cathyfreeman

I disagree. I teach practical nurses and every class is different. I love my job!

I am a MSN nurse educator. I have been teaching practical nurses for 15 years. I have been a nurse for over 40 years. I feel the need to vent regarding the NCLEX. This high-stakes exam becomes more difficult every 3 years and invokes a high degree of fear and anxiety in many would be nurses who take it. Why? Why does it have to be so hard to pass? Does this produce a better, more dedicated, caring nurse? I have very capable, intelligent nurses sign up for the test and fail it because of fear and anxiety! I see our pass rate declining. Is it me? Is it my teaching? We have had 2 consecutive years below 80%. You know what that means. We have to submit a plan of action. I just don't know what to submit. I would like to say: "Let us prepare nurses to have good assessment skills, good knowledge of establishing priority based nursing care plans, and knowledge of safety measures." We are so focused now on the TEST. We are trying to come up with ways to teach them how to pass the TEST. The internet, you-tube, and others are loaded with study guides, tips, and strategies. Many companies are making millions "preparing" students to pass the NCLEX. Ex: ATI, HESI, U-World, and others. God knows it isn't enabling us to prepare nurses to be NURSEs who can care for patients in a challenging health-care setting. Rant over. Thanks!

The CNA classes are dictated by NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program). I would advise contacting your state agency that oversees the nurse aide training programs. In Georgia, it is the Georgia Department of Community Health. We have a Certified Nurse Aide Program here at South GA Technical College and honestly, they are stricter than the GA Board of Nursing. If I can help, just email me at [email protected].