The NCLEX exam, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination, is a crucial step for nurse graduates in achieving licensure and legally practicing nursing in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The exam is divided into two versions: the NCLEX-PN for practical (or vocational) nurse graduates, and the NCLEX-RN for registered nurse graduates.
As the healthcare industry evolves and advances, so too must the NCLEX exam. On April 1, 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) exam will be released, bringing with it a host of changes aimed at improving the exam's ability to assess the competencies of future nurses and ensure patient safety. [1]
The NGN exam will feature a shift from traditional multiple-choice questions to more advanced question formats, such as multiple response, fill-in-the-blank, and hot spot questions. These new question formats are designed to better assess critical thinking and problem-solving skills, two essential competencies for nurses. [3]
It's important to note that the changes to the NCLEX exam format will not take place until April 1, 2023, and candidates taking the exam before this date may still encounter traditional multiple-choice questions. [2]
The NGN exam is also designed to better align with current nursing practice and healthcare delivery models. The exam will place a greater emphasis on client-centered care, cultural competence, and the use of technology in healthcare. The NGN exam will also include new and updated content on current healthcare topics, such as opioid use disorder and telehealth.
The ultimate goal of the NGN exam is to ensure that nurses are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking to help you.