Introduction to Vocational Nursing Chapter 5

1
Introduction to Vocational NursingChapter 5

• The NCLEX-PN

2
The Test

• National Council Licensure Examination for
  Practical Nurses or NCLEX-PN
• Before 4-94 was given twice a year in April
  October, paper pencil, Austin TX
• Now given via computer at local testing sites all
  year long

3
Computer Adaptive TestingCAT

• Limits time number of questions
• Maximum of 5 hours to answer maximum of 205
  questions
• Suggest spending 1 minute per question
• Have to answer every question in order, no going
  back to review or change answers
• Whether you pass the test or not depends on how
  many of the more difficult questions you answer
  right

4
Computer Adaptive TestingCAT

• Uses a test pool of approximately 3,000 question
  of varying degrees of difficulty
• Once you have answered a minimum of 85 questions
  the computer does 1 of 3 things
• If youre clearly above the passing standard it
  shuts off
• If youre clearly below the passing standard it
  shuts off
• If its not clear either way the test continues
• Types of questions multiple choice, choose all
  that apply, fill in the blank

5
The NCLEX-PN

• Developed by the National Council of State Boards
  of Nursing
• The NCLEX-PN examination panel includes LVNs as
  item or test question writers reviewers
• Based on a blueprint of nursing concepts
• See pg 106 table 5-1 for NCLEX-PN test plan
• Best way to prepare for the exam is not to cram
  for any exams. The best way to learn is through
  repetition.
• Must have exactly the same name, DOB address on
  2 forms of identification used for the
  application for admission to the test. One of
  the IDs must be photo ID

6
APPLICATION PROCEDURES

• Application to take state board temporary
  permit completed online in last semester
• Must also have the money available in order to
  apply 200 for test, 139 for temporary permit
• Start saving now!!!!!
• Must use the same form of ID on all copies
• Must match what you intend to use at the testing
  center
• All information must match exactly

7
TEST CENTER REGULATIONS

• Very strict in order to ensure a good testing
  environment for security purposes
• 2 forms of signed ID required, 1 of which must be
  photo
• Must also provide a digital fingerprint
• May not take anything else into the testing
  center except your ID
• Mandatory rest breaks
• Technical computer assistance available

8

• Test Results
• given to state board by testing agency
• may only get results from state board
• may get results in as little as 48 hours if pay
  a minimal fee
• hard copy in mail in about 1 month

• Retaking The Exam
• 85 candidates pass 1st time
• must wait a minimum of 45 days to retake
• will receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance
  Report (CPR) report in order to help you study
  for retake

9

• Test anxiety take the assess yourself test
  anxiety test on page 111
• Review your review will probably be online is
  pd for out of money collected during 3rd semester
  registration
• Review book comes with the course called
  Professional Development in the 3rd semester
• Also have comprehensive exam that is a mock NCLEX
  during Capstone II in last semester. Gives a
  diagnostic profile afterward that will tell you
  specifically what to review/remediate.