NLN PAX RN test - new to the board

jaywolves · Mar 17, 2009

Having hit the 99th percentile, I would echo what jaeldanielle had to say. If your school offers a review class, take it. Read that book cover to cover. Do EVERY sample test in pencil, erase your answers and do it again. Be prepared to be blown away by how difficult this test really is. It is probably one of the hardest exams I have ever taken in my life. You will walk out of that test room feeling like you have been hit by a truck. When you take the sample tests, time yourself. It is a timed test and they are SERIOUS about the time limit.

I ran out of time on Math (not my strongest subject) and had to pencil in answers for about 5 of the questions in the remaining minute of the test. Don't spend too much time on questions you can't figure out.

The vocabulary is incredibly challenging as is the science. Again, I would echo what jaeldanielle had to say. READ EVERYTHING YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON. The older the book, the better since a lot of the vocabulary included words that have not been part of common conversational English in about 100 years. Look up things you don't know and know more than one meaning for them, the vocabulary does not always utilize the first definition of the word.

It is a very hard test. Do not underestimate the ass-kicking ability of the PAX. Once you take it, reward yourself. It will take two weeks to get your scores back and remember that you can take it over if you score too low. A lot of students at my school chose to take the exam early and give themselves plenty of time for a retake if they scored too low. MANY of them scored low. jaeldanielle and I are exceptions to the rule. Not many people score in the high 90's - definitely not on their first try. Be prepared to be surprised by the difficulty of this exam.

esokitty · Mar 18, 2009

I also just took this test. I scored 99 verbal (3 questions wrong), 99 math (no questions wrong!) and 97 science (15 questions wrong)

I have always done well at standardized tests, but since I graduated college nearly 11 years ago, I spent 3 weeks reviewing hardcore for this exam using the NLN prep guide.

I expected math to be my weak part and was quite surprised.

Here are a few things I was surprised by.

In the NLN guide they say that there are 60 questions in science and verbal, and 40 in math. Not quite. They score 60 and 40, but the sections actually contain 80 and 60!!!! Keep this in mind when timing yourself as you practice.

The review guide didn't help me with the following specific concepts in the science exam:

Kelvin temperature scale conversions

Electricity - resistors, diagrams

I know there were a few others, but my mind is foggy right now.

It is a very hard test. And I walked out of there thinking I completely BOMBED it. For sure, do every problem in the book. Multiple times. If you get the version with the software, configure your computer to do 80 or 60 questions in 60 mins to get used to that.

Best of luck!!!

rebecca6890 · Dec 27, 2009

hello i am also scheduled to take the PAX RN this january and had a few questions for anyone who has taken it..

1. what type of vocabulary is on the test? is it medical vocab?

2. im taking paper n pencil test, how long does it take to get results?

3. for science part, what topics are on the test?

any good study guides or practice tests please let me know!!

thanks!

CMille14 · Dec 28, 2009

hello i am also scheduled to take the PAX RN this january and had a few questions for anyone who has taken it..
1. what type of vocabulary is on the test? is it medical vocab?
2. im taking paper n pencil test, how long does it take to get results?
3. for science part, what topics are on the test?
any good study guides or practice tests please let me know!!
thanks!

1. The vocabulary is general vocabulary, only a couple of medical terms on my version of the test.

2. I took the computerized version...can't help there.

3. The practice guide recommended on the NLN site prepared me fairly well for the science section. Study the graphs and examples...there were many similar items on the test.

Remember that there are no calculators for the test. If it looks like a problem will take you a long time, write the number on scratch paper (or mark it on the computerized version) and return to it if you have time. Getting all the problems done in 60 minutes is a challenge!

The study guide is your friend! Use it...over and over again! Good luck!