Letter from Board of nursing

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Recently while doing the required tests and writing of rationales for test questions missed in preparation for our graduation and impending NCLEX-RN exams, I became rather frustrated due to the inconsistency between study guides and the answers they gave. I decided to write to the NCBON and inquire about one source that I could definitivly trust. I sent them an example using a Maternal/Neonate scenario.

...This is the letter I recieved in return.

There will always be conflicting data available. Certainly, there is not 1 true source. Information is continually expanding and we are learning how to manage the information we obtain. THe NCLEX exam is not a fact spitting out type of test. Its a what should I do first type exam. You can rest assured that wherever there is sufficient information available that is conflicting that would impact your choices on the items, the items on the test pool have been pulled off until there is resolution.For example, we always placed infants in a face down to side lying position post feedings to prevent aspiration. Now it is back to sleep due to the ? increased risk of SIDS. What is the answer? Research will eventually demonstrate the correct answer and lucky for you(as well as appropriate), you will not be asked this type of question on NCLEX. HOpe this information helps!!!

Barbara J. Knopp, RN, MSN

Education Consultant

(919) 782-3211 Ext. 251

[email protected]

...Just thought I'd share!

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Notice she did not mention the "new format" for testing. I really wish that someone could give us a straight answer on this new NCLEX that is rumored to be happening!!!

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

Just do it when the time comes and stop wasting your time and energy worrying. You'll not be part of the design of the test-- whatever the questions, whatever the format.

Nobody at any BON cares what you think, and they never will, so just go through a few of the reviews and then forget about it.

Over 2 million RNs in the US have passed that test or its equivalent. What does that tell you?

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Personally, it demonstrates they DO care what we think when they write back on a personal basis to you as they did! Kudos to you! I think what you did was appropriate and necessary, don't let others get you down! :)

Human nature is to worry about the unknown! ;) I think the feelings we all have regarding the NCLEX whether the test day is a day or 2 years away, your fear of the unknown is VERY normal.

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Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

Someone was talking about the new nclex exam in my class & was saying that if you are already enrolled in nursing school, you will be taking the usual test & that we will probably get some new questions on there that don't count---rather they are just testing out the new format.

Then when they are ready to switch over to the new testing format, that it will be formally announced & will only affect students that begin nursing school after the date of the announcement. It could be years away as they need to not only test the new format, but give instructors information on how to teach it.

I don't know if that's 100% true, but it does make sense.

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Personally, it demonstrates they DO care what we think when they write back on a personal basis to you as they did! Kudos to you! I think what you did was appropriate and necessary, don't let others get you down!

I assume you were speaking to the other poster..no one got me down, I was frustrated because of the many different resources we are being forced to use and somtimes they actually differ on priority and actually on simple answers too. So rather than waste my time with instructors or their time, I wrote the ones who should know about their tests. it doesn't resolve my current dilemma, but at least the issue the NCBON addressed is put to rest. I actually haven't been too worried as such about the NCLEX, just more like irritated by these differing of resources and having to quote one and then the other..

I thought the response from the NCBON gal was kind, considerate and probably her job.

your fear of the unknown is VERY normal

sorry wasn't my fear. My A&P prof got me over the concern over fill in the blank and essay answers!!!

Also, I happen to know that in the unknown is where opportunity arises!!

Thanks for posting to my thread!!:D

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I also wrote to the Board asking for specifics and recieved a very nice response. It follows:

THere will be some additional formats beginning in April 2003. They are not tricky and the majority (if not all of your individual exam) will continue to be the format to which you are accustomed. For specific information on the new formats visit:

http://ncsbn.org/public/res/Innovative%20Items%20Secure.pdf

Hope this information relieves your concerns.

Barbara J. Knopp, RN, MSN

Education Consultant

(919) 782-3211 Ext. 251

[email protected]

Hope this helps some of you as it did me.:)

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Litepath, if you have a problem with me or my response, in the future, you can pm me. I think your response to me was not only inappropriate but down right rude! I've never encountered someone who would be so rude in return for someone providing support! It won't happen again, believe me!

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Litepath, if you have a problem with me or my response, in the future, you can pm me. I think your response to me was not only inappropriate but down right rude! I've never encountered someone who would be so rude in return for someone providing support! It won't happen again, believe me!

If i had a "problem " with your response i would have said as much. As far as having a problem with you goes, I don't know you and therefore have made no judgements. My posts speak for themselves. i use the "I" throughout my post because i take responsiblitiy for my own frustrations or dilemmas and such.

I do appreciate support form whoever it may come. if it is any consquence, it was not my intention to offend you, but rather to inform. However i do apologize if somehow my remarks were inappropriate.

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