test assesses a taker's ability to handle those situations, making it vital to remain clear and focused during the exam.
Tips on Passing the NCLEX
1. Know That YOU CAN DO IT
First and foremost, believing in yourself is essential. You know this stuff. You are good at what you do. You can do anything you set your mind to. Believe in achieving and any other motivation you need.
You can do this even if you fail the NCLEX two or 57 times. They will not ask you how many times it took to pass the exam when getting a job.
2. Manage Your Test Stress and Anxieties
- Remind yourself; you got this
- Take a deep breath, meditate, or stretch
- Stay active: knit, read a book, play a video game, run, have a dance party, hug your pet, focus on other thing besides the exam
- SLEEP — You would think this is the easiest, but it's the opposite. Your mind and body need rest.
- Laugh — get those endorphins pumping
- Find a support system — having people you can reach out to is important
3. Make a Study Plan
The NCLEX exam provides downloadable study plans on their site. Plus, other sites are offering free and paid study plans.
Many of us do not like to create a study plan and stick to it, but with exams like the NCLEX, it is recommended. Studying for a month or two before your test date is also recommended.
Also, make sure you take study breaks during your studying and days off from your studying.
DO NOT CRAM
4. Find a study buddy or accountability partner
It helps you stay focused and on task.
5. Seek Out Additional Resources
There are a vast number of resources both online and as part of nursing programs.
Nursing professionals at your current place of employment or faculty from your school are an excellent place to start.
There are paid study testing materials and tutoring.
6. Practice, Then Practice, in Case You Forget — Practice
- Find practice exams and test your knowledge
- Look up the questions you got incorrect to see why and make a note
- Take a complete examination online as if you were in the testing center. Set that time aside, eliminate distractions, and test yourself.
7. Do Not Focus on Clinical Experiences
This test is not designed to assess real-life situations, but rather to determine how it would be in a perfect condition.
Give a textbook answer, not your own actions or experiences in the situation.
8. Do not second-guess yourself
Many test takers overthink during the exam and will try to find the trick in the question. Do not make this mistake.
Calm yourself and go with your gut or first instance.
9. Plan for Exam Day
- SLEEP — go to bed early the night before.
- If you can take the day off — take the day off giving yourself time to reflect and destress.
- Pick a comfy outfit to wear. If you get cold easily, bring a jacket or dress in layers.
- Make sure to check your alarms.
- Confirm your transportation — put gas in the car the night before, set a rideshare in advance.
- Get up early so you do not have to rush and add stress.
- EAT — eat breakfast (if you are a breakfast eater) and bring snacks to keep in your locker at the testing center.
- Arrive early with your ID and any additional items that may be required.
- Remember to take a break during the exam. Go to the restroom and walk around — Be mindful that the exam does not stop during these breaks.
10. Stay Positive
Again, you got this. You can and will do it.
If you do not pass on the first try, wait the necessary 45 days and retake it with the newfound confidence in your knowledge of what to expect.
Yes, the NCLEX is Hard, BUT
With some planning, it can be passed. It is easier said than done not to stress or psych yourself out. This is a prominent exam with pressure attached.
