1. NCLEX-RN Shawn Stewart, RN, BSN, CCM Guest Lecturer February 9, 2011

2.  Computerized Adaptive Testing Each test is individualized Varying number of questions based upon competence Minimum of 75 questions Maximum of 265 questions (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2011)

3.  Safe, Effective Care Environment - Management of Care & - Safety and Infection Control  Health Promotion and Maintenance - Growth and Development Through the Life Span - Prevention and Early Detection of Disease  Psychosocial Integrity - Coping and Adaptation & Psychosocial Adaptation  Physiological Integrity - Basic & Comfort Care; Pharmacological & Parenteral Tx - Reduction of Risk Potential & Physiological Adaptation (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2011)

4.  Via the web ($7.95) - Go to www.pearsonvue.com/nclex, sign in with your user name and password. After logging in, you will see your Current Activity. Under Recent Appointments, find the row with your current test, go to "Status" and double click on "Quick Results" link. www.pearsonvue.com/nclex (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2011)

5.  Via the phone ($9.95) - Call the NCLEX Quick Results line at 1.900.776.2539 (1.900.77.NCLEX). Please note that this is a 900 number and NOT an 800 number. This service will be available 24 hours a day. The $9.95 fee will appear on your local telephone bill under "NCLEX Test." (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2011)

6.  It will take about a month for your state board of nursing to mail you the results of your exam.state board of nursing (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2011)

7. If you need to you may retake the test as many times as you need to. The National Council's policy dictates that you wait at least 91 days before retaking the test. Individual state boards may impose other, stricter requirements. (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2011)

8. Study Blue – Free site to create your own flashcards and other study tools. comhttp://www.studyblue. Free NCLEX Practice Tests http://www.testprepreview.com/nclex_practice.ht m http://www.testprepreview.com/nclex_practice.ht m NCLEX-RN Test Study Guide (Free 199pg PDF) www.studyguidezone.com/pdfs/nclexrnteststu dyguide.pdf www.studyguidezone.com/pdfs/nclexrnteststu dyguide.pdf

9.  Approach the exam with confidence: Use whatever strategies you can to personalize success: visualization, logic, talking to your self, practice, team work, journaling, etc.  View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you've studied and to receive a reward for the studying you've done  Get a good night's sleep the night before the exam (Servinghaus, 2008)

10.  Allow yourself plenty of time, especially to do things you need to do before the test and still get there a little early  Avoid thinking you need to cram just before  Strive for a relaxed state of concentration Avoid speaking with any fellow students who have not prepared, who express negativity, who will distract your preparation (Servinghaus, 2008)

11.  Most multiple-choice questions have four possible answers. You can often eliminate two answers immediately. That leaves two possible answers. Can you decide between the two? If so, then mark the correct answer and move on. If not, make an educated guess - you have a 50% chance of getting it right.  Keep it moving. Because most tests are timed, it's important to pace yourself during a test and not spend too long on any one item.  There are two good ways to counteract test anxiety during a test: 1) breathe deeply, causing your stomach - not your chest - to rise as you inhale, and 2) relieve muscle tension by periodically stretching, or by making a fist and releasing it. (Servinghaus, 2008)

12.  Read the directions carefully  Budget your test taking time  Change positions to help you relax  Use positive reinforcement for yourself: Acknowledge that you have done, and are doing, your best  Expect some anxiety It's a reminder that you want to do your best and can provide energy. Just keep it manageable  Realize that anxiety can be a "habit“ and that it takes practice to use it as a tool to succeed  http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm (Servinghaus, 2008)

13.  Pays better than fast food, though the hours aren't as good. Fashionable shoes & sexy white uniforms.  Needles: It's better to give than to receive.  Reassure your patients that all bleeding stops....eventually.  Expose yourself to rare, exotic, & exciting new diseases.  Interesting aromas.  Do enough charting to navigate around the world.  Celebrate the holidays with all your friends.....at work.  Take comfort that most of your patients survive no matter what you do to them.  Courteous & infallible doctors who always leave clear orders in perfectly legible handwriting. (Servinghaus, 2008)

14. References National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2011). NCLEX examinations. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm Severinghaus, J. (2008, September 24). Test success. Test Anxiety Info - Psychological Strategies for Passing the NCLEX. Retrieved from www.nursing.wsu.edu/current/TestSuccess(1).doc www.nursing.wsu.edu/current/TestSuccess(1).doc