If you’re pursuing a career in nursing, you’re curious about what the nursing exam entails. What topics are covered? How long is the exam? What kind of questions can you count on getting?
Nursing is a demanding and rewarding profession requiring technical knowledge and compassionate care. Before becoming a licensed nurse, graduates must pass a standardized exam to prove their competence and proficiency in the field.
The nursing exam is essential to the licensure process, and understanding its format and content can help you prepare effectively. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the nursing exam, so you can confidently walk into the testing centre.
Nursing Exams: What You Need to Know
Nursing is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields in healthcare. Being a nurse requires dedication, knowledge, and critical thinking skills. The nursing exam is one of the most crucial tests aspiring nurses have to take. Nursing exams are designed to measure a student’s knowledge, provide a framework for standards of nursing practice, and ensure patient safety. Nursing exams come with various formats, types, and difficulty levels.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of nursing exams, what to expect during a nursing exam, and how to prepare for the exam. We will also address some common questions, such as “Can I pay someone to take my nursing exam?” and the pros and cons of this option.
Types of Nursing Exams
There are various nursing exams that individuals must complete in their academic journey to become a nurse. Some of these exams include:
NCLEX-RN
NCLEX stands for The National Council Licensure Examination. The NCLEX-RN exam is designed to determine if the candidate is competent in providing safe and effective care to patients at the entry-level practice as a registered nurse. NCLEX-RN tests cover areas such as physiological adaptation, management of care, and safety and infection control. The exam consists of 75-265 questions, is computerized, and lasts for up to six hours.
NCLEX-PN
NCLEX-PN is another examination conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This exam is designed for practical/vocational nursing positions. Morover, the NCLEX-PN also assesses if the candidate is competent in providing safe and effective care to patients. Topics covered in the exam are coordinated care, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. The test format consists of 85-205 questions, is computerized and lasts for about five hours.
Other Specialized Nursing Exams
Apart from the NCLEX exams, there are also speciality nursing exams certified nurses can take to obtain certification. For example, the certification exam for Certified Emergency Nurses (CEN) or Certified Operating Room Nurses (CNOR) is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing and the Competency and Credentialing Institute.
What to Expect on a Nursing Exam
Exam Format and Structure
The format and structure of nursing exams vary based on the type of exam. However, most of the nursing exams have multiple-choice questions with only one correct answer. There are also some exams with alternative formats, such as selecting all that apply, fill-in-the-blanks and dragging and dropping.
The proctored testing centers conduct the tests, or you can take them online. Morover, in-person testing centres usually require identification and a security check before testing. Online testing is becoming more popular due to convenience, especially in light of social distancing guidelines.
Common Topics Covered
The topics covered in nursing exams will vary depending on the level of the exam and the intended nursing speciality. However, the following list will provide a general idea of the type of topics usually covered:
– Pharmacology.
– Anatomy and Physiology.
– Nursing fundamentals and foundations.
– Patient care and management.
– Health promotion and wellness.
– Patient safety and infection control.
– Coordinated care.
Sample Exam Questions
Below are some sample questions from NCLEX-RN:
1) A patient presents with an acute asthma attack. Which of the following actions should be taken first?
a. Administer oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.
b. Administer a bronchodilator via nebulizer.
c. Initiate prompt IV line
d. Administer a sedative
2) A patient who is taking anticoagulation therapy presents with bright red blood from an intravenous line site. Which of the following actions should be taken first?
a. Lower the intravenous bag.
b. Apply a tourniquet to the extremity.
c. Discontinue the intravenous line.
d. Administer protamine sulfate.
3) A patient in the emergency department exhibits acute signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Which of the following medications would be administered first?
a. Epinephrine.
b. Diphenhydramine.
c. Instill warm saline
d. captopril
Preparation for a Nursing Exam
Study Tips and Strategies
To prepare adequately for a nursing exam, several study tips and strategies should be considered:
– Create a study schedule, set goals and deadlines.
– Get familiar with the exam structure and format.
– Understand the concepts covered in the exam.
– Make use of textbooks, review materials, and notes.
– Practice answering sample questions.
Review Resources
You can use several review materials and resources to prepare for nursing exams.
They are:
– Textbooks and other reference materials.
– Study guides.
– Flashcards.
– Online nursing prep courses.
– Mobile applications.
Pay Someone to Take My Online Nursing Exam
It’s no secret that nursing exams can be challenging. Many students struggle with concepts and material that seems foreign or daunting. As a result, some students may consider hiring someone to take their online nursing exam for them.
Additionally, the idea of outsourcing your exam may seem tempting, but it’s essential to understand the risks and consequences of cheating.
Pros and cons of paying someone to take your online nursing exam
Pros:
– Reduced stress and workload: By hiring someone to take your nursing exam, you can alleviate some of the stress and workload associated with studying for and taking an exam.
– Guaranteed pass: The person taking your exam on your behalf may have more experience or knowledge in the subject, making it more likely that you’ll pass the exam.
Cons:
– Ethical concerns: Cheating on an exam is a violation of academic integrity. By paying someone to take your exam, you’re engaging in unethical behaviour that undermines the integrity and value of your degree.
– Cheating can lead to significant academic consequences, including failing the exam, suspension from school, or even expulsion.
Trusted online proctoring services
If you’re looking for a legitimate and ethical solution to help you pass your nursing exam, consider using an online proctoring service or online class help. Online proctoring services provide remote supervision and monitoring of exams, ensuring that you’re taking the exam according to the rules and guidelines.
Some popular online proctoring services include ProctorU, Examity, and Honorlock. These services offer various features such as live proctoring, AI-enabled identity verification, and more, ensuring a secure and reliable experience.
Options for having someone take your nursing exam for you
1. Hire a tutor: Hiring a tutor is a legitimate and ethical way to get help studying for your nursing exam. A tutor can provide you with additional resources, clarify confusing concepts, and help you develop exam-taking strategies.
2. Ask a friend: While not recommended, ask if a friend or family member who is familiar with the material can take the exam on your behalf.
3. Use a dummy account: Contact a testing centre and ask if they offer the option to take the exam under a dummy name, allowing someone else to take the exam in your place.
Remember, engaging in such conduct may lead to legal repercussions, and there is a chance of getting caught.
Risks and consequences of cheating on an exam
Cheating on a nursing exam can have significant consequences, both academically and professionally. Here are some of the most common risks and consequences associated with cheating on an exam:
– Suspension or expulsion from school
– Failing the exam
– Damage to your academic record and reputation
– Revocation of your nursing license
– Legal consequences
Whenever, cheating on a nursing exam also undermines the integrity and value of your degree, which can have long-term professional consequences.
The importance of preparing for and taking nursing exams seriously
In the nursing profession, exams assess your understanding and application of specific aspects of nursing. Passing these exams is essential for obtaining and maintaining your nursing certification or license.
However, beyond just passing the exam, preparing and taking nursing exams seriously is crucial for ensuring that you provide safe and effective care to your patients. As a nursing professional, you’ll be responsible for making critical decisions that can impact your patient’s health and well-being.
Final thoughts and recommendations
In the end, the decision to pay someone to take your nursing exam is ultimately up to you. However, keep up with the latest advancements keep in mind the risks and consequences of cheating on an exam. It’s essential to approach nursing exams with a mindset of growth and learning and remember that passing the exam is only one small step towards becoming a competent and caring nursing professional.
If you’re struggling with nursing concepts or exam anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a tutor or academic support service. Remember, nursing exams are challenging, but with the right resources and mindset, you can overcome them and achieve your goals.
