Which NCLEX Exam is Right for You: NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN?
In a new millennium where being a nurse is one of the most demanding professions globally, many are looking for opportunities to extend their career in the United States of America. However, whether you want to be a practical nurse or a registered nurse, you must take and pass the NCLEX Exam. But, the assessment for these two career paths is significantly different. Before we jump and explore their differences, let us first discuss the NCLEX meaning.
The NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. A licensure examination that each regulatory body uses to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities significantly required for a safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.
What do you need to take the NCLEX PN or NCLEX RN?
Some educational criteria must be met before taking the NCLEX PN or NCLEX RN exam.
- NCLEX RN - requires candidates with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) to take the exam.
- NCLEX PN - requires a diploma in Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) or a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN).
What are the exam content differences between NCLEX PN and NCLEX RN?
The NCLEX PN and NCLEX RN have similar content; however, the NCLEX RN concentrates on management care and supervision of others, whereas the NCLEX PN emphasizes helping RNs and working under supervision.
NCLEX PN assesses a candidate's ability to demonstrate knowledge in social sciences (psychology and sociology) and biological sciences (anatomy, physiology, biology, and microbiology). Clinical problem solving is also examined in caring, communication and documentation, teaching and learning, and culture and spirituality.
While in NCLEX RN, candidates must demonstrate competency in the following areas to pass :
- Social Sciences (psychology and sociology)
- Biological Sciences (anatomy, physiology, biology, and microbiology)
- Physical Sciences (chemistry and physics)
The following critical problem-solving concepts are examined throughout the NCLEX RN exam in each category and subcategory:
- Nursing process
- Caring
- Communication and documentation
- Teaching and learning
- Culture and spirituality
How many questions does the LPN NCLEX have compared to NCLEX RN?
The NCLEX RN and NCLEX PN are computerized adaptive tests with a variable length of 75 to 145 items. The time limit for this examination is five hours, regardless of the number of items administered. The time given for the examination comprises the introductory screen, all breaks, and the examination itself. It is also optional to consume your breaks.
When a candidate runs out of time on the exam, the final ability estimate is calculated using all responses on all completed items. If it is above the standard, it is a pass; otherwise, the exam will be a fail.
Whether you take the NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN exam, a proper understanding is needed before taking a step towards it. And to know if you are qualified for the NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN, consider assistance from NEAC, the expert and pioneer in its field. NEAC your partner for easy medical exams licensure application.
For further inquiries about the requirements, qualifications, and fees for the NCLEX USA Exam Application, please email us at online@applynclex.com.