Chapter 5THE NCLEX-PN®
Computerized Adaptive Testing CAT is administered at a computer terminal. NCLEX-PN® has a time limit and number-of-questions limit. No longer than 5 hours Maximum 205 questions Test is adapted to the examinee You must answer every question Can’t go back to review
Computerized Adaptive Testing After the first question, if you chose correctly you get a slightly more difficult question If you choose the wrong answer, you get a slightly less difficult question Passing depends on how many more difficult questions you answer correctly Exam is continuously customized to the student’s answering of questions After answering a minimum of 85 questions Computer compares to passing standard Determines pass or fail
Computerized Adaptive Testing Questions are selected from a large pool based on NCLEX-PN® test plan To pass, about half of questions answered must be in the difficult category Each person is given a different exam Each person is given a tutorial before starting Questions are written in a variety of formats
Development of the NCLEX-PN® NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) is responsible for development of the NCLEX-PN® Oversees development and administration of the exam NCLEX-PN® Item Development Panel composed of nurses writes test questions NCLEX-PN® review subcommittee, reviews all questions, and evaluates candidate examination in relation to variety of criteria Makes sure the exam conforms to accepted procedures Contracts with commercial testing service
THE NCLEX-PN® Test Plan Developed to test what a beginning practical/vocational nurse needs to know to be competent and safe Number of questions required to answer during test Survey of entry-level job skills provides this knowledge Is like a blueprint Outlines percentage of questions that will be asked for each category of client need The nursing process Caring Communication and documentation Teaching and learning
THE NCLEX-PN® Test Plan Publication is updated every 3 years Is the best document to guide your studies Avoid cramming for the exam Retention is best through repetition by studying throughout nursing program
Reviewing for the NCLEX-PN® Develop sound learning habits Practice applying classroom knowledge in the clinical setting Increase chances of passing by taking exam as soon as possible after completing nursing program requirements Participate in a formal review program
Reviewing for the NCLEX-PN® Review Books should: Explain how test plan is incorporated Be based on most recent test plan Contain questions in a variety of formats Multiple choice, Multiple correct, Hot spots, Audio, Putting into order Explain why answers are correct/incorrect Be published by reputable company Should be cross-referenced to textbooks Should have no errors in answer keys
Review for the NCLEX-PN® Review Courses Follow guidelines when enrolling in a review course Best course includes a series of diagnostic tests and a prescribed individual plan of study and review Mock Examinations Do not reach level of sophistication of NCLEX-PN® Provide good practice Require computer, and may require internet access Should incorporate recent NCLEX-PN® test plan
Test Anxiety A little anxiety improves performance Too much anxiety causes poor performance Self-assessment test “How serious is your text anxiety?” Professional counseling may be needed
Application Procedures Use the same form of your name that appears on driver’s license or passport Authorization to Test Card Has a wide range of validity dates Follow procedures for scheduling an appointment Request special accommodations for a disability through your state board of nursing
Test Center Regulations Are strictly enforced Photo identification is required Provide a digital fingerprint Palm veins scan will be completed You will provide your signature Photograph will be taken Testing is monitored via video camera, audio recording, and test center monitors.
Test Center Regulations You will be given note boards Pens are collected and counted Breaks are offered and counted against testing time Palm vein scan is done on leaving and returning to the testing room Staff will assist with technical computer questions
Getting Your Results Network scores your test Commercial test service verifies the results Transmits your score to your state board of nursing State board of nursing provides results to candidates May take 1 month to receive results in the mail Many state boards post results within hours of receiving them and are put on their Web site
Retaking the Examination 86% pass on the first attempt If you fail, you will receive a NCLEX® Candidate Performance Report (CPR) Use CPR to determine where you need to improve Must wait a minimum of 45 or 90 days between taking each exam
Retaking the Examination To prepare for Re-Examination student should Ask nursing instructor to help interpret Candidate Performance Review Focus on studying areas that is weak or challenged in on first exam Take a mock exam Focus on types of questions she had difficulty with