by cjmmsn98

Updated Jul 21, 2006 at 01:47 PM by cjmmsn98

I teach a semester long course to prep our grads for NCLEX. Please read this entire post carefully.

The NCLEX adapts to your skill level. The first questions that are presented are determining your ability level. Once that ability level is determined, the questions are presented in increasing level of difficulty/decreasing difficulty until you have answered enough questions for the computer to determine (with 95% statistical certainty) that you have met the passing standard.

The minimum number of questions you will have is 75 (60 questions plus 15 pilot items). You will not be able to distinguish pilot items from "real" items. SO, if you get 265 items, that means the computer has not yet determined that you have met the passing standard at the 95% confidence level. There is no random number of candidates that get the exam with 265 questions- that is a myth.

You will not be able to tell whether you have passed by the number of questions you get!

The test is 6 hours long, and you should take your time. You have paid $200 for that test seat- USE IT!
Rushing through the questions or rapid guessing will most likely lead to failure, because each one you get wrong due to guessing means the next question is easier, and then on and on, until you fail because you are guessing at them all. Take your time to think each question through.

You will not leave the exam feeling good- the test challenges every bit of you, so you will feel tired and unsure of yourself. The way you feel does not equate into passing or failing. You cannot judge. Wait for your results.

NCLEX is given throughout the US and its territoiries, so the same format is used and the same question bank is used across the US. You do not have to take the exam in the same state where you are applying for licensure.

These are some resources for NCLEX prep that I like (no monetary incentive for sharing).
NCSBN's review:
http://www.learningtext.com

KAPLAN
http://www.kaptest.com

I am impressed with the strategy that is taught in the Kaplan course.

DREXEL UNIVERSITY
http://passnclex.drexel.edu

Lastly, you must manage anxiety. Pay attention to strategies to reduce anxiety. Approach each question as a new patient- one at a time, and focus completely on that question (patient).

Do not get distracted by thoughts of passing or failing, or by focusing on the number of questions you have had. Just keep going, one at a time, until the test ends. Then- be good to yourself while you wait for results. Remember you will not be able to accurately judge whther you passed by the way you feel. The test challenges you and you will not feel great when it is over.

Best wishes for success!!!


Catherine M., MS, RN, NCSN,AE-C

Thanks for the explanation Catherine.

Does this mean if the computer cuts off at 75 that you have most likely passed?

Does your score on the NET test have anything to do with your ability to pass the NCLEX? We don't have to take the NET test for entrance, but we do take it in our first quarter of nursing school. We take different tests every quarter, it is to help ensure we pass the NCLEX. My guess is that these tests may help identify students who need extra help. A lot of my classmates are upset about all this testing, I don't mind though.

You are welcome-
If the test shuts off at 75 questions, you were either doing very well or doing very poorly, because the computer was able to determine very quickly that you either met or did not meet the passing standard with 95% certainty. You won't know either way until you get your official results.

Our university uses the HESI exit exam to determine the probablility of students' passing NCLEX. It has a very high prediction correlation with passing NCLEX. Our school's pass rate is 98%.

I don't know the NET test, you can talk with your advisor or dean to find out if this test is also predictive of passing NCLEX.
Good luck to you- we need as many great nurses as we can find!

Originally Posted by MyBSNin06

Thanks for the explanation Catherine.

Does this mean if the computer cuts off at 75 that you have most likely passed?

Does your score on the NET test have anything to do with your ability to pass the NCLEX? We don't have to take the NET test for entrance, but we do take it in our first quarter of nursing school. We take different tests every quarter, it is to help ensure we pass the NCLEX. My guess is that these tests may help identify students who need extra help. A lot of my classmates are upset about all this testing, I don't mind though.

Catherine

Do you always get 15 pilot questions or does it increase if you go over the minium 75 questions?

Pilot questions onNCLEX

The 15 pilot items are in the first 75 questions. They do not increase if you have more than 75 items presented. There is no obvious difference between pilot items and actual items, so treat each item seriously and focus on working through the case as presented and answering it to the best of your ability!

Originally Posted by helpinghands

Catherine

Do you always get 15 pilot questions or does it increase if you go over the minium 75 questions?

Sticky please

Please can someone sticky this. There are so many questions my test shut off at this and i got the last question right/wrong...blah blah please sticky this maybe some will read because this info is GREAT!!!!!!

I know this probably sounds like a very dumb question, but what is a pilot question?

And, about the HESI? Our school (of maybe it's standard?) requires an 850 to pass, but says they would rather you score over 900. If you score between the 850 and 900, is that still a good indicator of passing the HESI?

I ask, because I scored a 1013, but felt like I was guessing on some questions. Just wondering which scores are more indicative of passing?

Originally Posted by nurseshawna

I know this probably sounds like a very dumb question, but what is a pilot question?

And, about the HESI? Our school (of maybe it's standard?) requires an 850 to pass, but says they would rather you score over 900. If you score between the 850 and 900, is that still a good indicator of passing the HESI?

I ask, because I scored a 1013, but felt like I was guessing on some questions. Just wondering which scores are more indicative of passing?

I have to take the HESI tomorrow (Dec 15th) I am in my 1st semester could you please give me some tips. Please feel free to e-mail me. Thank you

Originally Posted by crb613

I have to take the HESI tomorrow (Dec 15th) I am in my 1st semester could you please give me some tips. Please feel free to e-mail me. Thank you

I pm'd you/.

Does Nurseshawna or anyone know what the total score the HESI TEST is out of??

How did everyone prepare?..I have just done tons of CAT questions everyday...

Did everyone focus their studying on Med/Surg or the specialties also??
ANY INFO IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!