5 NGN-NCLEX Preparation Tips For Best Scores

What is NCLEX?

NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a crucial exam for nurses in the United States and Canada. It's a computerized test with a unique format designed to assess your readiness to practice nursing. This blog covers essential information about NCLEX, including the recent updates to help you prepare effectively and boost your NCLEX scores.

Types of NCLEX Exams

There are two types of NCLEX exams:

• NCLEX-PN: Designed for Vocational Nurses (LVNs) with basic training.

• NCLEX-RN: Tailored for Registered Nurses (RNs) with advanced training.

What is NGN?

1. All About NGN (Next Generation NCLEX) Examination

NGN, or Next Generation NCLEX, is a revamped version of the traditional NCLEX, introduced on April 1, 2023. The NGN has significant changes (in format and scoring) to better evaluate a candidate’s clinical judgment, using case studies and real-world patient scenarios to test decision-making in a clinical environment.

Note: NGN applies to both types of NCLEX exams (NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN).

HOW IS THE RESULT GENERATED BY THE COMPUTER IN NGN?

Table 2. How is the result generated by the computer in NGN?

What is the Difference between NCLEX and Next Generation NCLEX?

The NGN or Next Generation NCLEX is an updated version of NCLEX that incorporates new assessment methods and scoring systems. The NGN exam items are designed to better evaluate a candidate's clinical judgment and decision-making skills.

What are the New Items in NGN (Next Generation NCLEX)?

Case Studies: 

These involve real-world scenarios in hospital care, requiring you to analyze patient data in dynamic situations.

Stand-Alone Questions: 

These questions challenge you to evaluate patients, prioritize actions, and make critical decisions.

How is Next Gen NCLEX Scored?

The NGN is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), meaning the number and difficulty of questions you receive depend on how well you answer previous questions. The test ends once the system is 95% confident in whether you will pass or fail.

How Much is the Number of Items in the NGN Examination?

The NGN exam consists of 85 to 150 items, including 70 to 135 scored items and 15 unscored items. The total number of NCLEX Scores will vary depending on how many questions you answer.

NCLEX PREPARATION - How to Get Good NGN-NCLEX Scores?

Here are some ways to ace the NCLEX exam with smart NGN Preparation.

1. Practice Questions

When practicing questions, focus on those that test clinical judgment and decision-making. The NGN emphasizes real-life case studies and requires you to prioritize actions and evaluate patient scenarios. Practice eliminating incorrect options to arrive at the correct answer. You can find practice questions on platforms like Nurselabs, Mometrix, and UWorld.

2. Teach Others, Learn Yourself

Teaching nursing concepts to a study group or friend is a powerful way to solidify your understanding and identify knowledge gaps. Collaborating with peers can further enhance your preparation.

3. Early NCLEX Preparation

Start preparing for the NCLEX early. Consistent, strategic study over several months is more effective than last-minute cramming.

4. Visualize Notes

Creating visual notes is an effective way to organize and connect key nursing concepts, such as pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-newborn care. Mind Maps, for instance, can make concepts more interactive and easier to retain.

5. Memory Techniques 

Memory Palace

This technique involves visualizing yourself and placing important NCLEX facts and concepts in familiar locations (e.g., your home or neighborhood) to aid recall during the exam.

Mnemonics and Acronyms

Associate nursing facts, medication, and interventions with familiar or rhyming words. For example:

• "ADPIE" is a mnemonic to remember the Nursing process: Assess, Diagnose, Plan, Implement, and Evaluate.

• "SBAR" is an acronym used to communicate patient info neatly. It stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation.

Spaced Repetition During NCLEX Preparation

Deep understanding is key to NCLEX's success. Review your notes at increasing intervals (e.g., 1 day, 3 days, 1 week) to transfer information to your long-term memory.

In a Nutshell

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is the updated version of the NCLEX exam for nurses aiming to practice in the United States. The exam is fully computerized and includes 85-150 items. NCLEX Scores are generated automatically by the system. Effective NCLEX preparation strategies include using memory techniques like Spaced Repetition, Mind Mapping, and the Memory Palace, along with consistent practice and teaching others.

FAQs   

1. What is NGN?

   NGN stands for Next Generation NCLEX, an updated version of the National Council Licensure Examination introduced in April 2023.

   
   

2. How is NGN NCLEX scored? / How to calculate NCLEX Scores?

   NGN NCLEX scores are generated by a computer algorithm that determines when you've done enough to pass or fail.

   
   

3. How many questions are in NCLEX?

   The NGN NCLEX uses a computer algorithm to adapt the number and difficulty of questions based on your answers. The test concludes once it determines with 95% certainty whether you pass or fail.

   
   

4. How to practice NCLEX questions?

   Practice for the NCLEX by using online resources and sample exams to become familiar with the exam format and types of questions.