This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming Next Generation NCLEX (Next Gen NCLEX) 2023.
Brief history and purpose of the NCLEX
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized exam in the United States and Canada that determines the competency of nursing graduates. Throughout its history, the NCLEX continuously evolved to ensure the effectiveness of its assessment process in determining the eligibility of candidates for nursing practice.
Highlight the transition to Next Generation NCLEX (Next Gen NCLEX)
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) designed the Next Gen NCLEX to improve the examination process, enhance the testing experience, and ensure that nursing graduates can make sound clinical judgments in today's healthcare landscape.
The Shift to Next Gen NCLEX 2023
What is different about the new-gen NCLEX?
The Next Gen NCLEX introduces a more interactive and engaging format, focusing on assessing nursing graduates' clinical judgment abilities through various item types beyond traditional multiple-choice questions.
Reasons for the shift to the new format
The key driver of this change is to prepare nursing graduates better to handle increasingly complex patient situations and to ensure their competencies in delivering safe and effective care.
What to expect on the next-gen NCLEX
Nursing graduates should expect a broader range of questions and scenarios, increased emphasis on clinical judgment and decision-making skills, and a more engaging and dynamic testing experience.
Overview of the New NCLEX Format 2023
A detailed description of the new format
The Next Gen NCLEX format varies from the current version, featuring innovative item types that focus on assessing nursing graduates' clinical judgment abilities through case scenarios and integrating elements like graphics, multimedia, and interactivity.
Is the next-gen NCLEX multiple-choice?
While the Next Gen NCLEX will still include multiple-choice questions, it will also offer various item types such as drag-and-drop, hotspot, and extended multiple-response questions.
Next Generation NCLEX sample item types
Examples of new item types within the Next Gen NCLEX include:
- Clinical judgment matrix – a table-based display of knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Highlight response – passages with vital information to be identified
- Real-life simulations – virtual encounters with patients to assess critical thinking
- Multiple response questions: These questions have more than one correct answer.
- Drag-and-drop questions require the test-taker to drag and drop items into the correct order.
- Hot spot questions require the test-taker to click on a specific area of an image.
- Fill-in-the-blank questions require the test-taker to type in a word or phrase.
- Case studies: These questions present a complex scenario and require the test-taker to make multiple decisions.
- New scoring system: The NGN uses a polytomous scoring system, meaning test-takers can earn partial credit on some
- questions. This new scoring system allows for more precise measurement of clinical judgment.
- New content: The NGN covers the same content as the previous version of the NCLEX, but it also includes content on emerging nursing trends.
Overview of Next Generation NCLEX questions (using Quizlet as a resource)
Resources like Quizlet can assist in exploring and practicing various Next Gen NCLEX question types, helping nursing graduates become familiar with the new format.
Understanding the Scoring System
How is the next-gen NCLEX scored?
Like the current examination, the Next Gen NCLEX will utilize a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system, which adapts question difficulty to each candidate's ability level to determine competency.
What is the next-gen NCLEX passing score?
While the exact passing score will not be publicly disclosed, it will be determined based on the overall statistical analysis of candidate performance data.
Explanation of whether NCLEX Next Gen gives partial credit
It's yet to be clarified if partial credit will be provided for specific item types in the Next Gen NCLEX. Still, all items will be ultimately scored to evaluate the candidate's clinical judgment ability.
The Details: Questions and Answers
What are the minimum questions for the NCLEX next generation?
The minimum number of questions for the RN and the PN version of the Next Gen NCLEX remains to be disclosed.
How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN 2023?
While the specific number of questions remains to be disclosed, it's expected that a similar range to the current NCLEX-RN format will ensue.
How many times can you take the next-gen NCLEX?
Candidates can retake the Next Gen NCLEX up to 8 times a year, with a minimum of 45 days between each attempt.
Are all NCLEX questions the same?
NCLEX questions are unique and developed to cover a broad range of nursing concepts and skills, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of candidate performance.
What type of NCLEX questions is the hardest?
An individual difficulty may vary, but questions requiring advanced clinical judgment and decision-making skills will pose a significant challenge for candidates.
Does the last question on NCLEX matter?
No single question will solely determine a candidate's test outcome, but the overall performance throughout the examination is significant in determining success.
How to Prepare for the NCLEX Next Generation 2023
Several books are considered the best for NCLEX preparation. Here are some of the top picks:
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination 9th Edition
This book is consistently labeled as the best NCLEX review book and is the #1 Best Seller in Nursing Reviews & Study Guides on Amazon. It provides comprehensive content review and practice questions.
This book includes practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and test-taking strategies.
This book focuses on prioritization, delegation, and assignment, which are important skills for nurses beyond the NCLEX.
This book includes over 6,000 practice questions and detailed rationales for correct and incorrect answers.
This book includes online practice tests, video tutorials, and a mobile app for studying on the go.
How to write your own NCLEX questions next-gen
Creating personalized NCLEX, questions can help nursing graduates understand the new format, practice clinical decision-making skills, and identify potential weak areas.
Free resources for NCLEX next-generation practice questions
Browse sites like NCSBN Learning Extension, Quizlet, and Nurse. Plus, for free Next Gen NCLEX practice questions and study materials.
Importance and benefits of using the NCLEX next-generation study guide
Using the NCLEX next-generation study guide can provide in-depth understanding, valuable strategies, and the opportunity to practice the new item types crucial to success in the examination.
Suggestions on how many NCLEX questions you should do per day
Strive for a consistent study pace by answering at least 50-100 questions daily while preparing at least 1-2 months before the examination.
Conclusion
Recap of the significant points discussed
The Next Gen NCLEX 2023, with its innovative item types, aims to better prepare nursing graduates for their careers in healthcare by emphasising clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
Encouragement for upcoming test takers
Adapting to the new format and effectively preparing for the Next Gen NCLEX can lead to a successful outcome in your nursing licensure journey.
Final tips on adapting to the new changes and being successful on the Next Gen NCLEX 2023
Embrace the changes, familiarize yourself with the new format, and commit to a comprehensive preparation plan. Success in the Next Gen NCLEX 2023 will pave the way for a fruitful and rewarding nursing career.
