Next Generation NCLEX-RN: Three Immediate Strategies to Implement for Nursing Student Success

Brent Gordon

Brent Gordon, with commentary from Jason Schwartz, shares strategies for student success on the NCLEX-RN.

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry and are currently quitting at an alarming rate, further exacerbating the global nursing shortage. According to Nursing in the Time of COVID-19, an annual report by staffing agency Incredible Health, more than one-third (34%) of nurses said they would likely quit their job by the end of 2022, primarily because of burnout and a high-stress working environment. Additionally, the Clinician of the Future report found that 74% of clinicians globally believe there will be a shortage of nurses within the next 10 years.

However, studies show aspiring nurses face significant pressure even before making their first rounds. National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates have steadily declined over the last few years for a variety of reasons, likely due to the impact of the pandemic, including a disruption to the instructional experience, along with increased anxiety and fatigue. In fact, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) recently announced 2022 third-quarter pass rates for NCLEX-RN were down almost 4 points (3.94) from the second quarter, a 4.7% drop (82.19% vs 78.25%).

If history is any indication, I anticipate this decline will likely double this year when the Next Generation NCLEX-RN (NGN) exam is implemented in April 2023. The last significant change to the NCLEX in 2013 resulted in an 8% decline in pass rates for nursing students. The 2023 changes are more significant, and preparation for these changes is critical for exam success. During a recent conversation with Jason Schwartz, Director of Outreach at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), he said the new exam will include items and case studies that measure a student's clinical judgment and decision-making skills to ensure all nurses are practice ready, as studies have found that nearly 40% of new nurses have reported making medication errors and 50% have reported missing symptoms of life-threatening conditions. The NCSBN recently announced the passing standards for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN will remain the same.

Nurses play a critical role in patient safety, health promotion, disease prevention and the delivery of primary care. As the nursing shortage continues to grow, it is crucial that healthcare and education leaders do all they can to prepare and support the hardworking individuals who provide medical treatment, comfort, and reassurance for patients and their families.

Below are three immediate strategies nurse educators and institutions can implement to equip nursing students with the proper tools they need to pass the Next Generation NCLEX-RN and ensure patient safety and public protection:

1- Implement Program Policies and Assessment Tools Proven to Improve Student Outcomes

It is imperative students taking the Next Generation NCLEX-RN in 2023 have access to exam review and assessment solutions, as these provide nursing students with a variety of practice exams and a proven path to success. A 2021 study found students who took 12 course-level specialty exams scored on average ~160 points higher on the program exit exam than those who took one specialty exam.

Jason agreed that practice exams benefit both instructors and students, providing test takers a taste of what's to come as well as valuable insight into those areas a student has mastered and those areas requiring additional encouragement, instruction, and learning.

As students prepare for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN, we recommend consulting tutorials about each item type presented on the exam, to ensure no surprises on exam day. When reviewing these materials, we advise focusing on the scenario at hand — what matters the most and why it matters — over testing terminology. Understanding the "why" will help nursing students learn from each patient and grow in their careers.

2- Develop Clinical Judgment Skills to Prepare Practice-Ready Nurses

Research shows many novice nurses have not properly developed clinical judgment skills by the time they enter the profession. By posing challenging questions related to clinical judgment, the Next Generation NCLEX-RN ensures nursing students think more critically about patient scenarios and care when preparing for the licensure exam and practice, leading to improved patient safety and outcomes. Jason said new question types like unfolding case studies reflect the types of decisions nurses will have to make in a range of care settings. Practice in applying clinical reasoning both in the classroom and in simulation is essential for preparation for the exam and practice.

According to a recent NIH study, the incorporation of simulations in the instructional setting enables nursing students to practice and develop their critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills in diverse, real-life situations they may face in their daily work. The protected and safe environment enhances students' self-esteem and confidence, promoting learning and substantially reducing the gap between theory and practice. To improve nursing education, clinical judgment must be integrated across the nursing curriculum – both in the classroom and in clinical settings.

3- Invest in Faculty Development & Transition-to-Practice Materials

Just as it is important for nursing students to maintain a consistent schedule of NCLEX practice tests to keep their minds mentally fit for test day, educators must also stay current on the latest and greatest ways to teach key concepts. When adopting new innovative digital solutions in the curriculum, it's essential that institutions invest in faculty development to ensure educators understand how to use and implement these educational tools for advancing learning outcomes.

Nurse educators can also use innovative learning strategies to support new nurses in their transition to practice; identifying and creating teachable moments in busy clinical environments is one technique linked directly to optimal patient care and safety.

It's not too late to prepare nursing students for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN in April 2023 and prevent another regrettable decline in pass rates. I am calling on faculty and nurse educators to provide students with online study tools and solutions they need to graduate and become an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem. We recommend nurse educators connect with their institution and/or the institution's publishing partner for information about and access to Next Generation NCLEX-RN preparation materials if you have not already done so. We need skilled healthcare providers now more than ever, so let's do all we can to help train and retain our nursing workforce.

Resources

FAQs About the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)

Next Generation NCLEX-RN: Three Immediate Strategies to Implement for Nursing Student Success

1- Implement Program Policies and Assessment Tools Proven to Improve Student Outcomes

2- Develop Clinical Judgment Skills to Prepare Practice-Ready Nurses

3- Invest in Faculty Development & Transition-to-Practice Materials

About Brent Gordon

Share on other sites

More Like This