The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a national examination for the licensure of nursing in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand since 1982. It is an important examination to complete before obtaining a license as a nurse. This is usually required for those working in health care facilities.
The main goal of the NCLEX is to ensure that all nurses pass the examination and obtain their Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) status. There are three categories, the NCLEX basic, the advanced NCLEX or the paramedical NCLEX. This exam is also known as the “book test”. There is no right answer, just the right question.
If you decide to take the NCLEX basic examination, you will have two different parts, a written section and a hands-on portion. The written portion will consist of multiple-choice questions about common patient care issues. The format of the questions is usually based on the concept of a problem; therefore, you will be asked to identify a specific problem and give an opinion or recommendation on how to solve it. You will have two opportunities to express your opinion.
The topics to be covered in this part of the NCLEX include: infection control measures, common signs and symptoms of common illness and diseases, basic principles of circulation, and ways to prevent complications from such illnesses and diseases. It is important to ensure that you understand these concepts by reviewing the questions. On the other hand, you must demonstrate your comprehension of the concepts by performing the practice questions. After passing the first level, you will have to take the second level NCLEX, or the paramedical NCLEX. This second level exam focuses more on the knowledge necessary to administer medications in an emergency situation and to care for people with psychiatric conditions.
The third part of the NCLEX is an assessment. You will be assessed based on your performance in the written portion, your performance in response to visual stimuli, and your response to questions regarding a clinical problem. If you pass the first three parts, you will be given a score out of 300. If you fail to score above zero, you will need to review the material again and take the necessary corrective measures.
You can take the NCLEX every twelve months. However, if you wish to get additional practice in preparing for the NCLEX, you can register for the NCLEX practice test online. However, it is recommended that you practice the NCLEX on real patients so that you can maximize your skills and knowledge about the NCLEX. Finally, do not forget that practice makes perfect, so keep practicing until you are confident that you know all the questions included in the NCLEX.