Preparing for the NCLEX is a perennial source of anxiety for nursing students. Hearing about the stress caused by the NCLEX might lead some aspiring nursing students to wonder if there’s any path into a nursing career without needing to pass the exam.
The short answer is no. If you want to become a nurse, you simply must pass one of the NCLEX examinations. The NCLEX-PN examination allows people to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse, while the NCLEX-RN qualification is required for those who wish to become a Registered Nurse. Whether you go the LPN route or study for an associate or bachelor’s degree on the way to becoming a nurse, the final goal is still to pass the NCLEX examination. This means that having a good NCLEX study plan is a must.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Passing the NCLEX?
Practice tests are a good way of boosting your chances of passing the NCLEX. As you work your way through your NCLEX study plan, it’s a good idea to test yourself on questions relating to the topic you just studied, and to periodically test yourself on previously studied topics well so that you maintain your recall.
If you studied for an ASN or a bachelor’s degree and are now preparing to take the NCLEX, doing some focused study on the topics covered on that exam may be beneficial. Your degree course will have covered the content required for the examination, but it may have been presented in a separate way, and focused test prep can help you feel better prepared for the types of questions on the NCLEX.
What Should I do if I Didn’t Pass the NCLEX?
If you don’t pass the NCLEX, try not to get disheartened. The overall NCLEX pass rate in 2023 was about 68% for the NCLEX-RN and 70% for the NCLEX-PN. There are many people out there now carrying on successful careers in nursing who have had to re-take the NCLEX because they got unlucky with questions, or simply let nerves get to them on test day. If that happened to you, simply book a re-test, and get back to your NCLEX study plan.
While you wait to re-test, you can keep your skills sharp by working in health care in a non-nursing capacity. There are many jobs that don’t require the NCLEX and that will give you a chance to gain some experience while you continue your studies. Consider applying for a nursing assistant or home health aide position in the short-term.
How Can I Get More Confident About the NCLEX?
If you think you need a helping hand to prepare for the test, consider an NCLEX-specific test-prep course. At the FVI School of Nursing and Technology, we offer a variety of courses for those interested in working in healthcare. Our NCLEX Remedial Course is aimed at people who need a little extra help with their studies. If you’ve taken a career break and would like a refresher before returning to work or are an international nurse looking to brush up on the requirements for the NCLEX before applying for a nursing license, this intensive course can help you get up to speed quickly.
Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to ace the NCLEX. Contact our admissions team today.
