The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is administered by state boards of nursing, as well as boards in the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These boards have a mandate to protect the public from unsafe and ineffective nursing care, and each board has been given responsibility to regulate the practice of nursing in its respective state. The NCLEX is also referred to as "The Boards" or "State Boards."
The NCLEX has only one purpose: to determine if it is safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse.
You must pass the NCLEX in order to practice as a registered nurse.
Links
The National Council
of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides information on licensure,
testing, and the field of nursing in general, as well as links to state boards of nursing.
The NC Board of Nursing provides information on licensure, practice, education, discipline, legislation, and compliance in the state of North Carolina.
NCLEX Review and Preparation
Assessment Technology Institute (ATI)'s Assessment-Driven Review (ADR) is designed to increase student pass rates on the nursing licensing exam and lower program attrition. Used as a comprehensive program, the tools can help students prepare more efficiently, as well as increase confidence and familiarity with content. As part of this program, students receive review books in the content areas of nutrition, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, maternal/newborn nursing, nursing care of children, mental health, community health, leadership, and medical/surgical nursing. Additionally, at the conclusion of many of the courses in the School of Nursing curriculum, a proctored ATI assessment is completed by students to assist in identifying knowledge deficits. Students may independently complete non-proctored on-line assessments to increase their understanding of various content areas in nursing as they prepare for exams and for taking NCLEX post-graduation. Through the ATI website (www.atitesting.com), students are able to access their testing scores and to take the online assessments.
Review Courses:
Virtual ATI:
ATI offers an internet-based NCLEX review program in which students can utilize their current ATI products (Review Modules, DVD's and Online Practice Assessments) along with individualized assistance and guidance from one of ATI's experienced online instructors. Virtual ATI provides eight additional online assessments that include over 500 questions. The ATI instructor will assist you to develop and follow a detailed timeline for NCLEX preparation. The cost of the Virtual ATI program is approximately $150.00.
Live Review :
A three day live review course taught by an experienced nursing educator may be offered by ATI at the end of the course of study. This course provides review of pertinent content, test-taking strategies, and opportunities for students to ask questions about areas that may be yet unclear. The content of the review course is based on the results of the RN Comprehensive Predictor examination and is tailored to meet the needs of the group. The cost of the live review is approximately $150.00.
Kaplan:
NCLEX-RN review courses are available through Kaplan. Information on
classes and on-line reviews are available through the Kaplan
office in Chapel Hill (phone: 919-960-4600) or through the Kaplan
website.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing: An online NCLEX review course is available through the NCSBN Learning Extension.
The Hurst Review: Offers both a live review and an online review. The cost ranges from $300 and up.
Review Books:
Burckhardt, J.J. & Irwin, B. (2007). Kaplan NCLEX-RN Exam 2007-2008 (with CD-ROM).
Billings, D.M. (2005). Lippincott's Review for NCLEX-RN.
Saxton, D.F., Nugent, P.M., & Pelikan, P.K. (2005). Mosby's Comprehensive Review of Nursing for NCLEX-RN.
Silvestri, L.A. (2006). Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination.
Other Review Resources:
