New NCLEX format?

Nursing Students NCLEX

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Hello,

I just graduated from Nursing School recently, and am now in preparation for the NCLEX exam this coming February. The problem is, however, I don't feel prepared enough to actually take the exam so soon. But according to my professors, this February is the best time to take the exam before it changes format once again. Due to our lack of preparation in regards to the new exam, there's lower probability of passing it (my opinion anyways.)

So my question is, when does the new exam change format exactly? And do you think it would be more difficult?

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I'm not sure about format, but I just thought I'd mention that my professor just told me they are adding more questions about disaster planning and delegation soon. Hope that helps and good luck!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Medsurg.

yeah they change focus every 3(?) years I think. The problem with this is that they announce exactly what focus they are changing mid-fall and implement in April. Doesn't give much chance for preparation. Anyway, found this on a website which sums up the changes.

The Management of Care subcategory currently comprises 13 to 19 of the exam; this will increase to 16 to 22 percent.

The Reduction of Risk Potential subcategory currently comprises 13 to 19 percent of the exam; this will decrease to 10 percent.

A newly designed test interface will launch, including a different font and reshuffled button placements

There is also talk that there will be new alternative style questions in which you have to put on headphones and correctly identify heart sounds. Dont know how true that is tho.

The scarey thing is that typically the year they change focus there is a 3% drop in pass rates. *sigh* just what we need....God Bless us

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the NCLEX forum

NCLEX for RN and PN is reviewed every 3 years (not the same time) and if changes are required are made and usually implemented a few months later. We have a few threads in this forum discussing the new changes which will be implemented in April for RN.

Would also suggest you check out the NCSBN website as that is where decisions are made and news posted

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I just took the NCLEX RN and I had too identify breath sounds using a headset. I think they are trying it out to see how it works before they add it in April. I would take the test before then. The sooner you take it after you graduate the better your chance of passing. Good luck!

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I know this doesn't answer your question but wanted to share. My school has a 98% pass rate or better for many years. On the very first day of nursing school and throughout the program we were told that the school strongly encourages all students to sign up to take the NCLEX within 1 month of graduating. They said it is one of the keys to success because every day that goes by you forget stuff.

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Here's a site that explains the new standard. From what i understand, you have to answer the harder questions right to pass. They go by logits and it can be rather confusing to understand.

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20091216/New-passing-standard-for-the-NCLEX-RN-Examination.aspx

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Has been reported that new format starts on April 1. I would take the exam in February. You have time to prepare if you work hard at it. Good luck.

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