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NURSING

The first phase of your NCLEX (National Council's Learning Extension) preparation is the Kaplan Diagnostic Exam. This test analyzes your strengths and weaknesses and indicates the areas of nursing content that need concentrated study.

The second phase of your NCLEX preparation includes the Kaplan NCLEX lessons. This guided review of NCLEX-style questions emphasizes the critical thinking skills that are required to be successful on the NCLEX. Essential nursing content and strategies specific for the NCLEX are reviewed in the Training Library. Remember, it is important for you to read the assigned pages in the Kaplan NCLEX Course Book before you start a study session. This allows you to follow along with the videos and get the most out of the lesson.

The third phase of your NCLEX preparation is the NCLEX Readiness Test. This exam contains questions that are at the same level of difficulty as the NCLEX exam. Use your results on the Readiness Test as an indicator of where you are, and what you need to do before you take the NCLEX to insure that you will be successful.

The fourth and final phase of your preparation for the NCLEX exam is continued study. If you scored borderline, at risk, or failed the Kaplan Diagnostic Exam or Readiness Test, you should use the materials available in the Kaplan Training library to master the essential nursing content and the critical thinking skills required to be successful on the NCLEX. Kaplan has a wealth of study materials in the Training Library. Included in the study materials are two types of videos and audio tapes, and most students should use both types:

The Course Content Videos and Audio Tapes contain a discussion of nursing content and identify important information presented in the Course Book. The lectures follow the Course Book outline so you can follow along in your Course Book while watching the videos or listening to the audio tapes. Reviewing these materials is highly recommended, especially for repeat test takers.

The Course Lesson Videos and Audio Tapes review the class questions one at a time. You do not need a booklet for the test review because the questions are presented on the video screen. The on-screen teacher discusses each question and reviews critical thinking skills, test taking strategies and nursing content.

40 NCLEX FACTS

1. To determine if you are a safe and effective nurse
2. To safeguard the public
3. To test for minimum competency to practice nursing
   The Test Content:
4. Based on the knowledge and activities of an entry-level nurse
5. Written by nursing faculty and clinical specialists
6. Presented as self-contained multiple-choice questions
7. Based on integrated nursing content, not on the medical model
8. Includes fifteen experimental questions tested for future exams.
   Administration of the NCLEX CAT:
9. The CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) is adapted to your knowledge, skills, and ability level
   
10. The question sequence is determined interactively
11. The computer selects questions based on the item difficulty and the test plan
    
12. You individually schedule a date and time to take the exam at a Sylvan learning Center
    
13. You sit at an individual computer station
    Taking The Exam:
    
14. Computer knowledge is not required to take this exam
    
15. You use only two keys: the space bar to move the cursor and enter/return to highlight and lock-in your answer
    
16. AII other computer keys are disconnected
    
17. You receive instructions and a practice exercise before beginning the exam
    
18. Any necessary background information appears on the screen with the question
    
19. The computer selects a relatively easy first question
    
20. The computer selects the next question based on your response to the first question
    
21. If you answer correctly, the next question is slightly more difficult
    
22. If you answer incorrectly, the next question is slightly easier
    
23. Questions are selected to precisely measure your ability in each area of the test plan
    
    Timing:
    
24. There is no time limit for each individual question
    
25. You will answer a minimum of 75 questions to a maximum of 265 questions
    
26. The maximum time for the exam is 5 hours including the practice exercise and breaks
    
27. There is a mandatory 10-minute break after 2 hours of testing
    
28. There is an optional10-minute break after 1 1/2 hours of additional test time
    The Exam Will End:
    
29. When the computer has determined your ability, or
    
30. When a maximum of 5 hours of testing is reached, or
    
31. When a maximum of 265 questions have been answered
    
    Scoring
    
32. It is a pass/fail exam
    
33. There is no penalty for guessing
    
34. The 15 experimental questions are not counted
    
    Concerns:
    
35. You can't change answers-questions that are selected by the computer based on your previous responses
    
36. You can't scroll back
    
37. You can't skip a question-you must answer the question to go on
    Advantages
    
38. Testing is available year-round, 15 hours a day, 6 days a week, in 5-hour time slots
    
39. Results are released by the individual State Board; time will vary by State Board
    
40. If you fail, you can retest in 3 months