2 1.5 Nursing Education and the NCLEX draft
This section will review education requirements and information related to the national licensure exam (NCLEX).
Nursing Education and the NCLEX
What motivations a person to want to become a nurse? The answer to this question varies from individual to individual. Take a minute to reflect on the factors that influence you to start this journey. Some students find it helpful to write the reason(s) on an index card or take a picture of a loved one and keep it with them during the journey. What are the main steps needed to achieve your goal of becoming a nurse? First, enroll and complete a state approved nursing program. Secondly, receive authorization to test from the state nursing board. Lastly, pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
Nursing Programs
There are two different terms or titles used to describe a licensed nurse. The terms are LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). The two are used interchangeably. The state of Louisiana uses the LPN. California and Texas are two states that utilize the LVN title. The length of the program may vary from one to two years.
(Add internet reference LPN vs. LVN: What’s the Difference Between LVN and LPN? | LPN.com)
Nursing graduates must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to receive a nursing license. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
The NCLEX-PN exam is a computer based and may vary in the length of tests the test because of adaptive technology utilized as you answer the test items. The NCLEX-PN examination can be anywhere from 85 to 205 items. Of these items, 25 are unscored items. The time limit for this examination is five hours.[1]
In April 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) went into effect. Examination questions on the NGN use the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model as a framework to measure prelicensure nursing graduates’ clinical judgment and decision-making. The critical thinking model called the “Nursing Process” continues to underlie the NGN, but candidates will notice new terminology used to assess their decision-making. For example, candidates will be asked to “recognize cues,” “analyze cues,” “create a hypothesis,” “prioritize hypotheses,” “generate solutions,” “take actions,” or “evaluate outcomes.”[2] For this reason, many of the case studies and learning activities included in this book will use similar terminology as the NGN.
NGN
The Nursing Process [LINK TO 4.1] critical thinking model is discussed in the “Nursing Process” chapter.
There are new types of questions on the NGN, including case studies, enhanced hot spots, drag, and drop ordering of responses, multiple responses, and embedded answer choices within paragraphs of text. NCSBN’s rationale for including these types of questions is to “measure the nursing clinical judgment and decision-making ability of prospective entry-level nurses to protect the public’s health and welfare by assuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses.”[3] These types of questions have been included in learning activities throughout this textbook.
Use the information below to read more about the NCLEX and the Next Generation NCLEX.
Read more information about the NCLEX & Test Plans.
View sample “Next Generation NCLEX Item Types” on the Elsevier website.
Nurse Licensure Compact
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows a nurse to have one multistate nursing license with the ability to practice in their home state, as well as in other compact states. As of 2023, 41 states have implemented NLC legislation.
Read additional details about the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Academic Progression
After obtaining an LPN license, nurses may consider reentry to an approved educational program to pursue a registered nurse degree. There are multiple pathways to achieve a registered nurse degree. A Registered Nurse (RN), degree can be obtained either as two-year associate degree (ADN) or a four-year baccalaureate of science in nursing degree (BSN). Another pathway to becoming an RN is to complete a three-year hospital-based diploma program. After completing a diploma program, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree, nursing graduates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN to apply for a registered nursing license from their state’s Board of Nursing.
Advanced Nursing Degrees
After obtaining an RN license, nurses can receive advanced degrees to expand their opportunities in the nursing profession.
Master’s degree in nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN) requires additional credits and years of schooling beyond the BSN. There are multiple pathway options for obtaining an MSN degree. Nurse Educator and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) are only two examples. Certifications associated with an MSN degree are Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Certifications require successful completion of a certification exam and continuing education requirements to maintain it. The scope of practice for advanced practice nursing roles is defined by each state’s Nurse Practice Act.
Doctoral Degrees in Nursing
Doctoral nursing degrees include the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). PhD-prepared nurses complete doctoral work that is focused on research. They often teach or conduct research in universities or other settings. DNP-prepared nurses complete doctoral work that is focused on clinical nursing practice. They typically have work roles in advanced nursing practice, clinical leadership, or academic settings.
Lifelong Learning
No matter what nursing role or level of nursing education you choose, nursing practice, technology, and treatment options change rapidly. This requires a personal commitment to professional growth and constant updates with new evidence-based practices. Nurses must commit to lifelong learning to continue to provide safe, quality care to their clients. Although Louisiana does not require annual continuing education for license renewal, some nurses recognize the importance of lifelong learning. There are many companies that provide learning opportunities and additional training to nurses employed by the company.
In the next section the legal and ethical considerations for nursing will be discussed.
- NCSBN. (2024). NCLEX & other exams. https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm ↵
- NCSBN. (2024). Next Generation NCLEX. https://www.ncsbn.org/next-generation-nclex.htm ↵
- NCSBN. (2024).
- LPN vs. LVN: What’s the Difference Between LVN and LPN? | LPN.com
Removed Content
1.5
Now that we have discussed various settings where nurses work and various nursing roles, let us review levels of nursing education and the national licensure exam (NCLEX).
This section we will review education requirements and information related to the national licensure exam (NCLEX).
Nursing Education and the NCLEX
What motivations a person to want to become a nurse? The answer to this question varies from individual to individual. Everyone who wants to become a nurse has a story to tell about why they want to enter the nursing profession. Take a minute to reflect on the factors that influence you to start this journey. Some students find it helpful to write the reason(s) on an index card or take a picture of a loved one and keep it with them during the journey. What is your story? Perhaps it has been a lifelong dream to become a Life Flight nurse, or you became interested after watching a nurse help you or a family member through the birth of a baby, heal from a challenging illness, or assist a loved one at the end of life. Whatever the reason, everyone who wants to become a nurse must do two things: graduate from a state-approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (known as the NCLEX). What are the main steps needed to achieve your goal of becoming a nurse? First, enroll and complete a state approved nursing program. Secondly, receive authorization to test from the state nursing board. Lastly, pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
Nursing Programs
There are several types of nursing programs you can attend to become a nurse. If your goal is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN), you must successfully complete a one-year nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and apply to your state Board of Nursing to receive an LPN license.
There are two different terms or titles used to describe the practical nurse. The terms are LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). The two are used interchangeably. The state of Louisiana uses the LPN. California and Texas are two states that utilize the LVN title. The length of the program may vary from one to two years.
(Add internet reference LPN vs. LVN: What’s the Difference Between LVN and LPN? | LPN.com)
Nursing graduates must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to receive a nursing license. Registered nurses must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
The NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are online, adaptive tests taken at a specialized testing center. The NCLEX tests knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. NCLEX exams are continually reviewed and updated based on surveys of newly graduated nurses every three years.
The NCLEX-PN exam may vary in the length of tests the test because of adaptive technology utilized as you answer the test items. The NCLEX-RN examination can be anywhere from 75 to 265 items, depending on how quickly you are able to demonstrate your proficiency. Of these items, 15 are unscored test items. The time limit for this examination is six hours. The NCLEX-PN examination can be anywhere from 85 to 205 items. Of these items, 25 are unscored items. The time limit for this examination is five hours.[1]
In April 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) went into effect. Examination questions on the NGN use the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model as a framework to measure prelicensure nursing graduates’ clinical judgment and decision-making. The critical thinking model called the “Nursing Process” continues to underlie the NGN, but candidates will notice new terminology used to assess their decision-making. For example, candidates will be asked to “recognize cues,” “analyze cues,” “create a hypothesis,” “prioritize hypotheses,” “generate solutions,” “take actions,” or “evaluate outcomes.”[2] For this reason, many of the case studies and learning activities included in this book will use similar terminology as the NGN.
NGN
The Nursing Process critical thinking model is discussed in the “Nursing Process” chapter.
There are new types of questions on the NGN, including case studies, enhanced hot spots, drag, and drop ordering of responses, multiple responses, and embedded answer choices within paragraphs of text. NCSBN’s rationale for including these types of questions is to “measure the nursing clinical judgment and decision-making ability of prospective entry-level nurses to protect the public’s health and welfare by assuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses.”[3] These types of questions have been included in the learning activities throughout this textbook.
Use the information below to read more about the NCLEX and the Next Generation NCLEX.
Read more information about the NCLEX & Test Plans.
View sample “Next Generation NCLEX Item Types” on the Elsevier website.
Nurse Licensure Compact
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) ) allows a nurse to have one multistate nursing license with the ability to practice in their home state, as well as in other compact states. As of 2023, 41 states have implemented NLC legislation.
Read additional details about the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Academic Progression
After obtaining an LPN license, nurses may consider reentry to an approved educational program to pursue a registered nurse degree. There are multiple pathways to achieve a registered nurse degree. If you want to become A Registered Nurse (RN), degree can be obtained either as a two-year associate degree (ADN) or a four-year baccalaureate of science in nursing degree (BSN). Associate degree nursing graduates often enroll into a baccalaureate or higher degree program after they graduate. Many hospitals hire ADN nurses on the condition they complete their BSN within a specific time. A BSN is required for military nursing, case management, public health nursing, and school-based nursing services. Another pathway to becoming an RN is to complete a three-year hospital-based diploma program. which was historically the most common way to become a nurse. After completing a diploma program, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree, nursing graduates must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN to apply for a registered nursing license from their state’s Board of Nursing.
Advanced Nursing Degrees
After obtaining an RN license, nurses can receive advanced degrees to expand their opportunities in the nursing profession.
Master’s degree in nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN) requires additional credits and years of schooling beyond the BSN. There are a variety of potential focuses in this degree, including multiple pathway options for obtaining an MSN degree. Nurse Educator and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) are only two examples. Certifications associated with an MSN degree are Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Certifications require successful completion of a certification exam and continuing education requirements to maintain it. The scope of practice for advanced practice nursing roles is defined by each state’s Nurse Practice Act.
Doctoral Degrees in Nursing
Doctoral nursing degrees include the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). PhD-prepared nurses complete doctoral work that is focused on research. They often teach or conduct research in universities or other settings. DNP-prepared nurses complete doctoral work that is focused on clinical nursing practice. They typically have work roles in advanced nursing practice, clinical leadership, or academic settings.
Lifelong Learning
No matter what nursing role or level of nursing education you choose, nursing practice, technology, and treatment options change rapidly. This requires a personal commitment to professional growth and constant updates with new evidence-based practices. Nurses must commit to lifelong learning to continue to provide safe, quality care to their clients. Many states require continuing education credits to renew RN licenses, whereas others rely on health care organizations to set education standards and ongoing educational requirements. Although Louisiana does not require annual continuing education for license renewal, some nurses recognize the importance of lifelong learning. There are many companies that provide learning opportunities and additional training to nurses employed by the company.
Now that we have discussed nursing roles and education, let us review legal and ethical considerations in nursing.
In the next section the legal and ethical considerations for nursing will be discussed.
- NCSBN. (2024). NCLEX & other exams. https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm ↵
- NCSBN. (2024). Next Generation NCLEX. https://www.ncsbn.org/next-generation-nclex.htm ↵
- NCSBN. (2024).
- LPN vs. LVN: What’s the Difference Between LVN and LPN? | LPN.com
Allows a nurse to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in the home state and other compact states.
An individual who has graduated from a state-approved school of nursing, passed the NCLEX-RN examination, and is licensed by a state board of nursing to provide patient care.
