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How Do I Know I’m Ready to Take the NCLEX Exam?

Maria Zegarra

NCLEX
Published:
A student studies for the NCLEX exam

Congratulations! You’ve finished your nursing studies and are ready for your Florida nursing license. Before you can become a licensed nurse, though, you must first pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This is a tough, comprehensive exam that covers everything you learned about in nursing school.

Many potential nurses opt to take a review course specifically prepared to address common questions and topics covered on the NCLEX exam. Taking a course like this may mean the difference between passing the NCLEX and not, but only if you’re pretty sure you’re ready to take the test.

The NCLEX Exam

The NCLEX exam is a computer-adaptive exam given to all potential nurses in the U.S. and Canada. The test covers nursing duties, broken down into these categories:

  • Management of Care
  • Pharmacological and Parental Therapies
  • Physiological Adaptation
  • Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Safety and Infection Control
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance
  • Psychosocial Integrity
  • Basic Care and Comfort

Management of care, pharmacology, and physiological adaptation make up about half of the questions, with the remainder divided between other areas of nursing.

The NCLEX-RN® tests your practical knowledge and how to apply it to various scenarios. It’s a critical-thinking test designed to ensure you can safely practice as an entry-level nurse.

What You Need to Know Before Taking the NCLEX Exam

Knowing how the questions will be asked is important. Many people are nervous about the NCLEX because they aren’t sure of the format. This test is administered on a computer; most questions are multiple-choice with four answers. However, there are alternate types of questions such as:

  • Fill in the blank
  • Multiple response
  • Hot spots
  • Drag and drop
  • Chart and exhibit

All questions will involve integrated nursing practices and principles.

Knowing the common endings for drugs and your lab values is a critical part of doing well on the exam. For example, you may be asked tricky questions where the names of drugs to administer in a scenario are similar. But remember, categories and classifications of medicines have related endings, so be sure to learn those. Lab values will be important on the exam, too.

The longer you put off taking your boards, the more information you may forget. Even some of the things you learned at the beginning of nursing school may be a little fuzzy in your memory, which is why taking a review course is such a good idea.

Feeling prepared before taking the test can help you feel more confident when answering exam questions. Review courses help you feel prepared because they remind you how much you actually do know and build upon what you may be struggling to retain.

When you realize that you know much more than you thought you did, you will likely feel calmer and more prepared for the exam.

Become a Nurse through FVI

Discovering more about the diverse nursing programs available at FVI is a gateway to unlocking your potential in the field of healthcare. As a premier nursing school, FVI prides itself on a proven track record of students achieving success by passing their NCLEX examination on the first attempt.

With a commitment to excellence in education, experienced faculty, and resources, FVI provides an environment conducive to learning and growth. By choosing FVI, you are embarking on a transformative educational experience that will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful and rewarding career in nursing.

Take the next step towards your aspirations by exploring the wide range of nursing programs offered at FVI today.

 

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All nursing programs offered at FVI are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing Professional Nursing NCLEX Code Miramar US70415200 Professional Nursing NCLEX Code Miami US70418900 FVI School of Nursing and Technology (FVI) is licensed by the State of Florida, Commission for Independent Education (CIE) Miami (main) campus License Number: 3441/ Miramar campus License Number: 6010 The Associate of Science programs at FVI School of Nursing and Technology, Miramar, Florida and Miami, Florida are accredited by the Accredited Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). FVI School of Nursing and Technology is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) ID# 312400 since November 03, 2010

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