August 9, 2008

NCLEX Exam- What To Do About The Dropping Pass Rate

You can pass the NCLEX RN the first time! There are many students that pass the test on their initial attempt. When you take the time to determine how you are going to approach your studies, you can too! Only 87.1% of US trained students and 47.4% of internationally educated students passed the NCLEX in the first quarter of 2008. this figure dropped 2% and 10% for US and internationally educated students compared to the first quarter of 2007 according to the NCSBN. An initial review of this statistic could be a bit disheartening, but when reviewing the numbers as a whole they are quite baffling. Here are some interesting facts.

US Educated Students- First Time NCLEX TestTakers 2007:

First Quarter- 26,923 Candidates 89.1% % Pass Rate

Second Quarter- 31,379 Candidates 87.6% Pass Rate

Third Quarter- 51,428 Candidates 83.5% Pass Rate

Forth Quarter- 9.849 Candidates 78.6% Pass Rate

The pass rates vary significantly between the quarters. Does the test administered differ that much from one quarter to the next? It is not likely that the NCSBN is making changes that will cause such a significant flux. The number of pupils sitting for the exam does not appear to be a factor either, as the highest and lowest pass rates are during periods where there are the most and least number of candidates.

The only significance we may be able to ascertain from this is that it is possible that the students taking the exam during the first and second quarters were full time nursing students and they took their exams as the class was completed. An amazingfact which is not mentioned above is that in 2007, on average students with a high school diploma passed at 87.9% ; baccalaureate degreed students 86.4%; and associate degreed students at 84.8%. Surprisingly, students with only a diploma were able to perform better on the exam.

The cause for this is that they have fewer responsibilities, and they have more opportunity to study. Students with fewer responsibilities are better able to concentrate on what they have learned, opposed to their counter parts, who must focus on the needs of their children and their careers.

It is challenging to make the time to study for the NCLEX Exam with such responsibilities It is necessary to budget your time. If you haven't started nursing classes yet, promptly take the time to figure out when you will be able to study. set realistic expectations. Think about what other activities you will have to give up. If you realize in advance what sacrifices you have to make and you communicate with those who depend on you, they will be more supportive of you.

Determine where you will study. This must be a location where you feel you can concentrate on your studies. Time that you spend focused only on your studies will be effective and take less time. Surprisingly, the auto is a great place to study and review what you have learned. Get NLEX audios and start listening to them. Since you have used your time more effectively, you will be able to reward yourself with some downtime. Take advantage of all the audio study guides. The more you listen to and learn, the less time you will be sitting down gaining weight.

Only careful planning and execution of all aspects of your studying and test preparation will help you pass the NCLEX exam. As noted above, it is not a matter of your level of education that will dictate if you Pass the NCLEX, it is how you execute your plan for education.