NCLEX RN Exam

Now that you've put in the long hours and completed your nursing degree, it's time for the final step: passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). And while that may seem like an overwhelming leap, there are many resources available to help you succeed.

Scrubs magazine published an article that offers helpful advice from an NCLEX insider on how to approach the exam. The insider encourages you to organize your studying around the test plan, which is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) web site. She also warns that simple memorization will not help you pass the NCLEX-RN; you must be able to think critically and apply the information you have learned to various nursing scenarios. Additionally, the expert offers the following tips for test day:

1. Take your time reading each question to make sure you don't miss important words like "not" or "first."
2. Decide on an answer to each question before you view the answer choices to avoid being distracted by the other probable answers.
3. Don't overcomplicate a question by making assumptions or thinking about exceptions; answer each question based on the information that is presented.
4. Don't spend too much time deciding between two equally good multiple choice answers; try to pinpoint a clear reason why one is wrong.
5. Look for patterns in the answer choices for each multiple response question.

If you're ready to start studying for your exam, The College Network offers a comprehensive NCLEX-RN exam preparation package. Our Rx for NCLEX Success is the only test prep bundle developed with the National League for Nursing (NLN), and it includes thousands of NCLEX practice questions, eight comprehensive learning modules and a testing strategies guide.

Since the 2011 release of The Future of Nursing report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), healthcare researchers have continued to justify the push for more baccalaureate-level registered nurses. One of the most powerful testaments to the power of baccalaureate education lies in the fact that facilities with more BSN-RNs have better patient outcomes.

The most recent evidence of improved patient results comes from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, who reviewed outcomes from 134 Pennsylvania hospitals. The resulting study showed that a 10-point increase in the percentage of bachelor’s-level RNs was directly linked with an average reduction of 2.12 deaths for every 1,000 patients.

The report is the University of Pennsylvania’s most recent piece of evidence in an ongoing effort to emphasize the link between baccalaureate-level education and improved care. In 2008, the University partnered with the Journal of the American Medical Association to release a similar study, which revealed that a 10 percent increase in the number of BSN-RNs on staff led to a 5 percent decrease in the risk of patient deaths.

In order for healthcare facilities to improve their bachelor’s degree-level nurse ratios, more nursing students will need to start choosing baccalaureate degrees over associate degree programs.  In 2011, 60 percent of candidates who passed the NCLEX-RN^® exam held an associate’s degree, while only 40 percent held a baccalaureate degree. In today’s workforce, only 45 percent of U.S. nurses hold a bachelor’s degree. The number of nursing students entering BSN programs will need to increase significantly if the industry hopes to meet the IOM’s recommendation, which states that 80 percent of RNs should hold a bachelor’s degree by 2020. 

If you are interested in earning your bachelor's degree in nursing, now is the time. The College Network offers a variety of options for LPNs and RNs who are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree. To learn more, you can view a full list of our degree programs for nurses or request more information. Or, call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a program advisor. 

The College Network has exciting news for Texas LVNs! We are now making it possible to complete an LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program entirely through distance learning. This program, available through Indiana State University, will enable you to sit for your NCLEX-RN exam in Texas.

As you know, registered nurses can make significantly higher salaries and have increased job opportunities. It is more important than ever before to advance your education by becoming an RN and earning a BS in Nursing considering a recent report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine that calls for 80 percent of RNs to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing by 2020.

Indiana State University partners with The College Network to provide you with a way to continue your education while you continue working full-time as an LVN. We will work with you to ensure you have the education and training you need to advance your career right away without the need for long waiting list.

Please contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about this program!

Very best regards,

Joel Kimzey

It's been a hard road, but you are finally ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam.  It's your last step before earning your RN license.  Does the exam strike fear in your heart?  Make your palms get sweaty?  It doesn't have to.  The College Network offers support that will help you be as prepared as possible for the exam.  

The RX for NCLEX Success Preparation Package will  provide you with everything you need to pass the exam.  This is the only preparation tool that has been developed with the National League for Nursing

There is an online Question Review Bank that features over 4,200 exam-style practice questions that will give you a better understanding into what types of questions will be on the exam.  You can personalize  your sessions using the exam simulation mode, study mode and custom-setting mode.  

You will also receive access to other online resources which include an exam preparation handbook that will guide you step-by-step through the process.  If you purchase the RX for NCLEX success review package and need to take the NCLEX-RN more than once, we will provide with free access for an additional 60 days.

So, let us help you calm your exam fears by making sure you're as prepared as possible  Call us at 800-496-9452 to learn more.  

Are you nearing the end of your nursing degree program? If so, you've probably began thinking about taking the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the exam that is required by all nursing school graduates in order to earn your license and practice as an RN. Because of the importance of passing this exam to your future in nursing, it is no wonder so many people are nervous to take their NCLEX.

Although there is good reason to be nervous, the pass rate statistics for the NCLEX-RN are pretty reassuring. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the percentage of first time US Educated students who passed their exam, so far in 2012, is 91.23%.

If you're unfamiliar with how the NCLEX-RN testing process works, the NCSBN lists the following steps to be completed before taking the exam:

1. Apply to your board of nursing to receive an authorization to test (ATT) and then register with Pearson VUE. It is recommended you begin this process well in advance of your target test date.
2. Locate your test site. Test centers may fill up quickly.
3. Learn about eligibility and apply for licensure with your board of nursing.
4. Register with Pearson VUE and pay the testing fee.
5. Schedule your exam.

If you're planning ahead to take your NCLEX-RN exam, The College Network has developed a Comprehensive NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation Package to help our customers prepare to test. This is the only comprehensive exam preparation package that has been developed with the National League for Nursing. You will be fully prepared to take your exam because the package features cutting-edge technology and provides in-depth study resources.

For more information on our exam preparation package including a pdf and product demo, click here.

Do you know someone who seems to pass every test they take with flying colors and with seemingly minimal studying? You, on the other hand, study the material over and over and over again and never seem to do quite as well on your tests. Are you studying the wrong information? Do you just not get it? Maybe you weren't cut out for this after all? Don't go beating yourself up over this, because there could be a very good reason behind your test taking issues-you may have "Test Anxiety."

Test Anxiety is a very real issue that a lot of people struggle with. It is when your anxiety is so bad that it affects your exam performance. People suffering from test anxiety can experience physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. Here are the main causes of test anxiety according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) :

• Fear of failure
• Lack of preparation
• Poor test history

If you think you suffer from Test Anxiety there are some things you can do to manage it.

Organize-Organize your time and develop a study plan. Give yourself plenty of time to study before you have to take your exam.

Prepare-Study, study, study.

Practice-Take practice tests or have someone quiz you over the material you have studied. 

Ask Questions-If there is material that you have studied and don't understand, ask someone for help.

Take Your Time-When exam day arrives, take your time to read through the directions and each question thoroughly. If you don't know an answer, skip it and revisit the question once you have finished the remainder of the exam.

Always remember, whether you are preparing to take your NCLEX-RN or an exam for a specific module, The College Network is here to support you and help answer any questions you have when studying. Visit our Academic Support webpage to find out how you can get into contact with one of our academic advisors.

So you want to become a registered nurse. But how do you do it? It seems like it might be an impossible goal. You work, take care of your family--when are you going to find time to go to school?  Here are 10 easy ways you can become an RN with help from The College Network.

1. Call the The College Network to learn more about online nursing degree programs.
2. Set an appointment to meet with one of our Program Advisors. They can answer all your questions and set you up with a program that is right for you.
3. Make the decision to move towards your goal of becoming an RN and get started in your program.
4. Take our Learning Styles Survey to find out how you learn best. 
5. Complete your Academic Guidance call with our customer support team to review your learning style and develop a study plan for your Comprehensive Learning Modules.
6. Start studying.
7. Schedule your first TCN Exam.  Then go ahead and schedule the rest of your exams on your calendar.  This will help to keep you on track and give you a timely goal to work towards. Keep studying and passing your exams. 
8. Enroll with the university and complete any other requirements for your program.
9. Graduate! Plan to walk with your fellow nurses in the graduation ceremony.
10. Take and pass the NCLEX exam and receive your new RN License!

It really be done in these 10 steps.  You just have to make a commitment, set your goals and take action.  We are here to help every step of the way.  Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN and check your first item off your to-do list.  

Phase I – The College Network (Ironman Equivalent = 2.4 Mile Swim)

•  Study The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules and complete end-of-course equivalency exams to earn credit for your prerequisite and nursing courses (link to program brochure)
•  Experience learning entirely online in our Online Resource Center (link to the ORC demo) which is designed to uniquely compliment various learning styles
• Work at your own pace  (If you can commit to studying an average of one hour per day, you can expect to test out of a course once every 3-6 weeks)
•  Succeed with The College Network. We guarantee you will pass each exam and offer academic support via phone, email, and online chat 5 days a week
•  Take your exams online from the comfort of your home.

Phase II – Complete 4 Customized Study Modules (Ironman Equivalent = 112 Mile Bike Ride)

• Apply and enroll into Indiana State University
• Study the 4 College Network Customized Study Modules (CSMs) to test out of those 4 courses
• Take and pass your 4 CSM Exams Online Directly Through Indiana State

Phase III – Indiana State University and Clinicals (Ironman Equivalent = 26.2 Mile Run (aka a marathon)

• Apply to the Indiana State Nursing School
• Complete 12 remaining nursing courses through Indiana State online
• All remaining courses are online, asynchronous, and based on 16 week semesters with summers off
• Complete your clinical hours with a preceptor at a local facility
• Graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University
  • Average completion time for your BSN degree is 3-5 years (Phases I and II are self-paced, whereas Phase III is not)
• Prepare for your state RN boards with The College Network “Rx for NCLEX Success” (link to more info) developed in partnership with the National League for Nursing
• Become an RN and earn up to $20,000 more annually!

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

In order to be an RN, you can already be an LPN or an LVN and then you'll want to take accelerated nursing courses to get your ADN nursing degree or equivalent, so that you can complete a registered nurse program. 

Most RNs follow three different educational paths - a bachelor's degree (BSN), an associate degree (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

Most BSN programs take about 4 years to complete and are typically offered by colleges and universities.

Many times, ADN programs are offered by community and junior colleges and take about 2 to 3 years to complete.

The Diploma programs are administered by hospitals and take about 3 years to complete.

While there are a lot of BSN and ADN programs, there are fewer diploma programs.  When a student graduates from a BSN, ADN or a diploma program, then they can usually obtain one of the entry-level positions in a hospital, for example, as a staff nurse.
 
Once you have your degree, then you will need to get your licensure and certification.  Licensure is required in all states, DC and in all U.S. territories and the licensing exam is known as the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Once you pass it, you can get a nursing license. Depending on your state, you might have additional licensure requirements.  Be sure to check with your state as to the particulars.

One of the many programs we help people with is the LPN to RN program through Excelsior College. What I like about is it's "a degree by examination". What this means is for each course required by Excelsior's nursing school, they have one examination for it. This means in passing one Excelsior examination, the student receives the same college credit as if the student were to sit in a classroom for an entire semester! Even more remarkable is the fact that the student studies completely at their own pace and schedule the exams when they feel ready at a local Pearson Vue testing center. The College Network prepares comprehensive learning modules, one per course, that prepare the nurse to pass the examination.

"1 in 10 Nursing Students Nationwide Study at Excelsior College. Excelsior’s graduates consistently pass the national nurse licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, on the first attempt at a rate equal to or above the national average."-Excelsior College

"According to the NLN, more than one-third (36%) of all nursing schools nationwide were affected by the nursing faculty shortage in 2007-2008, with 1,900 full-time faculty positions reported as unfilled. Faculty recruitment was said to be “difficult” or “very difficult” at 79% of nursing schools reviewed."-Excelsior College

With the ever increasing waiting periods at most RN programs throughout the country, one of the reason's 1 in10 nursing students choose Excelsior College is they can start right away; there is no waiting period. Combine this with the fact Excelsior College doesn't have time limitations on previous general education courses in most cases, make it very appealing for the thousands of nurses who have graduated from Excelsior College over the years.

If you are an LPN/LVN wanting your RN and would prefer not to sit in a classroom, contact The College Network at 800.395.3276 or visit our website at www.collegenetwork.com for more information.