NCLEX-RN Coaching Centre in Kerala

If you are a nurse and want to work in an English-speaking country like the USA, Canada, and Australia, you need to clear an exam called as the NCLEX-RN. This simply is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) which evaluates your competency as a nurse. While the first step to realising this dream is to clear an English proficiency test like the IELTS or OET, NCLEX-RN is step two to reaching your dream destination.

Next Gen NCLEX (NGN 2023)

The most recent change is the introduction of the Next Gen NCLEX popularly called as the NGN. The Next Gen NCLEX has been introduced in April 2023 and has brought about major changes in the format of NCLEX.

What is the difference between NCLEX-RN and Next Gen NCLEX?

Both the NCLEX RN and the Next Gen NCLEX is to test the proficiency of a nurse in real world scenario. The old version NCLEX required nurses to recall their nursing knowledge and information and then apply it to clinical situations. The Next Gen NCLEX tests the ability of a nurse to first examine and investigate the given patient data and make the appropriate clinical judgments.

Test format of NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX is a computer-adaptive exam run with an on-screen calculator. There are different question types and formats that will appear in the test, based on your performance on the test. The difficulty level of the test will be raised as your answer the questions. The computer-adaptive test runs the questions based on how correctly the candidate responds to the question.
The NCLEX-RN format is formulated based on ‘client needs’ and real- world case studies. The questions in this test, more than merely checking your ability to recollect nursing knowledge, assesses how well as a nurse one is able to apply critical skills, interpret data given about the patient, apply theoretical knowledge and make the most appropriate and safe decisions for the patient’s need or care.

How many questions do you need to answer?

The minimum number of questions that candidate appearing for NCLEX-RN will have to answer is 85. As it is an adaptive test, depending on how you perform, the computer may at the maximum put forth 150 questions.

Pre-test questions

Out of the questions asked in the NCLEX, the first 15 are called as pre-test questions. With these questions, the computer evaluates your strengths and weaknesses.

What is the duration of the test?

No matter how many questions a candidate needs to attend, be it 85 or up to 150, the maximum duration of the NCLEX exam is 5 hours. These 5 hours include the introductory session, any restroom breaks taken in between, and the exam.

Question types

1. Extended Multiple-Choice questions
2. Fill-in-the-blanks
3. Drag and Drop
4. Chart/ exhibit questions
5. Audio Item Questions
6. Cloze question or Drop-down question
7. Enhanced Hot-Spotting or Highlighting
8. Graphics Question
9. Matrix or Grid questions

Scoring in Next Gen NCLEX

1. Partial or Full-credit system- If you need to choose more than one right answer, in such questions depending on how you have answered you will be given partial or full credits. This partial or full credit system is further divided into two:
   1. + / – scoring- This means that for all right answers you will be given scores, but your scores will be deducted for every wrong answer chosen, which implies negative scoring. This is applicable in some question types.
   2. 0/1 scoring- This simply means for all right answers chosen you will be given a score of 1, and at the same time there is no negative marking for wrong answers given.
2. Rationale Scoring System

Lab scores or values

One of the best things about the Next Gen NCLEX is that for calculations, any required reference lab values will be given in the question. The old NCLEX required candidates to memorise these lab values.

NCLEX-RN Exam Registration Process

Here is how you can register for the NCLEX. This step-by-step guide on how to apply for the examination.

• Step 1: Submit an application to the nursing regulatory body of the country/ state you wish to be licensed or registered.
• Step 2: Ensure to fulfil the requirements listed by the nursing regulatory body of the country/ state you are applying to.
• Step 3: Register for the NCLEX- This can easily be done by contacting Medcity’s NCLEX division.
• Step 4: Get the authorization information
• Step 5: Schedule your exam

NCLEX Syllabus

There are certain test plan categories. Here is a sample content based on which you can prepare for NCLEX.

1. CLIENT NEEDS
   1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
   2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
   3. Psychosocial Integrity
   4. Physiological Integrity
2. INTEGRATED PROCESS
3. CLINICAL JUDGMENT

What are the eligibility criteria in taking the Next Gen NCLEX?

Each regulatory body that you are applying to has different eligibility requirements. The basics that can be considered to check your eligibility for the same are:

1. A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing: If you are looking out to apply to Australia or Canada, then you need to have cleared a bachelors degree in nursing. For those planning on the USA, even a diploma is considered (GNM).
2. Authorization: An ATT- Authorisation To Test is a must.
3. You should have submitted your credentials and information
4. Application with a nursing board
5. Register for the NCLEX
6. Payment for NCLEX application should be complete

Is there an expiry date for the NCLEX?

The validity of test results of NCLEX can be considered life-time. This is true if as an applicant, you continue the nursing practice. For any candidate who has cleared the test but discontinued practice for an extended period, then the NCLEX will have to be re-taken.

How many times can a candidate appear for the test?

The possibility of a retake of the NCLEX and the number of times a candidate can appear is a question many aspirants ask. The NCSBN’s policy on retaking the exam allows a candidate to re-appear the test in 45 days after giving an NCLEX test. Certain nursing regulatory boards may ask for longer wait period between tests.

Will the cost of the exam change with the Next Gen NCLEX?

The answer is a definitive no. The costs remain the same.

•   NCLEX RN Exam registration Fee : 200 $ (approx. in INR 16,500/-)

•  International Exam Scheduling : 177 $ (approx. in INR 15,000/-)

Where can I appear for the exam?

The NCLEX test/ exam centres in India where a student can appear for the test are given below.

1. Hyderabad
2. Pune
3. Surat
4. Mumbai
5. Ahmedabad
6. Chennai
7. Bangalore
8. Gurugram
9. Noida
10. New Delhi
11. Chandigarh
12. Jalandhar
13. Amritsar

What is the age limit to attend the NCLEX?

The major requirements in attending the NCLEX is that a candidate should have a nursing qualification- A bachelors degree in case applying to Australia or Canada, and a General Nursing diploma (GNM) is also accepted if applying to the USA. So age as such is not a factor.

How to prepare for NCLEX-RN?

Getting ready for the test is as easy as walking down a lawn with Medcity’s online courses. For the online NCLEX-RN preparation course with Medcity you get an individual trainer, who will be able to assist in your preparations in your flexible timings. No matter whether you are working or not, preparations for NCLEX-RN is made easy with Medcity.

Can I write NCLEX-RN from India?

The good news is that you can. The US has recognised India as a testing centre for NCLEX-RN which makes it possible for Indians to attend the test from their home country itself. This is a huge relief as the previous scenario required nurses from India to travel to the US to attend the test.