Best Tips To Pass NCLEX PN You Should Know In 2024

After completing your LPN nursing school, the next step in advancing your career and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse is to earn your PN license. All prospective practical nurses must pass the NCLEX-PN test in order to obtain this licensure. The prospect of a test having sway over your future may make you uneasy or worried. But don’t be concerned!

We’ve all felt the fear that comes with taking a test, whether it was for the SATs in high school or an essential final exam in nursing school. However, with enough preparation and a little assistance from our guide on this article about tips to pass NCLEX PN, you should be able to pass the PN test with flying colors.

What Exactly Is the NCLEX-PN Exam?

The Nationwide Council Licensure Examination for Professional Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a national test that verifies your ability to practice nursing.

The NCLEX-PN is an exam that assesses your knowledge and experience in the fundamental abilities needed to enter the area of practical nursing safely.

How Many Questions Will There Be on the NCLEX-PN Exam?

The NCLEX-PN test is a computerized adaptive exam with questions ranging from 85 to 205. In addition, you will be offered 25 “experimental” things that will not count toward your score.

The amount of questions you receive is chosen by analyzing your performance as well as the number of successfully answered questions. The better you perform, the fewer questions you’ll have to answer to pass the exam.

What Kinds of Questions Can You Expect on the NCLEX-PN Exam?

The NCLEX-PN test includes five types of questions (or areas of study):

Safe and Effective Care Environment:

The LPN/VN delivers nursing care that improves the health care delivery setting while also protecting clients and health care staff.

Safety and Infection Control:

The LPN/VN helps to safeguard customers and health care workers from health and environmental threats.

Health Promotion and Maintenance:

The LPN/VN offers clients nursing care that includes knowledge of typical stages of growth and development, as well as prevention and/or early identification of health concerns.

Psychosocial Integrity:

The LPN/VN offers care that promotes and supports clients’ emotional, mental, and social well-being.

Physiological Integrity:

The LPN/VN offers customers comfort and help with daily life tasks.

What Is The Difficulty Level of The NCLEX-PN? 

The NCLEX-PN is designed to be difficult. The goal is to see if you’re competent in delivering safe and effective care to customers who put their lives in your hands. Passing the NCLEX-PN demonstrates that you are capable of providing the same level of care that you expect to receive. You already have a good foundation if you received your LPN/LVN education from an approved institution, completed your coursework, and performed well in your clinical rotations. Your expertise and experience will give the majority of what you need to grasp the NCLEX topic.

You will still need to learn how to read and interpret NCLEX questions, and then use what you’ve learned to correctly answer them. This is when your discipline and work come into play: it will be up to you to study and prepare for your exam.

Top 5 Tips On How To Pass The NCLEX PN Exam

This exam has no silver bullet or quick way out. To pass, you must understand all of the test’s material completely. After all, nursing is sometimes a stressful vocation that requires you to make critical judgments on the spur of the moment. The test is intended to demonstrate that you have assimilated the skills and knowledge required to deliver the best possible care for your patients.

However, there are several NCLEX PN tips and tricks that might help you enhance your performance and pass the NCLEX on the first try. Our top five test-taking strategies are listed below.

Tip 1: Learn About the NCLEX-PN Exam Format

You should acquaint yourself with the exam structure before taking it to prevent being startled when you show up.

Tip 2: Create Your Own Study Guide

The ideal technique to study is determined by your own interests and learning styles.

The easiest method to begin constructing your unique study plan is to choose which days of the week you want to study and how much time you want to spend studying on each of those days.

Plan on studying for at least two hours on those days. However, it can’t harm to study for extended periods (up to four hours) on certain days of the week.

You do not need to create a comprehensive study guide for the NCSBN test. Instead, utilize the outcomes of your practice exam to zero in on the areas that are troubling you. This should help you to fine-tune your individual NCLEX PN study guide as well as rectify your logic.

Tip 3: Take the NCLEX Practice Exams

You should plan at least two NCLEX practice exams before taking the actual exam.

The NCLEX PN practice test may be registered directly through the NCSBN website.

These practice examinations prepare you for the NCLEX-PN computer testing experience. Furthermore, by thoroughly reviewing the incorrect questions, you will prepare for when these sorts of questions appear on the exam.

Tip 4: Create a Strategy to Help You Manage Stress and Anxiety on Test Day

As with any standardized test, you should use a few easy NCLEX PN tips to pass the exam and practice to improve your chances of passing the NCLEX-PN.

Understanding the format of the NCLEX-PN exam can help you know what to anticipate and feel more at ease on test day. You are already aware that the more questions you successfully answer, the more difficult they will get. You’re also aware that the total number of questions ranges from 85 to 205.

That being said, keep in mind that you’ll be running a marathon, not a sprint.

It is critical that you take your permitted breaks during the exam. Taking a break from the screen to have a sip of water or some food may often make or break your testing results. Take some time during your break to clear your head before returning to testing.

We all know that it’s easier said than done. However, there are several meditation applications and online relaxation courses available. When it comes to stress reduction, there is no incorrect solution. Your strategy can work whether you need to listen to music, perform yoga, or take frequent breaks from studying.

Choose activities that you like and do them on purpose. This does not imply that you should abandon your study practices. Instead, schedule leisure to relax and enjoy yourself. Though it may appear contradictory, finding techniques to reduce stress is an excellent strategy to maintain your brain operating at its peak.

This is another area where practice exams may make a significant difference. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating test-day anxiety, especially when the exam can determine your career for the next many decades. Working with NCLEX PN practice questions allows you to become acquainted with the test substance and format. When test day approaches, you’ll be certain that you’ll pass with flying colors.

Tip 5: Prepare for Exam Day

Remember to obtain plenty of rest the night before and to eat breakfast on exam day. This will keep you attentive and fresh throughout the day.

The NCSBN provides various NCLEX-PN exam day suggestions for your convenience:

Prepare yourself:

You will require an approved form of identification when you attend your NCLEX. For admission to the NCLEX, you no longer need to provide a paper copy of the Authorization to Test (ATT). Please see Authorization to Test for further information.

Don’t Forget Your ID, At The Risk of Seeming Repetitive:

Candidates who do not have sufficient identification will not be permitted to take the NCLEX.

Understand the NCLEX Candidate Rules:

These policies include personal items, confidentiality, NCLEX administration, and break protocols.

Wear Something Comfortable:

Hats, scarves, gloves, and jackets must be left outside the testing room. There are, nevertheless, allowances for the religious and ethnic dress.

Arrive On Time:

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your exam. If you are more than 30 minutes late, you may be required to forfeit the exam, re-register, and pay another exam price.

Please Provide Your Biometrics:

The following biometrics will be collected in order to be tested: signature, picture, and palm vein scan.

Materials Will Be Delivered:

You are not permitted to bring paper or writing implements into the classroom. It is a computer-based examination. However, an on-screen calculator and an erasable note board/marker for taking notes will be available.

Set Your Own Pace:

You’ll have up to 4 hours to finish the NCLEX-PN, including the brief instruction and two optional breaks. Take your time analyzing each question—once you submit an answer, you cannot return to it. More information about computer adaptive testing (CAT) may be found here.

Completing:

You will be given a brief automated survey at the end of the exam. When finished, raise your hand and wait for the TA to dismiss you.

What to Do After Finishing The Exam?

NCLEX-PN Results

Official results are only available from your nursing regulating authority, according to NCSBN. They will not be sent to you for about six weeks following the exam. Waiting might be difficult, but it is generally worthwhile!

How to Take the NCLEX-PN Exam Again

You can always retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time. Those who did not pass will be given a performance evaluation. If you decide to retake the exam, this might be a wonderful study tool. If you want to try again, follow these steps:

1. Inform your NRB of your intention to retake the exam.

2. Register for Pearson VUE again and pay the price.

3. Wait for your new ATT to arrive.

4. Plan your new test.

Note: Please keep in mind that you must wait at least 45 days between exams.

How Often Can You Fail the NCLEX-PN?

Candidates can take the NCLEX up to eight times each year, according to NCSBN (remember that 45-day rule). To be assured, contact your preferred nursing regulating authority to discover more about their NCLEX retake policies.

How to Renew Your LVN Certification

The requirements differ from one state to the next. LVNs in California are required to renew their license every two years. This procedure includes taking several continuing education courses, having a social security number, and confirming whether you have been convicted of a crime since your license was previously renewed.

You may renew your license online with DCA BreEZe Online Services.

Concerning Continuing Education

Licensure is still active. To keep your license active, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education. Make sure you pass the course(s) during the two-year term before your license expires.

The first renewal. If you are renewing your license for the first time, you are not needed to complete 30 hours of continuing education.

FAQs – Tips to Pass NCLEX PN

Is the NCLEX-PN difficult to pass?

Let’s start with the positive news: The first-time pass rate for LPN/LVN candidates educated in the United States is 85.32 percent in 2020. In 2019, it was 85.63 percent. This indicates that 41,303 of the 48,234 applicants who took the NCLEX-PN passed.

Why should you take the NCLEX-PN?

Simply, in order to get licensed, you must pass the NCLEX PN. You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse unless you have a passing grade. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), an independent not-for-profit organization of nursing and healthcare regulatory bodies, devised, implemented, and assessed the test. If you want to further your career after finishing nursing school, you must obtain a full license.

How to pass the NCLEX-PN exam?

To pass the NCLEX-PN test, you must answer a certain number of questions. However, as previously said, the better you perform on the exam, the fewer questions you’ll be asked. When the computer is 95 percent convinced that your skill is obviously above or plainly below the passing criterion, it will cease administering questions.

When should I receive the exam result?

Exam results are only accessible from your nursing regulating body (NRB) and will be mailed to you six weeks after you take the exam.

What percentage do I need to pass the NCLEX?

There is no set number or percentage of right answers required to pass the NCEX. The exam’s computer algorithm ranks the right answers based on their complexity and breadth of subject knowledge. Using a 95 percent confidence rule, the adaptive test will evaluate if you are at a suitable level to pass in each subject area, or a decision will be made at the maximum time (6-hour mark) or maximum question allotment (265).

How much time should I spend studying for the NCLEX?

Students should plan on studying for at least 1-2 months in order to pass the NCLEX.

The Takeaway

The purpose of this essay was to provide you with practical tips to pass NCLEX PN. We hope it provides you with the knowledge and confidence to take the next step in your career.

There are several specialties and occupations available in the nursing sector. There are several career routes available, and nurses will always play an important part in healthcare.

The chance to progress within the nursing profession is another pleasant part of being a Vocational Nurse. Some LVNs work as LVNs for the rest of their lives, while others use their expertise to apply to RN schools. Unitek, for example, provides an advanced placement option for LVNs dubbed “LVN to BSN.” As an RN with a BSN, you may be eligible for greater work possibilities and management roles. The options are nearly unlimited. Best wishes!