1 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. NCLEX-RN and the New Graduate Chapter 5

2 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. NCLEX-RN and the New Graduate  Discuss the role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing  Discuss the implications of computer- adaptive testing (CAT)  Identify the process and steps for preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX- RN)  Identify criteria for selecting a review book and a review course

3 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)  Who prepares it, and why do we have to have it?  National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)  National exam with standardized scoring  Questions based on same test plan  Success—granted license to practice nursing in state

4 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)  How will the Nurse Licensure Compact affect your license?  Like a driver’s license  Able to practice in other states but must comply with Nurse Practice Act in the state where you are practicing  What is the NCLEX-RN test plan?  Blueprint reflecting entry-level practice  Test plan researched every 3 years

5 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer-Adaptive Testing  What does computer-adaptive testing (CAT) mean?  Different questions for each candidate  Questions based on candidate’s responses  Questions get progressively more difficult  Pretest items are integrated in the exam to determine their validity and difficulty level, but these are not scored

6 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)  What is the application process for NCLEX CAT?  Send application to state board at beginning of last semester  Nursing school verifies graduate’s status  Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)  Schedule exam

7 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)  Where and when do I take the test?  Testing sites in all states  Only licensed in state where application submitted  Test within dates on the ATT  Try to take the exam shortly after graduation  How much time do I have, and how many questions are there?  Up to 6 hours  75 to 265 questions  Number of questions you answer and length of time that you test do not indicate if you have passed or failed

8 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)  Do I have to be computer literate?  Prior computer experience is not a prerequisite to passing  How will I keep the computer keys straight and deal with a mouse?  Practice session prior to taking exam at testing center  Test administrator available for questions

9 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)  What is the passing score?  Same passing criteria for all states  Pass or Fail (no number to reflect this)  How will I know I have passed?  Check candidate bulletin  Results available online or via telephone  Do not call the state board of nursing, testing site, or the NCLEX Candidate Service

10 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)  What kind of questions will be on the NCLEX?  Majority multiple choice with four options  Alternate-format test items  Each question stands alone  Only one correct answer

11 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.  What if I need to change the time or date I have already scheduled?  May change 24 hours (or 1 full business day) before appointment  If appointment missed, ATT invalidated Must reregister and pay $200 fee again Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)

12 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)  What about identification at the testing site?  One form of ID (valid, not expired, with photo and signature) Driver’s license State-issued identification card Passport  What are the advantages of CAT for test taker?  Quiet environment  Large work surface  Able to work at own pace

13 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Computer Adaptive Testing (cont’d)  What about security?  Digital fingerprinting  Signatures  Photographs  Need permission to leave testing area for breaks

14 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Preparing for the NCLEX-RN (cont’d)  Where and when should I start?  One -Two months prior to the NCLEX: What do I need to do now? Tell employer anticipated test date Decide how you are going to get to the test site and do you need to stay overnight Decide if you are going by yourself or with a group Develop a plan for studying

15 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.  Where and when should I start?  The day before the BIG DAY Make sure you have all the papers required for admission Make a “practice run” to the testing site the evening before Eat a light dinner that won’t upset your stomach Go to bed early—don’t study, cram, or party  The BIG DAY is here Eat a well-balanced breakfast, not sweet rolls and coffee Dress comfortably, but look nice Arrive at testing site at least 30 minutes before exam time Preparing for the NCLEX-RN (cont’d)

16 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. How to Select a NCLEX Review Course  What type of review courses are available?  Compare to see which one best meets your needs and budget  Check with employer regarding time off and scheduling  Plan ahead and make an intelligent decision

17 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. How to Select a NCLEX Review Course (cont’d)  What are the qualifications of the review course instructors?  Familiarity with the NCLEX—most often found in instructors teaching nursing school  May be more effective if not from your own school faculty

18 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. How to Select a NCLEX Review Course (cont’d)  How much does the course cost?  Most $200–$350  Any discounts?  Cancellation policies  How long does it last?  3, 4, or 5 consecutive days?  Evenings, weekends  Where is the course held?  How long is the drive?  Need hotel?

19 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. NCLEX-RN Review Books  Which one is right for you?  Do an overview  Scan the table of contents  Evaluate chapter layout  Evaluate content  Evaluate the index  Test questions  Test-taking strategies

20 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Test Anxiety—What Is This Disease? How Do You Get Rid of It?  Plan ahead  Set aside study time  Study smart  Give yourself a break!  Think positive!  Don't cram

21 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. What Kind of Questions Can I Expect on NCLEX?  Majority multiple choice format  Four options—three meant to distract from the correct answer  Only one correct answer  Focus is on nursing care

22 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. What Kind of Questions Can I Expect on NCLEX? (cont’d)  What are “alternate format questions”—and why the big fuss about them?  Implemented on NCLEX in April 2003  More effectively assess entry-level nursing competence  No preset number on NCLEX  No additional nursing knowledge needed to answer these questions  Same nursing concepts being tested

23 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. What Kind of Questions Can I Expect on NCLEX? (cont’d)  What are the different types of alternate format questions?  Fill in the blank  Multiple response item  Hot spot  Drag and drop  Chart or exhibit item

24 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. What Difference Do Test-Taking Strategies Make?  Knowing how to take an exam is a skill developed through practice  Information on strategies benefits now and later  Begin using testing strategies while in nursing school

25 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Strategies for Answering Multiple Choice Questions  Read the question (stem) carefully  Create a pool of information  Look for critical words  Evaluate all options in a systematic manner  Eliminate options you know are not correct  Identify similarities in the options  Evaluate priority questions very carefully  Select answers that focus on the client

26 Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. NCLEX Testing Tips  NCLEX hospital  NCLEX clients  Medication administration  Calling for assistance  Positioning  Delegation and supervision  Setting priorities with a group of patients  Doctor’s orders