No calculations?

Leda · Nov 12, 2005

There have been multiple postings in this forum (and others) reporting passing NCLEX and not receiving either dosage calculations or alternative format questions. NCLEX is a CAT with thousands of questions in the test pool. This means that the NCLEX candidate receives random questions according to the NCLEX Test Plan and the individual candidates performance on the NCLEX.

The point is that the NCLEX test taker should not let the NCLEX questions they receive "freak them out" during the test. They should simply stay focused, using their knowledge and critical thinking skills to answer each question with confidence. Once the test taker starts to question the make up of their exam (no math, no alternative format, stopped at 75, didn't stop at 75, etc.) they allow stress and doubt to potentially affect a quality performance on the NCLEX.

Miss Mab · Nov 12, 2005

no calculations no check all that apply=?

For me, that equaled passing. But I'm sure that doesn't always mean that. Just try to stay positive and let us know the good news:)

the poster above had a good point--we freak ourselves out to much with the wondering--I'm certainly guilty too. I don't know, all of the um..."older" nurses are always talking about how bad boards used to be with the three day exam, etc. personally, even though I passed, I think CAT stinks. Give everybody the same test with the same questions.

That said, I really only wrote because I remembering feeling like a dork going through that tutorial and then when mine shut off I sat there thinking--did I even click that calculator thing?

IcantThinkofaName · Nov 15, 2005

2 more weeks for results........... (pulls hairs out). :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 15, 2005

2 more weeks for results........... (pulls hairs out). :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

Hang in there, I bet it will be worth the wait. :)

BabyRN2Be · Nov 15, 2005

Yeah, I don't know what's worse:

The way it was in the "old" days. You went to one place in your state holding the exam twice a year. The testing was a 3 day affair all in one room, with pencil and paper, all basically the same test (or slightly revised so you couldn't cheat off your neighbor's), you could go back and change your answer during the session if you remembered the answer, or go back to the question if you didn't know the answer. This came with at least a 6 week wait.

Now we have CAT. Testing done in secure area, fingerprints, etc. Test gets progressively harder and harder, panic in remembering the right answer 3 questions ago and you can't go back. Walking out of there feeling like you failed the test no matter how well you did. At least some states give you an answer in 2 days. Some states you still have to wait up to a month or longer.

I don't know what's worse. I'd prefer pencil and paper and the freedom to go back and change an answer. But at least I'm in a state that has Quick Results.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2005

no calculations no check all that apply=?

Try not to let it bother you. Think positive, and let us know. :)

nursemomruns · Nov 16, 2005

Yeah, I don't know what's worse:
The way it was in the "old" days. You went to one place in your state holding the exam twice a year. The testing was a 3 day affair all in one room, with pencil and paper, all basically the same test (or slightly revised so you couldn't cheat off your neighbor's), you could go back and change your answer during the session if you remembered the answer, or go back to the question if you didn't know the answer. This came with at least a 6 week wait.
Now we have CAT. Testing done in secure area, fingerprints, etc. Test gets progressively harder and harder, panic in remembering the right answer 3 questions ago and you can't go back. Walking out of there feeling like you failed the test no matter how well you did. At least some states give you an answer in 2 days. Some states you still have to wait up to a month or longer.
I don't know what's worse. I'd prefer pencil and paper and the freedom to go back and change an answer. But at least I'm in a state that has Quick Results.

I took the pencil and paper test. You still walked out of there not knowing how you did and worrying till you get the results!

nursemomruns · Nov 16, 2005

There have been multiple postings in this forum (and others) reporting passing NCLEX and not receiving either dosage calculations or alternative format questions. NCLEX is a CAT with thousands of questions in the test pool. This means that the NCLEX candidate receives random questions according to the NCLEX Test Plan and the individual candidates performance on the NCLEX.
The point is that the NCLEX test taker should not let the NCLEX questions they receive "freak them out" during the test. They should simply stay focused, using their knowledge and critical thinking skills to answer each question with confidence. Once the test taker starts to question the make up of their exam (no math, no alternative format, stopped at 75, didn't stop at 75, etc.) they allow stress and doubt to potentially affect a quality performance on the NCLEX.

Excellent and accurate NCLEX info!

suzanne4, RN · Nov 16, 2005

no calculations no check all that apply=?
For me, that equaled passing. But I'm sure that doesn't always mean that. Just try to stay positive and let us know the good news:)
the poster above had a good point--we freak ourselves out to much with the wondering--I'm certainly guilty too. I don't know, all of the um..."older" nurses are always talking about how bad boards used to be with the three day exam, etc. personally, even though I passed, I think CAT stinks. Give everybody the same test with the same questions.
That said, I really only wrote because I remembering feeling like a dork going through that tutorial and then when mine shut off I sat there thinking--did I even click that calculator thing?

In the old days, as you called it, each state actually had their own exam, and you had to get a certain score on your state's exam to be able to endorse to another state. Some states were considered to have the harder exams, and not all licenses endorsed like they do now acoross the board, provided that you have the appropriate amount of school hours.