Is NCLEX-RN harder than NCLEX-PN?

Is NCLEX-RN Harder Than NCLEX-PN?

The NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized licensure exam for nurses in the United States and Canada. This exam is a requirement to become a licensed nursing professional. The NCLEX comes in two different variations: NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. Both of these exams are designed to test the necessary knowledge and skills required for a nurse to provide safe and effective care to patients.

However, many nursing students often wonder whether the NCLEX-RN is harder than the NCLEX-PN. In this article, we will examine the similarities and differences between the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN and answer the question: Is NCLEX-RN harder than NCLEX-PN?

What is the Difference Between NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN?

The NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) and NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) are exams that test different levels of nursing education and preparation. The NCLEX-RN exam is designed to test knowledge and skills of registered nurses, while the NCLEX-PN exam measures the knowledge and skills of practical nurses.

Here are the major differences between these two exams:

– Education requirements: NCLEX-RN candidates must have a minimum of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, while NCLEX-PN candidates must have a diploma or Associate Degree in Practical Nursing (PN).
– Exam length: The NCLEX-RN exam is longer than the NCLEX-PN exam. The NCLEX-RN exam has a maximum of 265 questions while the NCLEX-PN exam has a maximum of 205 questions.
– Exam content: The NCLEX-RN exam covers all aspects of patient care and includes more specialized content such as end-of-life care, pharmacology, and leadership and management. The NCLEX-PN exam focuses on essential nursing concepts, such as health promotion, disease prevention, and care management.
– Career opportunities: The scope of practice for registered nurses is broader, giving them more career opportunities. Registered nurses are qualified for a wider range of nursing positions, and also have the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees.

Is the NCLEX-RN Exam Harder Than the NCLEX-PN Exam?

The difficulty level of both exams is subjective and varies from individual to individual. However, the NCLEX-RN exam is considered more difficult than the NCLEX-PN exam due to its longer length, focus on specialized content, and advanced nursing knowledge requirements.

The NCLEX-RN exam tests a higher level of critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making, so it requires a higher level of nursing knowledge. The NCLEX-PN exam, on the other hand, is designed to test essential nursing concepts that a practical nurse would be expected to know and utilize on a daily basis.

It is important to note that the NCLEX-PN exam is no less important than the NCLEX-RN exam. Practical Nurses are integral members of the healthcare team, and their expertise is crucial for ensuring quality patient care.

What is the Exam Format for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN?

Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams use computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to determine the difficulty level of each question based on the candidate’s previous answers. The exams may have a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions for NCLEX-RN, and a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 205 questions for NCLEX-PN.

The exams are composed of multiple-choice questions, select-all-that-apply questions, drag and drop, fill in the blank, and hotspot questions. The exams also include case studies to assess the candidate’s ability to apply their nursing knowledge to real-life situations.

What Resources are Available to Prepare for the NCLEX?

Various resources are available to prepare for the NCLEX, including NCLEX review courses, study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and books.

NCLEX review courses are widely available, both online and in-person. These courses provide a comprehensive review of nursing knowledge and skills required for the exam. Study guides and books are also helpful resources, especially for self-study.

Online resources, such as NCLEX practice questions and flashcards, can help you prepare and assess your readiness for the exam. You can find these resources online for free or for a fee on various websites.

Is it True that Failing the NCLEX is Common?

Failing the NCLEX is not uncommon, and many nursing students often have to retake the exam. In a 2019 study by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the overall NCLEX-RN pass rate was 88.18%, while the overall NCLEX-PN pass rate was 85.08%.

Factors such as test anxiety, lack of preparation, and poor time management skills can contribute to exam failure. The good news is that there are various resources available to help nursing students prepare and succeed in the exam.

What is the Passing Score for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN?

The passing standard for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN changes every three years, based on input from nursing professionals. As of 2021, the passing standard for NCLEX-RN is 0.00 logits, while the passing standard for NCLEX-PN is -0.18 logits.

The scale used to score the exam is based on a range of -3.0 to 3.0 logits. Candidates receive a scaled score between 0 and 100 based on their performance in the exam. To pass the exam, candidates must score above the passing standard.

What Happens if You Fail the NCLEX?

If you fail the NCLEX, you can retake the exam. Candidates can retake the exam as many times as they need, but there are waiting periods in place between exam attempts. The waiting period varies from state to state, but is typically 45 to 90 days.

It is important to analyze your exam performance and develop a study plan to improve your chances of passing the exam on your next attempt. Reviewing your exam results from the nursing regulatory authority can help identify areas where you need to improve.

How Can You Manage Test Anxiety for the NCLEX?

Test anxiety is a common challenge faced by nursing students preparing for the NCLEX. Some strategies to manage test anxiety include:

– Develop a study plan and stick to it.
– Take practice exams to simulate the testing environment.
– Practice deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
– Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet to improve focus and concentration.
– Visualize yourself successfully completing the exam.

Can You Work While Preparing for the NCLEX?

Yes, working while preparing for the NCLEX is possible, but it requires time management skills and careful planning. It is important to have a flexible work schedule that allows for dedicated study time.

Some nursing students opt to take a break from work before the exam to focus solely on exam preparation. Others choose to work part-time or take a reduced workload to free up time for study.

What is the Cost to Take the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN?

The cost to take the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams varies by state and country. In the United States, the NCLEX-RN exam costs $200, while the NCLEX-PN exam costs $180. Candidates can pay this fee using a credit card or electronic check.

How Long Does It Take to Get NCLEX Scores?

After completing the NCLEX exam, candidates can expect to receive their official exam results within 2-6 weeks. Candidates can check their unofficial results through the Quick Results service for an additional fee, available after 48 hours of completing the exam.

How Can You Interpret NCLEX Exam Results?

NCLEX exam results are measured on a pass/fail basis. The results do not indicate the number of questions answered correctly, but rather reflect the candidate’s overall performance on the exam.

If you pass the exam, this indicates that you have met the minimum competency standards required to practice as a licensed nursing professional. If you fail, it is recommended that you carefully review your exam results to identify areas where you need to improve.