NCLEX-RN what does it mean when?

bravegirlamy · Apr 20, 2005

I passed on the first try, Along with about 75% of my graduating class. But my computer cut off on question #100. BTW...STUDY MEDS!

What does it mean when I hear people saying they "passed with 75 questions"
??? Has anybody ever passed on the first time they took the boards??
Can anyone tell me what the new NCLEX-RN is like and what to study for it?
Thanks so much,
Angie

Altra, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2005

What does it mean when I hear people saying they "passed with 75 questions"
??? Has anybody ever passed on the first time they took the boards??
Can anyone tell me what the new NCLEX-RN is like and what to study for it?
Thanks so much,
Angie

Angie, the NCLEX is an "adaptive" test, so the number of questions an individual gets depends on his/her performance. The minimum number of questions is 75, the maximum is 265. You are permitted a maximum of 6 hours to complete the test, including breaks. The computer program is designed to test until it can make a definite decision about whether your number of correct/incorrect responses on progressively more difficult questions is definitely above or below the passing standard.

So when someone says they "passed with 75 questions" ... they passed, and with the minimum number of questions. But their performance on the test is not necessarily "better" than someone who passed with a different number of questions. There was a thread recently suggesting one poster's idea that it might be useful to make the NCLEX some standard number of questions for all test-takers - the questions themselves could be random, but the number would be the same. Not a bad idea, considering how hung up we all seem to get about the number of questions! :rolleyes: In the big scheme of things, it's irrelevant.

Yes, many people pass on their first try. You can too.

Here's the website of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing - lots of clear information on there. http://www.ncsbn.org

As far as what to study ... are you just starting nursing school? You'll get lots & lots of info on studying for NCLEX as you progress.

Best of luck to you. :)

Nrs_angie, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2005

No I am actually almost a senior. Last semester of second year currently... and so far they don't tell us much about NCLEX. All they say is get used to standardized/computerized tests....... I guess they are waiting until we are seniors to give us NCLEX help.

MelRNNC · Apr 23, 2005

I too passed the NCLEX w/75 questions. I did not have any of the "alternative style" questions. A lot of it was prioritizing (Which pt do you see 1st?, for example) and I had a few med Q's and a few on isolation precautions. Get an NCLEX book now, and do a few practice questions everyday. Use the CD w/the book to get used to computerized testing. Good luck!

grinnurse, RN · Apr 23, 2005

I know lots of nurses that took the NCLEX and passed on the first time. Have you had to take any of the HESI computerized tests? These are supposed to be like the NCLEX test or so our instructors tell us. We started discussing NCLEX on our first orientation to nursing school. Through out the whole nursing school process I have used different books to study with to get me ready for boards this summer. Our school also offers a NCLEX review course at the end of the last semester (actually starts 2 days after graduation) to help prepare you too or lots of the hospitals that came to recruit offer them free to the GNs that go to work for them as well.

Good luck!!

BabyRN2Be · May 11, 2005

Angie,

If you'd like, there's a forum in the nursing student section which deals with the NCLEX specifically. You also might get some really great answer down there, too. Not that these guys are doing a bad job.