Considering a career in nursing? Whether you decide to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), both paths lead to becoming a registered nurse (RN).

While an ADN and BSN both prepare you for the NCLEX, BSN programs are recognized for their comprehensive curriculum that has been shown to enhance first-time .

Additionally, while ADN graduates can benefit from faster entry into the workforce, BSN graduates earn a deeper theoretical foundation, invaluable leadership skills, and higher earning potential. BSN graduates are also increasingly sought after as more healthcare facilities move toward BSN-preferred hiring policies due to their comprehensive education and skill set.

If you鈥檙e wondering which program is the right fit for you, read on to learn more about the differences between an ADN and a BSN program.

What Is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a nursing degree that equips students to take and pass the NCLEX to become registered nurses. Generally, ADN programs take two years to complete. They are designed to help students obtain entry-level RN roles such as a staff nurse, charge nurse, or clinic nurse.

While specific requirements program structures vary between institutions, you鈥檒l generally enroll in the following courses:

• General education courses
• Core nursing courses
• Clinical practicum/clinical placements
• NCLEX preparation

A well-rounded ADN program incorporates hands-on training with in-depth core nursing courses to provide a foundation for passing the NCLEX, becoming a registered nurse, and pursuing further study if desired.

What Is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an advanced nursing degree that builds upon foundational nursing education to train graduates for a broader scope of practice and leadership roles within healthcare.

Combining both classroom education with extensive clinical training, BSN programs are structured to deepen theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are critical for professional nursing practice. Typical components of a BSN program include:

• General education courses (for those without an undergraduate degree)
• Core nursing courses
• Specialized electives
• Leadership and management courses
• Clinical practicum/clinical placements
• NCLEX preparation

To prepare you for the field of nursing, consider enrolling in a BSN program that provides you with both the didactic learning and hands-on practice you need to prepare for the fast-paced world of patient care. A solid curriculum is both industry-current and forward-thinking.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an ADN vs. BSN Program?

There are several factors to consider when choosing between an ADN and a BSN program 鈥� time to completion is a significant one. Even after you graduate with your degree through an accredited nursing program, you鈥檒l still need to pass the NCLEX exam to become an RN.

Take a look at the time it takes to become an RN depending on the most common educational paths below:

• ADN: As little as 20 months at WCU-Miami
• BSN: As little as 39 months at WCU鈥檚 Accelerated pace

Before you decide on a program, note how long the school estimates it will take you to complete an ADN or BSN program through full-time or part-time enrollment. This can help ensure that you鈥檙e able to fully commit yourself to the degree requirements while also keeping up with your personal responsibilities.

Lastly, remember that while an ADN program may be shorter, a BSN program meets the growing educational standards required by an increasing amount of healthcare facilities nationwide.

Career Opportunities and Advancement: ADN vs. BSN

Generally, those with a BSN may qualify for different positions than those with an ADN alone. However, the key advantage of an ADN is that it allows students to enter the workforce quickly.

for ADNs include but are not limited to:

• Staff Nurse (Hospital or Clinic)
• Home Health Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Telehealth Nurse
• Charge Nurse
• School Nurse

RNs with an ADN tend to have a versatile skill set and can handle a broad spectrum of critical tasks. Although, choosing to specialize in a specific area might necessitate additional education and/or training.

for BSNs include but are not limited to:

• Nurse Manager/Nurse Supervisor
• Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Educator
• Public Health Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse

Some states, such as , require RNs to complete BSN degrees.

Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Education

Looking to enter a more specialized healthcare field of study and/or prepare for leadership roles? 国产主播 offers a hands-on BSN program at our campuses in Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and Southern California 鈥� allowing you to graduate in as little as 39 months at the Accelerated page.

If you feel that an associate degree program better matches your current needs, enroll in WCU鈥檚 ADN program in Miami and earn your degree through hands-on learning in simulation labs, where you鈥檒l practice on-the-job skills

Designed for current healthcare professionals, this immersive program allows you to earn your degree in as little as 20 months. Best of all, the Miami ADN program has no waitlist, so you can get started and prepare to make a difference sooner.

Regardless of which path you take, WCU students benefit from a student-centric approach to education, simulation labs, and innovative learning tools that are designed to aid in your success.

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What Aspiring Registered Nurse Need to Know About Licensure Testing

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is a competency-based exam all student nurses must pass to practice in the United States. This nursing exam provides a comprehensive evaluation of your readiness to enter the healthcare workforce as a nurse. The NCLEX is rigorous and warrants adequate preparation before you sit for the test.

Both the NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses and above) and the NCLEX-PN (for practical nurses) have a five-hour time limit to complete. Individuals with an eligible disability or reason may , including extra time, additional breaks, or a separate testing room.

Do I Need to Take the NCLEX?

If you plan to practice as a registered nurse 鈥� or as a nurse at any level higher than an RN 鈥� you鈥檒l have to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing the NCLEX is a requirement of licensure nationwide.

What鈥檚 on the NCLEX?

To better understand the content of the actual test, . This provides you with a comprehensive summary of what you鈥檒l be tested on, and how it will be ordered and formatted. This plan is reviewed and updated every three years, so make sure the plan you have is current. Here鈥檚 a :

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • Management of Care
  • Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychological Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
  • Basic Care and Comfort
  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
  • Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Physiological Adaptation

Integrated within the above will be the core competencies of nursing, including:

• Nursing process
• Caring
• Communication
• Documentation
• Teaching and learning
• Culture and spirituality

The exam content is distributed in percentages, between 6-23% per topic. (Subject to vary. Reference the current test plan for up-to-date distribution.) Exam content will test your knowledge and comprehension across biological, social, and physical sciences.

Steps to Take the NCLEX

1. Apply for licensure with the
2. Register for the exam through (online recommended).
3. Receive your eligibility confirmation from NRB and registration acknowledgment.
4. Look for your Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
5. .
6. Take the test ().
7. in about six weeks (or two-day quick results for a $7.95 fee).

How to Prepare for the NCLEX-RN

Once you鈥檝e graduated, registered, and received your Authorization to Test (ATT) for your test date, it鈥檚 time to do a sanity check that you鈥檙e prepared, packed, and ready for your nursing exam.

• Familiarize yourself with the exam format. The NCLEX uses the Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) format, which means the test is adaptive and no one test is identical.
• Optional: Take a test-prep course through a company like , , or one of many others.
• Practice: Take an or purchase a or online simulation. You can find many questions and practice tests for free online.
• Gather .
• Don鈥檛 forget to rest up before you test up!

What if I Don鈥檛 Pass the NCLEX?

If you don鈥檛 pass the NCLEX, . There is a 45-day waiting period before you can retake the exam. Follow the steps above. (You can skip step one.)

Nervous?

That鈥檚 natural. The best way to tame your nerves is to make sure you feel adequately prepared for the test. Here are a few tips to get your facts down and confidence up. Visit our post on test anxiety for strategies on how to combat pre-test stress. It may also be helpful for you to check out our post debunking three common exam prep learning myths.

For more helpful posts to assist you in your nursing school journey and career path, continue reading our blog!

The post The NCLEX-RN Test for Nursing Licensure appeared first on 国产主播.

1. What is the NCLEX Exam?聽The NCLEX examination is designed to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant to practice safe and effective entry-level nursing. It is a standardized exam that is used by the board of nursing in each state to determine if a candidate is prepared to practice entry-level nursing.NCLEX examinations are developed and owned by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN).
2. How to Apply for the NCLEX – Eligibility & Registration
   You can register to take the exam after you apply for a nursing licence From your state board of nursing. This state board will determine whether or not you are eligible to take the exam. It is important to note that each state has different requirements and guidelines for eligibility. Once your state board has verified your eligibility, you will receive an Authorization to Take the Test (ATT), along with a list of testing centers and instructions on how to schedule an appointment to take the examination. After an NCLEX registration is created, it stays open for 365 days waiting for candidate eligibility and you are required to take the test within the valid dates of the ATT.
3. NCLEX RN
   The National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) – is for those who have completed an聽Associate鈥檚 Degree in Nursing聽(ADN) or a聽Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Nursing聽(BSN). The exam uses the five-step nursing process, where each of the questions will fall into one of the five steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
4. NCLEX PN
   The National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) – is for those who have obtained a diploma in licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN). Exams for RNs and LPNs test the basic understanding and knowledge of nursing practice, and also include similar topics; however, there is a different level of emphasis on each of these sections to reflect the varying scope of work between the two designations.
5. NCLEX Question Type and PatternNCLEX examinations are designed in the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format and are presently administered by Pearson VUE in their network of Pearson Professional Centers (PPC),

   The NCLEX exam is around 90 percent multiple-choice questions. The remaining questions could be: fill in the blank, select all of the correct answers From a list of options, put a number of steps in the correct sequence, or identify a correct area on a picture. Some of these alternative format questions ask information about a chart, graph, or audio clip, or use pictures as the answer choices instead of words. The questions will appear one at a time on the computer screen. Questions will not be repeated;聽however, questions based on a similar situation could be asked.

   You will have 6 hours to take the RN exam, while the PN exam is 5 hours.

6. NCLEX Examination Scoring
   Covering a wide range of material, the scoring of the NCLEX is based on critical thinking – testing decisions involving nursing care. The exam鈥檚 computational algorithm evaluates correct answers within the context of their difficulty and variety of topic knowledge. Graded by comparing the responses to a pre-established standard, those individuals who meet or exceed the standard, pass the exam; those who do not, fail.
   There is no specific number or percentage of questions that you need to answer correctly to pass the NCLEX. Each question depends on how the previous question is answered, so an individual can be given anywhere between 75 to 265 questions. RN candidates can be given a maximum of 265 questions, while LPN candidates can have a maximum of 205. The computer continuously and randomly generates questions From a category until the individual has met the requirements of the test plan.
7. NCLEX Exam Day Planning
   Besides preparing yourself for the exam, it would be beneficial to keep the following in mind for the exam day:
   • Dress comfortably and carry a jacket to keep warm 鈥� it could be a long test.
   • Prior to taking the exam, practice a few mock tests by setting a timer for the duration of the actual exam, i.e. 6 hours. It might take a few tries to get your technique and timing correct.
   • Arrive for the exam at least 30 minutes earlier to avoid any unforeseen delays. If you arrive more than 30 minutes later than the scheduled time, you will have to re-register and pay for another exam.
8. Preparing For the Exam
   Earning straight A鈥檚 or 4.0 GPA in nursing school does not predict success on the NCLEX. Spend a minimum of 1-2 months of focused studying. Each exam attempt costs $200 and it is possible to retake it after a 45-day waiting period. Make it worth your time and money by passing the exam the first time you take it.
   • Stress management鈥� Prepare in advance
   • Make a study plan鈥揟he NCLEX is a test model that aims to test knowledge gained over the course of years, not days. Planning is vital because the question, 鈥淗ow to study for the NCLEX鈥� has just one answer – quality preparation over time.
   • Test-taking skills – Utilize test-taking strategies to eliminate wrong answers as the NCLEX is just as much about knowing how the test is written as it is about the knowledge it tests.
   • Investing in NCLEX preparation – Get practice exam books or enroll in a classroom review course. Many exam resource companies produce exceptional guides to prepare you for the NCLEX exam, so spend some time browsing reviews to see which guidebook style fits you best.
   • Practice with mock exams 鈥� Computer-based testing is something that can throw off the best, so do it a few times to get comfortable.
9. The NCLEX Results
   Official results are available through the board of nursing/regulatory body and are sent to you by mail and/or posted on their website. If your board of nursing participates in the Quick Results Service, you can receive your unofficial results 2 business days after the exam for $7.95.
   If you did not pass, your state board of nursing will mail you an analytical profile to help you be better prepared for your next NCLEX attempt.
10. What Happens if You Fail the NCLEX
    If you fail the exam, your Candidate Performance Report shows individualized performance by content area, so you are aware of which should be your focus areas. The National Council鈥檚 policy requires that you wait at least 91 days before taking the test again. Since individual state boards may impose other, stricter requirements, please check with your state board.

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