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From Prep to Pass: Dominate the Next Gen NCLEX-PN and Launch Your Career (Part 2)

Discover how to pass your Next Gen NCLEX-PN with confidence the first time with our comprehensive guide.

Published:
28
January 2025
A nursing student prepares for Next Gen NCLEX-PN.

The Next Generation NCLEX-PN (NGN), launched by the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) on April 1, 2023, is the newest version of the NCLEX licensure exam for nurses. The NCLEX-PN exam (National Council Licensure for Practical Nurses) is a critical national licensing exam for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) that establishes professional ability to provide safe and competent patient care. 

This complete, two-part guide is your resource for all things NCLEX-PN: from exam format, what’s covered in the exam to how to prepare and pass the exam the first time. We’ll provide an actionable blueprint for NCLEX-PN success. In the first part, we reviewed the makeup of the NCLEX-PN exam and in this second section, we’ll look into how to best prepare for successful test-day strategies and post-exam considerations. We’ll equip you with the confidence and tools you need to pass the Next Gen NCLEX the first time. 

Although the NCLEX-PN exam may appear intimidating, by gaining a clearer understanding and appreciation for how to approach the exam, you can succeed with confidence. So let’s begin!  

Key Takeaways:

  • Prepare Strategically with a Structured Plan: Develop a targeted study routine, emphasizing weighted exam content and high-yield topics, especially during the final week of preparation. 
  • Master Test-Taking and CJMM Strategies: Focus on the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) and the innovative question types like bowtie and trend questions to gain practical mastery, critical thinking and confidence for the Next Gen NCLEX-PN exam. 
  • Utilize Expert Resources for NCLEX-PN Success: Take advantage of effective study tools like practice exams, flashcards, simulation software and expert-led courses like Achieve Test Prep for personalized guidance to ensure exam-day success. 

How to Prepare for the Next Gen NCLEX-PN

The Next Gen NCLEX-PN is more than just a licensure exam – it tests your ability to respond to real-life scenarios that nurses face every day. Studying for the NCLEX-PN requires structured planning and strategic knowledge preparation. This combines creating an effective study plan, accessing effective study resources and applying practice questions and exams to your exam preparation. 

A successful preparation strategy ensures that you are well-versed in the exam format, key content areas and types of questions. Here, we’ll review how to best approach NCLEX-PN preparation so you can successfully ace the exam.

Creating an Effective Study Plan

An effective study plan is both structured and strategic in its approach. Studying the four content categories based on their weighted value to get the maximum benefit for NCLEX-PN preparation. Assess how much time you have to review for the exam and break down test content priorities based on that. Cover all practice areas, especially the weighted Physiological Integrity and Safe and Effective Care Environment, and build your understanding progressively. Complete the following for more effective preparation: 

  • Weekly Study Goals: Mix content topics and question types every week to study permutations of questions that can be asked. By incorporating this study method you expose yourself to the range of questions that could be covered by the NCLEX-PN.
  • Daily Study Sessions: Invest in consistent, dedicated study habits that will get you ahead progressively. Review study materials, take practice tests and summarize lessons learned to ensure you have gained mastery in the materials. Set aside time for especially challenging subject matters.
  • Scheduled Review Periods: Dedicate a review period every two or three weeks to confirm your understanding of previously studied materials. Use this time to go over harder question types like SATA or ordered responses or topics that you need extra help for.
  • Final Weeks Focus: In the final two to three weeks, intensify your focus by zeroing in on high-yield topics and mastering test-taking strategies. During this time, optimize your accurate comprehension of the material and remember to factor in destressing rest periods so that you offset the mounting pressure.

Creating and enterprising on a consistent, structured study routine will help you master the NCLEX-PN exam materials so you can give your utmost come exam time. Develop your growing confidence and competence through everyday winning habits that prime you for exam success.

Recommended Study Materials and Resources

Selecting the right study materials and exam resources can make the difference between passing or failing the NCLEX-PN. Study materials include NCLEX-PN practice exams, online courses that provide course learning and practice quizzes, and mobile apps for portable learning. 

Achieve Test Prep offers LPN candidates complete NCLEX-PN preparation for in-depth exam mastery. With its online, synchronous classes, students can focus on what’s most important for exam preparation through structured learning and consistent practice. 

Utilizing Practice Questions and Exams

As one of the most helpful resources for NCLEX-PN exam prep, successfully completing practice questions exams is a resource that orients you towards achieving actual NCLEX-PN success. When you familiarize yourself with content formats under timed conditions, you better familiarize yourself with real-life exam conditions and tested subject matter. These simulations in turn make you more comfortable and confident about successfully completing the NCLEX-PN. 

Mastering the CJMM Framework

The six mentioned stages of the CJMM are the backbone of the Next Gen NCLEX-PN. This decision-making process is essential for passing the NCLEX and for clinical judgment in nursing practice every day. Here are some useful strategies to understand and apply the CJMM framework into your test-taking review to build confidence and competency:

Break Down Each Stage Into Focused Study Sessions

Don’t try to tackle the CJMM all at once. Instead go stepwise through each stage, focusing your review sessions on topics like:

  • Recognizing Cues: Practice identifying essential patient data from case studies, including vital signs, lab results and patient charts. 
  • Analyzing Cues: Always ask, “What does this tell me?” when you’re reviewing patient condition cues. Use practice scenarios to discern how best to analyze these cues. 
  • Prioritizing Hypotheses: Prioritize possible explanations about a patient’s condition based on urgency and likelihood. 

Use CJMM-Centered Practice Questions

Use practice exams and the following targeted exercises to understand how the CJMM applies to high-pressure situations:

  • Scenario-Based Learning: Engage with CJMM case studies and NGN-style unfolding scenarios to determine how best to apply the six-stage framework. 
  • Cue Recognition Drills: Create flashcards and identify critical patient cues from patient data sources. 
  • Simulation Software: Go through the CJMM process stepwise by utilizing apps and tools that simulate clinical scenarios. 

Relate the CJMM to Real-Life Scenarios

Keep in mind your hospital rotations or clinical experiences to cement your practical understanding of how the CJMM applies to real-world examples. These will go a long way to counteract test-day pressures for recall.

Achieve Test Prep: Your Partner in NCLEX-PN Success

If you are taking the Next Gen NCLEX, consider partnering with Achieve Test Prep so you can pass the first time. Our specialized Next Gen NCLEX-PN exam course is designed to address the singular challenges that the Next Gen NCLEX-PN presents, with a focus on real-world CJMM application and developing your practical clinical judgment.  

Here’s how we do it: 

  • Comprehensive NCLEX-PN Prep Courses: Achieve offers expert-led Next Gen NCLEX-PN instruction with an emphasis on clinical judgment and applied, real-world nursing scenarios.  
  • Exclusive Practice Exams: Unlock NGN-style case studies and questions that are similar to the actual exam so you can gain the confidence you need to pass on your first try. 
  • Personalized Tutoring Options: Benefit from one-on-one or group sessions with professional instructors who provide targeted strategies for your NCLEX test-day needs.
  • Intensive Focus on Dosage Calculations: Because we appreciate that you need to emphasize clinical judgment, patient assessment  and complex decision-making, Achieve emphasizes helpful dosage calculations for real-world examples. In fact, we dedicate an entire lesson to ensuring you succeed in this subject matter.  

Why Choose Achieve Test Prep?

We know you have options when it comes to how you prepare for NCLEX-PN success. We also believe that Achieve Test Prep is your strategic, winning solution for exam-day preparation. 

Here’s why we are your best choice for passing the Next Gen NCLEX the first time:

  • Proven Results: Our students succeed with higher pass rates thanks to our structured and innovative approach to Next Gen NCLEX preparation.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Achieve fits your busy nursing schedule with our live, online classes or self-paced materials designed for you.
  • Effective Test-Taking Strategies: We work with you to implement the best NCLEX-PN exam strategies to master the exam format through critical thinking assessments, time management methodologies, prioritization and scenario-based delegation.
  • Support Every Step of the Way: From study planning to test-taking strategies for exam day, we’re with you until you achieve NCLEX success.

Partnering with Achieve’s Next Gen NCLEX course will help you pass your NCLEX-PN exam on your first try with confidence. With our comprehensive, customized learning, Achieve is with you throughout your NCLEX-PN journey as you prepare for test-day success.  

Tips for Test Day Success

Exam day is your opportunity to shine. On that day, you demonstrate all the knowledge you’ve learned and all the skills you’ve built to master the Next Gen NCLEX. Here are some practical skills to help you ace the exam with confidence:

Mental and Physical Preparation

Test-taking can be a nerve-wracking experience. Prime your prep by managing stress with deep breathing and mindfulness techniques. Remember to have good rest, hydration and a healthy diet before the exam. 

Boost your NCLEX confidence by visualizing your successes so that you picture yourself successfully answering questions. Ensuring that you stay balanced and alert will go a long way to helping you keep your focus and calm on exam day. 

Duration and Number of Questions

The NCLEX-PN can take up to 5 hours for completion, including two optional breaks. However, the number of questions can vary between 85 to 150 due to the adaptive CAT format. The exam concludes when it has concluded with 95% certainty that the candidate’s competence is above or below the required passing standard. Each candidate needs to pace themselves throughout the exam so they need to leave enough time to adequately respond to each question.

Navigating the NGN Exam Format

The NCLEX-PN’s adaptive CAT format and innovative, CJMM-based questions can be challenging so keep focused and paced. Here are some strategies to help ensure you succeed:

  • Pace Yourself: Be mindful of the clock so that you give due time to each question without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.
  • Master Complex Question Types: For bowtie questions, focus on identifying critical actions and possible complications. For trend questions, carefully assess patient data and identify patterns and prioritize interventions.
  • Maximize Partial Credit Opportunities: Even if you’re not sure about the complete answer, give your best effort for as much as you can as the Next Gen NCLEX allows for partial credit. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding NCLEX exam pitfalls is essential to passing your test. Common mistakes include overthinking answers and losing out on precious time. Another difficulty is not reading the question carefully and bypassing key details in the case studies. 

Some test-takers also fail to read the answer choices thoroughly, which precludes them from discerning what the best answer might be. By preparing with practice exams, you can familiarize yourself better with the exam conditions and format so you can avoid these typical mistakes. 

Scoring and Passing Standards

The NCLEX-PN does not apply a traditional graded scoring system but uses a pass/fail CAT assessment for minimum competency. The analysis of the candidate’s competence for practicing nursing is compared to this baseline standard. As such, a test-taker should focus on ensuring accurate answers rather than simply “getting through” the questions. 

Post-Exam: What Happens After the NCLEX-PN?

Congratulations – you did it! All your months of hard work have now come down to the exam and you are ready for the results. So what happens once you’ve sat for and completed the NCLEX-PN? Here, we’ll explore how the exam is graded, whether quick results are accurate and what to do if you don’t pass on your first try. 

How is NCLEX-PN Graded?

As mentioned, you will receive a pass/fail scoring for your NCLEX-PN exam. Based on the CAT scoring system, once the metrics have 95% certainty that you have passed or failed, the exam terminates. 

Are NCLEX Quick Results Accurate?

A number of states offer the NCLEX Quick Results option for you to receive an unofficial score 48 hours after you have taken the exam. Typically, the results are accurate and can go a long way to alleviating post-exam anxiety. 

However, although these are generally reliable, these results are unofficial scores. Your state nursing regulatory boards (NRB) will issue your official licensure test results typically within six weeks of taking the exam. 

Can NCLEX Quick Results Be Wrong?

Though rare, discrepancies can occur between your NCLEX Quick Results and the final assessment of your score. While Quick Results is oftentimes accurate, it should not be deemed a final determination of your score and licensure eligibility. Candidates should wait for the official state NRB results before making any licensure or employment decisions. 

What to Do if You Don’t Pass on the First Try

If you did not pass the NCLEX-PN, ensure that you carefully review your NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This individualized, two-page assessment is given to those candidates who did not pass and contains a review of your performance across the exam subject areas. 

Use this CPR to target topics needing improvement and study those more rigorously for your next attempt. Practice high-yield questions that focus on these key subjects so you can ace your next exam. 

Retake Policies and How to Improve Scores on a Retake

Candidates retaking the NCLEX-PN exam must wait at least 45 days from the last test. This enables you to substantively prepare for weaker subject matter so you can succeed on your next try. Although permission varies by state, most states allow you to test for the NCLEX-Pn multiple times per year. 

To pass on retake, consider implementing more rigorous preparation, including more full-length mock exams under exam conditions. Also consider partnering with a NCLEX-PN exam review service, like Achieve Test Prep to gain the support and structure you might need. This choice can help you receive the guidance and accountability that can make the difference.  

Licensure Process After Passing the NCLEX-PN

After passing your Next Gen NCLEX, the next step is to obtain your nursing license. Although each state has its own specific requirements, generally, you must submit proof of passing the Next Gen NCLEX-PN, complete a background check and pay the required fees. Ensure that you reach out to your state board to determine your specific requirements. 

Conclusion: Taking the Next Steps in Your Nursing Career

Once you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you are ready to become a licensed LPN in your state. This achievement signals the end of your education and the beginning of your career as a nurse. As a licensed nurse, you are now ready to make a difference in the countless lives of patients and your community

Because your nursing journey is just starting, the career possibilities are open to you to gain specialization, more education or career advancement in exciting new healthcare areas of expertise. In your profession, all the reasons you’ve wanted to become  a nurse are now at hand, with daily opportunities to impact your patients’ lives. 

Ready to Partner with Achieve Test Prep to Master Your NCLEX-PN Exam Journey?

Achieve Test Prep is here when you need us to help you pass the NCLEX-PN exam with confidence on your first try. If you’re just starting out and want to become a nurse faster, Achieve can help get you there by fast-tracking your nursing career with bridge programs like LPN to RN, LPN to BSN, CNA to RN, RN to BSN among many more options. Be among the many satisfied students who have succeeded with Achieve and get ahead in your nursing path today. 

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