The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a licensure exam that nurse graduates must pass in order to lawfully practice nursing in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN test, whereas practical (or vocational) nurses must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
If you plan to graduate in the spring of 2023 or later, you should be aware of significant changes to the NCLEX test.
Next Generation NCLEX
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) intends to introduce a new NCLEX format known as the Next Generation NCLEX, abbreviated NGN.
When Will The Next Generation NCLEX Become Available?
On April 1, 2023, the NCSBN aims to release the updated Next Generation NCLEX format. So, unless the release date is changed, those of you graduating in the spring of 2023 or later will very certainly receive the revised format.
Is NCLEX Next Gen harder?
Yes, there are additions to the NCLEX-RN. The next generation of NCLEX features evolving case studies and independent clinical assessment points. The case study will include a clinical scenario, supporting information, and six questions requiring candidates to make multiple decisions. Items are presented in a sequence and the candidate can complete all six steps of his NCJMM. With the exception of flies, Nclex’s next-generation product types are available in both traditional and new case studies.
Standalone clinical endpoints contain diagnostic and supportive information and use either the NGN element type ‘fly’ or ‘her’. New independent article types are Trends and Bow Ties. It differs from traditional stand-alone items as it assesses the candidate’s understanding of one or more steps within the NCJMM.
What is new about the NCLEX 2023?
All test specifics are subject to change prior to the exam’s official release date. However, one of the major differences on the Next Generation NCLEX is a shift toward case studies (also known as scenarios) to assist examine test takers’ critical thinking abilities.
What exactly is a case study? It is a simulated scenario that might occur in the actual world of nursing and is used to examine the test taker’s ability to handle a specific nursing problem. A patient’s diagnosis, current assessment findings, prescriptions, lab results, and presenting condition are all supplied to the test taker.
Based on this information, the testing applicant will be asked a series of questions on how the nurse would handle the issue. This sort of inquiry necessitates a higher level of critical thinking and nursing expertise, and it determines if the individual can provide good quality patient care.
In addition to other sorts of questions, there will be about three case studies with six questions each, for a total of 18 items.
The Next Generation NCLEX will also have five different item kinds, including the following:
Extended Multiple Response
Although SATA questions and other multiple-choice items are on the current NCLEX, “Extended Multiple Response” will increase the number of answers for each question.
Drag and Drop with Extensions
These types of questions enable you to drag a response in one of the blank answer slots, and test takers must now decide whether to use any or all of the available answers.
Cloze (Drop-Down)
These are the drop-down options that allow you to pick the correct response. And a Cloze question type can now include numerous drop-down boxes.
Improved Hot Spot
This improved item type lets you choose (or highlight) the appropriate words. Or phrases from a sample medical record that match to the question.
Grid / Matrix
This item type contains rows and columns of alternatives from which the applicant must choose.
Final Words on the Next Generation NCLEX
To summarize, don’t worry about the changes coming in the Next Generation NCLEX. Instead, stay the course and put in the time studying and practicing questions, and you’ll perform fine!
Even if you fail the first time, you can retake the exam, so go into the exam with confidence!