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NCLEX RN- Why Are Test Passing Rates Dropping?

by CF Thompson

You can pass the NCLEX RN the first time! There are many students that pass the test on their initial attempt. When you take the time to determine how you are going to approach your studies, you can too! Only 87.1% of United States trained pupils and 47.4% of internationally educated students passed the NCLEX in the first quarter of 2008. This is down 2% and 10% for United States and internationally educated students compared to the first quarter of 2007 according to the NCSBN. An initial review of this statistic could be a bit disheartening, but when analyzing the numbers as a whole they are curious. Here are some interesting statistics .

United States Educated Students- First Time NCLEX TestTakers 2007:

First Quarter- 26,923 Candidates 89.1% % Pass Rate

Second Quarter- 31,379 Candidates 87.6% Pass Rate

Third Quarter- 51,428 Candidates 83.5% Pass Rate

Forth Quarter- 9.849 Candidates 78.6% Pass Rate

The pass rates vary significantly between the quarters. Does the test taken differ that much from one quarter to the next? It is not likely that the NCSBN is making changes that will cause such a significant flux. The amount of students sitting for the exam does not appear to be a factor either, as the highest and lowest pass rates are during periods where there are the most and least number of candidates.

The only significance we may be able to draw from this is that it is possible that the students taking the exam during the first and second quarters were full time nursing students and they took their tests as the class was completed. An amazingfact which is not mentioned above is that in 2007, on average pupils with a high school diploma passed at 87.9% ; baccalaureate degreed students 86.4%; and associate degreed students at 84.8%. Surprisingly, students with a mere diploma were able to perform better on the exam.

The cause for this is that they have fewer distractions, and they have more opportunity to study. Students with fewer responsibilities are better able to concentrate on what they have learned, opposed to their counter parts, who must focus on the needs of their children and their careers.

It is challenging to find the time to study for the NCLEX Exam with such demands It is necessary to plan your time. If you haven't started nursing classes yet, start taking the time to figure out when you will be able to study. set practical expectations. Consider what other activities you will have to give up. If you realize in advance what sacrifices you have to make and you communicate with those who rely on you, they will be more likely to support you.

Decide where you will study. This must be a space where you feel focused on your studies. Time that you spend focused only on your studies will be effective and take less time. Interestingly, the auto is a great place to study and review what you have learned. Get NLEX audios and start listening to them. Take advantage of this time, so you can reward yourself with free time later. Take advantage of all the audio study guides. The more you listen to and learn, the less time you will be sitting at the desk.

Only careful execution of all aspects of your studying and test preparation will help you pass the NCLEX exam. As mentioned above, it is not a matter of your level of education that will determine if you Pass the NCLEX, it is how you execute your plan for education.

NCLEX Exam Study Guide- Audios

Published July 26th, 2008

Filed in Education


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